Sunday School on Deborah the Judge Topic Discussion

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Sunday School on Deborah the Judge Topic Discussion

1.What can we learn about the character ofgodly women through the portions of Scripturethat record their words?

Three lengthy sections are Judges 5 (song ofDeborah), 1 Samuel 2:1-10 (Hannah's prayer),and Luke 1:46-55 (song of Mary). A shorter sec-tion is Exodus 15:21 (song of Miriam). Interest-ingly, all four have military/political elements.Take a moment to read them (perhaps one groupper poem). Report on the major themes, howmuch Scripture these women knew, and any in-sights into God, leadership, and faith that theydemonstrate.

2.What do you think made Deborah such agood judge? Why do you think God used awoman in a role traditionally filled by a man?Scripture doesn't explicitly say why Deborahwas a good judge. But using our "sanctified imag-inations," we can suppose that she had the samequalities that would make any man a good judge:a sense of justice, knowledge of the law, compas-sion, courage, zeal, honesty, etc.

Also, the Scripture doesn't say why God hon-ored her in this role rather than having a man doit. Thus any answer we give would be specula-tive. We can note that it is somewhat rare for Godto use women in leadership roles in the Bible.For instance, the Bible uses the masculine wordsprophet and prophets about 480 times, but thefeminine word prophetess only 8 times (with noplural forms).

Yet the presence of women in certain leader-ship roles is not unknown. We can take note ofthe prophetess Anna, who stepped forward topraise God at the presentation of the baby Jesus(Luke 2:36-38). Lydia hosted Paul (and probablya church) in her home (Acts 16:11-15, 40).Priscilla, with her husband, taught Apollos pri-vately (Acts 18:24-26). The apostle Paul notessome role restrictions in 1 Timothy 2:12.

3. How is a partnership like the one Deborahand Barak had a model for us today?

Judges 4:8-10 makes it clear that Barak wouldforfeit the honor of the battle if he demandedDeborah's partnership. But Barak apparently wasnot a "glory hog." He recognized that her presonce would give him confidence. Not only did hetrust her judgment for civil affairs, he apparentlyrelied on her for military strategy, mutual prayer,and accountability.

Since Deborah was a prophetess, we can as-sume that God somehow spoke through her. Thiswould be a great comfort to Barak. Thus themoral, godly strength of one person assisted an-other through a difficult time. EncouragingChristians to draw upon the moral strength ofone another is still a good practice to emulate.

4.How are Deborah and Barak models forChristian faith? How do their stories mirror ours?Here we want to assist students in makingconnections between this Old Testament storyand New Testament living. Remind them thatBarak is unsung the heroes of the faith in He-brews 11:32.

Some students probably will make odd or un-restrained connections. Try to steer the discus-sion to things like the kind of enemies we facethat make it seem like we're fighting overwhelm-ing odds; the importance of relying on thepromises and faithfulness of God; the hope of agreat victory, even if is brought about in surpris-ing ways. The discussion can reveal the spiritualalertness of the class. You may also succeed inhelping students read the Scriptures with a viewtoward practical application.

5.What problems are the leaders of ourchurch facing right now? How can we supportthem in the battles they face and the servicethey provide to God's people?

Leaders are under constant attack from Satanand often from church members as well. Makesure that your discussion affirms these leaders—both those who serve in official capacities andthose who lead unofficially by character andreputation.

Make a list of things that will affirm your lead-ers: prayers, notes of encouragement, publicrecognition, etc. Encourage students to committo doing one of these within the next seven days.At the close of the lesson, pray for any churchleaders in attendance. (You may wish to tellthem in advance that you will be doing this.)

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