The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1933-07-13

and strength, very present nelp IN
trouble. Psalm 46:1.
PRIMARY ToPIC-God Helping Deb
orah.
JUNIOR TOPIC-A Woman Coura-
geous.
INTERMEDIATE AND SENIOR TOP
IC-An Inspiring Leader.
YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULT TOP
dictatorship in Emergencies.
In order to teach this lesson intel
ligently, 1t is necessary that the teach
er have a grasp of the book of Judges
from which it is taken. In chapter
2:6-19 is given a synopsis Of the book.
Observe:
a. The sin of the people wv. 6-13).
b. Gods judgment for their sin wv.
IA, 15).
c. Repentance of the people $50.
d. Gods deliverance at the hands
Of the judges (2:16-19).
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.
The book covers the period from the
conquest of Canaan and death Of
Joshua to the judgeship Of Samuel.
While Joshua and the elders Of his
generation lived the people in some
measure remained faithful to God, but
the very next generation went into
apostasy.
|. The National Emergency wv.
1-3).
l. Lapse into idolatry ". -. Ehud
was not only a righteous but strong
ruler. As soon as he was dead, the
people turned away from God.
2. The bondage of the people ". p.
The Lord abandoned them to be op.
pressed by Jabin, king Of Canaan. For
twenty long years they were under the
hand of this king who had nine hun
bred chariots of iron.
3. The people cried unto God ". 81.
Affection brought them to their senses.
II. The Judaeship Of Deborah wv.
4-1O).
The great national emergency which
confronted the nation was met by a
woman named Deborah. Her name
means Bee" AS suggested by anoth-
er, she answered her name by her in
dustry. sagacity, and public usefulness.
This woman was called to the judge
ship of the nation because there seems
to have been no man capable.
/. The place where she judged Is
rael ". 81. 1t was under palm tree,
showing that she held an open air
court for the administration of justice.
2. Her method wv. 6-10).
a. Her summons to Barak wv. 6, y.
Barak means lightning" Deborah,
being a prophecies, was able to select
a man whose gifts would enable him to
rally the forces needed to gain the vic
tory over the formidable foe. Judging
from his accomplishments, Barak was
true to his name, for with lightning
dispatch he wrought deliverance. 1t
was really God calling Barak through
Deborah. She gave definite instruc-
ton as to the number of men and the
strategy to be employed. assuring him
that God would deliver Sisera, the cap
tain of Jabin's army, into his hand.
b. Barak's reply ". 81. He ex-
pressed an unwillingness to go unless
Deborah would 60 with him. This I'M
willingness should not be considered
as weakness, for the presence of the
prophecies would inspire courage.
c. Barak rebuked wv. 8, 10). Deb
orah yielded to his request, but made
It plain to him that 1t would detract
from his honor as conQueror. "for the
Lord shall sell Sisera into the hand
Of woman"
III. The Defeat Of Jabin's Army
(vv. 11-16).
Sisera, the captain, gathered a
mighty army and went forth. confident
Of victory over the ill-equipped. undis-
ciplined army OF Barak, but he made
one sad mistake He did not consider
that it was the Lords battle ". 49,.
At the psychological moment Deborah
gave the signal to charge, assuring
Barak that the Lord had gone before
and would give the victory ". 14).
Through supernatural interpoSltlon the
enemy became panic-stricken Is 800.
~. Sisera Killed by Woman wv.
1920.
In his flight he took refuge in Jael's
tent. In the guise of friendship, she
committed a most heinous murder aft
er inviting him into her dwelling.
v. The Song of Deborah and Barak
(ch. 81.
This song was composed and sung in
celebration of the marvellous victory
which God had wrought. Deborah set
forth in the most definite way that the
secret of victory was the help of God.
Praise is given to those who respond
ed to the cry. and scorn is heaped up
on those who remained behind.
All Barriers Down
All his life long Christ had been re-
xooHpC h;c hort throuuh tho parroyr