Fulton County tribune. (Wauseon, Ohio) 1883-1925, 1920-04-09

1OONG PEOPLE AND ADULT TOPIC
-Ihe Services of Women in National
Leadership.
The book of Judges covers the pc
riod from the conquest of Canaan and
death of Joshua to the judgeship of
Samuel. While Joshua and the eld-
ers OF his generation lived the people
in some measure remained faithful to
God in obedience to his Word, but the
very next generation went into apos-
tasy. Their declension may be ac-
counted for as follows:
1. Failure to drive the Canaanites
from their midst. They had gained the
victory over them, but failing to ex-
terminate them, their presence became
a constant source of temptation. Their
mistaken tolerance became their un-
doing.
2. Their amalgamation with the Ca
naanites. Their close proximity to
the people had its leavening effect, for
they soon intermarried with the heath
en-. Tolerance with the enemy is close
ly followed by union Herewith, and
quick disaster comes in the wake Of
such union.
3. Idolatry, Intermarriage with the
heather was soon followed by the
worship of the heather gods. Thus Is
rael's power was gradually weakened,
so that instead of being conquerors
they became the conquered. Gods
people lose their power over the world
as soon as they make alliance with it.
In chapter 2:6-9 is given a synopsis
of the book of Judges:
1. The sin Of the people wv. 6-13).
2. Gods judgment for their sin wv.
IA, 15).
3. Repentance of the people 6 30.
4. Gods deliverance at the hands of
the judges wv. 16-19).
A repetition of sin, oppression by the
/ enemy, repentance on the part of the
people, and Gods deliverance, is the
| story of the book Of Judges.
I. The Judeeship of Deborah a.:
4, 81.
Her name means 'Bee," suggesting
! orderly instincts. AS suggested by an
other, "She answered her name by her
industry, sagacity, and great use to
the public" The period was marked
by awful oppression. The Israelites
were helpless, for the enemy had 900
| chariots of iron. Deborah was an
unique character. God raised her up
for such time as this. Under palm
tree she held an open court for the
administration of justice.
IL Deborah Summons Barak a:
6-1O).
Barak means lightning" Deborah,
being prophecies, was able to select
to rally the forces needed to gain the
victory over the formidable fee. Judg-
ing from his accomplishments, Barak
was true to his name, for with light.
ming dispatch he wrought deliverance
1. Deborah's call wv. 6, y. 1t was
Gods call through her. She gave def.
mite instruction as to the number OF
men and the strategy to be employed
assuring Barak that God would deliver
Sisera, the captain of Jabin's army
into his hand.
2. Barak's reply ". 81. Expression
of unwillingness to go unless Deborah
would go with him should hardly te
considered as cowardice or weakness
as it is a welf-recognized fact that the
presence of a woman, especially the
prophecies, would inspire courage OF
the part of the warriors. However, ht
should have believed Gods ebility tt
give the victory without the aid of {
woman.
8. Barak's rebuke wv. 9, 10Y. De
borah yielded his request, but made i
plain to him that it would detract iron
his honor as a conqueror, 'for II,
, Lord shall sell Sisera into the hant
of woman"
Ill. The Defeat of Jabin's Army wv
11-16).
Sisera, the captain, gathered
mighty army and went forth with full
assurance of victory, but he made
sad mistake; he did not consider tha
it was the Lords battle ". 15). At tn
, psychological moment Deborah CAV
, the signal to charge, assuring Baral
, that the Lord would give the victor
, ". 14). Through supernatural inter
position the enemy became panic
stricken (see :20).
Nv. Sisera Killed by a Woman (y1
1929.
In his flight he took refuge in Jael'
tent. Under the guise of friendship
she committed the most heinous mul
< der. She fastened his head to th
ground by means of tent pin.
| V. Deborah and Barak's Song of Viz
tory (chap. 81.
This was composed and sung in ce
} ebration of the marvellous victor
which God had wrought. She ascribe
the victory to God. Praise is given t
those who responded to the cry, an
contemplate scorn is heaped upo
those who remained behind. She ha
absolutely no regard for the neutrf
and the pacifist. So complete was tn
victory that Israel had rest 40 year!