Middletown transcript., 1920-04-10
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LESSON
(By REV. P. B. F1TZWATER, D. d.
Teacher Of English Bible In the Moody
Bible Institute Of Chicago.)
Copyright. 1890. Western Newspaper Unionl
LESSON FOR APRIL II

LESSON FOR APRIL II
DEBORAH AND eARAk DELIVER
ISRAEL
LESSON TEXT-Judges l:l-5:3l
GOLDEN TEXT-God is our refuge and
strength. a very present help in trouble
Ps. 46:1.
ADDITIONAL MATERIAL - Judges
4:1-s: Heb. 1852, 80. H~
PRIMARY 1~PIC-A Brave Woman
Helping a General.
JUNIOR TOP1C-A Story Of Hero
and a Heroine.
INTERMEDIATE AND SENIOR TOPIC
Fighting on Gods Side.
YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULT TOPIC
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:
l. Failure to drive the Canaanites
from their midst. They had gained the
victory over them. but failing to ex-
terminate them, their presence became
q 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
IL followed by union Herewith, and
quick disaster comes in the wake of
such union.
8. Idolatry. 1ntermarriage 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 1t.
In chapter 2:6-9 Is given synopsis
Of the book of Judges:
l. The sin Of the people wv. 6-13).
2. Gods judgment for their sin wv.
II, 15).
3. Repentance Of the people (3:0).
d. Gods deliverance at the hands Of
the judges wv. 1919.
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 Judeeshtp Of Deborah a:
4, 81.
Her name means "Bee," suggesting
orderly instincts. Az 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 800
chariots of iron. Deborah was an
unique character. God raised her up
for such a time as this. Under palm
tree she held an open court for the
administration of Justice.
u. Deborah Summons earak a:
6-1O).
Barak means '1ightning." Deborah.
being a prophecies, was able to select
the man whose gifts would enable him
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 de1-
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 (v. 81. Expression
Of unwillingness to 60 unless Deborah
would 60 with him should hardly re
considered as cowardice or weakness.
as it is q well-recognized fact that the
presence Of q woman, especially the
prophecies, would inspire courage on
the part Of the warriors. However, he
should have believed Gods ebility to
give the victory without the aid OF q
woman.
8, Barak's rebuke wv. 8, 10Y. De-
borah yielded his request, but made 1t
plain to him that it would detract from
his honor as a conqueror, "for the
Lord shall sell Sisera into the hand
Of q woman"
III. 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 q
sad mistake; he did not consider that
It was the Lords battle ". 15). At the
psychological moment Deborah gave
the signal to charge. assuring Barak
that the Lord would give the victory
". 14). Through supernatural inter-
position the enemy became lpanic-
stricken (see :20).
". sisera Killed by a Woman wv.
1924.
In his flight he took refuge in Jael's
tent. Under the guise Of friendship,
she committed the most heinous MUIR
der. She fastened his head to the
ground by means of tent pin.
v, Deborah and Barak's Song Of Vic
tory (chap. 81.
This was composed and sung in eel
ebration of the marvellous victory
which God had wrought. She ascribes
the victory to God. Praise is given to
those who responded to the cry. and
contemplate scorn is heaped upon
those who remained behind. She had
absolutely no regard for the neutral