March 31

Judges 3-5 (biblegateway.com)

The First Judges and Israel’s Cycle of Rebellion and Deliverance

Judges 3-5 highlights the ongoing cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance in Israel’s history. As the people turned away from God, He allowed them to experience hardship under foreign rulers. Yet, in His mercy, He raised up unexpected leaders to rescue them. These chapters remind us that God often works through unlikely people and circumstances to accomplish His plans.

Judges 3 marks the beginning of Israel’s cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance under the leadership of the judges. The chapter introduces three of Israel’s first judges and shows how God raised them up to rescue Israel when they cried out for help. The theme of divine discipline and mercy is evident, as Israel repeatedly turns away from God, suffers under oppression, and is saved by the judges He appoints.

The chapter begins by explaining that God left certain Canaanite nations in the land to test Israel’s faithfulness and teach warfare to the new generation who had not experienced the battles of Joshua (v. 1-2). The nations listed are the Philistines, Canaanites, Sidonians, and Hivites (v. 3-4). These enemy nations remained in the land because the Israelites had failed to fully obey God and drive them out. Now, God allowed them to stay as a means of testing Israel, giving them the opportunity to demonstrate faith and obedience. A new generation was coming of age, one that had not fought in the great battles of conquest. It was their responsibility to complete the task of securing the land. However, many challenges still lay ahead, and how they responded would reveal the strength of their faith.

In the same way, God may allow obstacles in your life—difficult people, challenging situations, or perplexing problems—not to defeat you, but to help you grow in faith and obedience. How you respond will reveal the true strength of your faith.

Instead of resisting pagan influence, however, Israel intermarries with the Canaanites and adopts their idolatrous worship, serving Baal and Asheroth (v. 5-6). Baal was the most widely worshiped god of the Canaanites. Often depicted as a bull, he symbolized strength and fertility and was regarded as the god of agriculture. Asherah, Baal’s female consort and the mother goddess of the sea, was worshiped through wooden pillars that represented sacred trees.

Israel’s disobedience led to spiritual compromise, showing that sin tolerated will eventually dominate. The result of making covenants with the Canaanites rather than destroying the entire population leads the Israelites into the apostasy of idolatry. It becomes clear that the people care more about covenants with their pagan neighbors than about their covenant with God.

Israel’s disobedience provoked God’s anger, and He allowed them to be oppressed by King Cushan-Rishathaim for eight years (v. 7-8). When Israel cried out to the Lord, He raised up Othniel as the first judge (v. 9). Othniel had already been introduced as Caleb’s younger brother. Othniel of Judah had captured the city of Kiriath-sepher and also became Caleb’s son-in-law (see Josh. 15:13-19 and Judges 1:11-15). Othniel was empowered by the Spirit of the Lord, defeated the enemy, and brought peace to the land for 40 years (v. 10-11).

Othniel was a faithful and godly leader, known not only for his obedience to God but also for his marriage to Achsah, a woman of strong faith. As the first judge of Israel, his story highlights the importance of the tribe of Judah, foreshadowing the future reign of King David. Othniel’s leadership brought freedom, delivering Israel from the oppression of the king of Aram Naharaim. But sadly, after his death, the people quickly fell back into their old ways, influenced by the sinful practices of the nations around them. His story is a reminder of how easily we can drift from God when we stop actively pursuing Him.

After Othniel’s death, Israel again did evil, and God allowed Eglon, king of Moab, to conquer them with the help of the Ammonites and Amalekites (v. 12). The Moabites were descendants of Lot by his older daughter’s incestuous relationship with him (Gen. 19:30-38). They lived in the land east of the Dead Sea between the Arnon and Zered Rivers. King Eglon of Moab captured the “city of palms,” probably to be understood as Jericho. The Moabites were aided in this conflict by the Ammonites and Amalekites (v. 13). The Ammonites were the northeastern neighbors of the Moabites and were related to them as the descendants of Lot by his younger daughter (Gen. 19:38).

Israel served Eglon for 18 years, suffering under his rule until they cried out to God (v. 14). God raised up Ehud, a left-handed man from the tribe of Benjamin, to be Israel’s deliverer (v. 15). Ehud crafted a double-edged dagger and hid it under his robe before approaching King Eglon under the pretense of delivering a secret message (v. 16-19). He then assassinated Eglon by plunging the dagger into his stomach, so deeply that the handle disappeared into the fat (v. 20-22). After escaping, Ehud rallied Israel’s forces, leading them to defeat 10,000 Moabites and securing 80 years of peace (v. 26-30).

The chapter concludes with a brief mention of Shamgar, who killed 600 Philistines with an ox goad (v. 31). Shamgar is mentioned only here and in the song of Deborah (5:6). Shamgar’s activity in single-handedly killing many Philistines foreshadows later deliverers like Samson who slays one thousand Philistines with the jawbone of a donkey.

Judges 3 introduces Israel’s cycle of rebellion, judgment, repentance, and deliverance, setting the pattern for the rest of the book. Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar remind us that God is faithful to rescue His people, even when they repeatedly fall into sin. However, Israel’s continual backsliding serves as a warning—partial obedience leads to spiritual weakness, and compromise with sin invites destruction. As believers, we must ask ourselves: Are we fully devoted to God, or are we allowing spiritual compromise to take hold? Thankfully, just as God raised up judges to save Israel, He has provided Jesus Christ as our ultimate Deliverer, offering us victory over sin and eternal peace in Him.

Judges 4 recounts one of the most well-known deliverance stories in Israel’s history, where God raises up Deborah, a prophetess and judge, to lead Israel to victory over the Canaanite oppressor, King Jabin. This chapter introduces three key figures—Deborah, Barak, and Jael—each playing a crucial role in fulfilling God’s plan.

After the death of Ehud, Israel once again falls into sin, prompting God to allow King Jabin of Canaan to oppress them for twenty years (v. 1-2). Jabin’s military commander, Sisera, controls 900 iron chariots, making his army seemingly unbeatable (v. 3). Israel’s suffering grows so severe that they cry out to God for deliverance, again showing the recurring pattern of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance in the book of Judges.

In response to Israel’s plea, God raises up Deborah, a prophetess and judge, who holds court under a palm tree and provides guidance to the people (v. 4-5). She summons Barak, the commander of Israel’s army, and delivers God’s command: “Go, gather your men at Mount Tabor… and I will draw out Sisera to meet you and give him into your hand” (v. 6-7). However, Barak hesitates, refusing to go unless Deborah accompanies him (v. 8). While Deborah agrees, she warns him that because of his reluctance, the honor of killing Sisera will go to a woman (v. 9). This foreshadows Jael’s future role in Sisera’s downfall. Barak gathers 10,000 men from Naphtali and Zebulun. Deborah also went with him (v. 10).

Before the battle, the narrative briefly mentions Heber the Kenite, a man who had separated from his tribe and settled near Kedesh (v. 11). This detail sets up Jael’s later involvement. As Barak and his men take their position on Mount Tabor, Sisera mobilizes his chariots to the Kishon River (v. 12-13). At Deborah’s command, Barak charges down the mountain, and as promised by Deborah, the Lord routed Sisera and all his chariots and army (v. 14-15). From Deborah’s song, we learn that the Lord does this by causing flash floods that trap the chariots. Many scholars believe that God caused a torrential rainstorm, turning the battlefield into mud, making Sisera’s iron chariots useless (5:20-21). Sisera flees on foot while Barak pursues and destroys the remaining Canaanite forces (v. 16).

Sisera, seeking refuge, arrives at the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite. Since the Kenites had an alliance with Jabin, Sisera assumes Jael is an ally (v. 17). She welcomes him, gives him milk, and allows him to rest, but as he sleeps, she drives a tent peg through his temple, killing him (v. 18-21). When Barak arrives in pursuit, Jael shows him Sisera’s lifeless body, fulfilling Deborah’s prophecy that a woman, not Barak, would claim the honor of victory (v. 22). The chapter ends with God subduing King Jabin and Israel growing stronger until they destroy him completely (v. 23-24).

Jael’s defeat of Sisera unfolds in a slow, suspenseful manner, much like Ehud’s assassination of Eglon. The narrative builds tension as Jael seizes the unexpected opportunity to strike down Israel’s enemy. However, the victory over Jabin, the Canaanite king, was not immediate. God is ultimately credited with subduing him, a process that took time to fully unfold. This victory, led by Deborah, Barak, and Jael, showcases God’s faithfulness to His people when they repent and trust in Him.

Judges 4 presents a powerful story of deliverance, faith, and God’s unexpected ways. Deborah’s leadership, Barak’s obedience (though hesitant), and Jael’s boldness all played a role in fulfilling God’s plan. This chapter reminds us that God is always in control, even when circumstances seem impossible. He calls us to trust Him fully, obey without hesitation, and be willing vessels for His purposes. Just as He used Deborah, Barak, and Jael, He can use us today to bring about His will if we are faithful and courageous.

Judges 5 is a poetic chapter often referred to as the “Song of Deborah.” This chapter is a victory hymn sung by Deborah, the prophetess and judge of Israel, and Barak, her military leader, after their triumph over the Canaanite army led by Sisera. This song of praise recounts God’s mighty intervention and the deliverance of Israel from oppression. The hymn ascribes to Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, victory over Sisera and the Canaanites. It also fills in a few incidental gaps in the narrative not given in chapter 4.

The chapter opens with a call to praise God for His deliverance. The opening call is related to the rise of the volunteer spirit in Israel among its people (v. 2). Deborah then spoke of the distress that had overtaken the Northern tribes of Israel until she rose up as a mother in Israel. Life outside the fortified cities, both in the villages and along the roadways, came to a halt due to the oppression of the Canaanites, who had reached all the way to the city gates (v. 6-8). This crisis stemmed from Israel’s idolatry, as they turned to new gods.

Deborah and Barak celebrate the people of Israel who volunteered to fight (v. 9), highlighting the faithfulness of those who answered God’s call and went into battle. She called on rich (who ride on white donkeys) and poor (who walk along the road) alike to hear the song of victory (v. 10). Watering places were public places where the entire community gathered (v. 11). Blessing is pronounced on those tribes that responded freely to the call for battle — Ephraim, Benjamin, Makir, Zebulun, and Issachar (v. 14-15). In contrast, the song condemns the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Dan for not joining the fight and for their reluctance to heed God’s call (v. 15-17). In all, ten of the 12 tribes are mentioned here. Judah and Simeon are not mentioned at all in chs. 4-5.

It then recounts the victory, where God intervenes by sending what is believed to be an unseasonable rainstorm that turned the dry riverbed of the Kishon into a raging torrent, disoriented the Canaanite army, and aided Israel in their defeat. The victory is ultimately attributed to God’s sovereignty, as He is the one who decisively orchestrated the defeat. “From the heavens the stars fought, from their courses they fought against Sisera” (v. 20). The forces of nature fought on the side of the Lord. The participation of the heavens means that God was intervening, fighting as the divine warrior from heaven (v. 20-22).

The final verses of the chapter praise Jael, the woman who killed Sisera by driving a tent peg through his head, demonstrating God’s ability to use unexpected people and circumstances for His purposes (v. 24-27). The scene changes from the tent of Jael to the house of Sisera’s mother (v. 28-30). The sorrow of the fallen general is heightened by the ironic image of Sisera’s mother waiting for her son’s return from battle. Her anxiety—wondering why his chariot is taking so long to return—and the hopeful excuses made by her and her maidens contrast sharply with the tragic reality that Sisera is never coming back. The chapter then concludes with a call for God’s blessing on all those who love the Lord and a note that the land celebrated peace for 40 years (v. 31).

In these chapters, we see the truth of God’s faithfulness in both judgment and mercy. When Israel repeatedly turns to idolatry and sin, God allows them to fall under the oppression of their enemies, yet He does not abandon them. Instead, He raises up deliverers to free them. This cyclical pattern reveals the importance of obedience to God’s commands. The oppression that Israel faces is a direct consequence of their failure to fully obey God’s instructions, showing us the importance of complete obedience in our own lives. We learn that while God is just in punishing sin, He is also merciful in delivering His people when they repent and call on Him. This teaches us that despite our failures, God remains faithful, and He offers grace and forgiveness when we return to Him in humility.

The stories of Deborah and Barak highlight the truth that God can raise up unlikely leaders to accomplish His purposes. Deborah, a woman, is chosen by God to lead Israel at a time when the nation is oppressed by the Canaanites. Her leadership demonstrates that God is not limited by human expectations of who can lead. Similarly, the victory over Sisera is a clear example of God’s sovereignty in delivering His people. While Deborah and Barak played key roles in the victory, it is God’s intervention, particularly through the rainstorm that disorients the Canaanite army, that ultimately brings about the triumph. This underscores the truth that all victory comes from God and that His power works through the faithful obedience of His people. The story also emphasizes the importance of obedience, as Barak’s hesitation to go into battle unless Deborah accompanies him shows that complete trust and obedience to God are crucial for success.

Moreover, the role of Jael, who delivers the final blow to Sisera, teaches us that God often uses unexpected individuals to carry out His will. Jael’s bold action reminds us that God can use anyone, regardless of their status or gender, to fulfill His purposes. This challenges us to trust that God can use us in ways we might not expect, and it calls us to act courageously in faith when He prompts us.

The stories in Judges 3-5 remind us that God is always at work, even in seasons of spiritual decline and hardship. Though Israel repeatedly fell into sin, God continued to provide deliverance and leadership through those willing to trust Him. These chapters challenge us to examine our own faithfulness—are we fully relying on God, or drifting toward compromise? We are also challenged to examine whether we are fully obeying God’s will, as partial obedience can lead to missed opportunities and consequences. Just as Israel’s failure to completely drive out the Canaanites led to their downfall, we must strive for obedience in every area of our lives.

Additionally, we are reminded that God can use anyone to fulfill His purposes, no matter how unlikely or unqualified they may seem. Like Deborah, Barak, and Jael, we are called to act in faith, trusting that God will use us for His glory. Finally, Judges 3-5 teaches us that victory belongs to God alone, and when we trust and obey Him, He will work through us to bring about His will. Just as God used ordinary people to accomplish His will in these chapters, He calls us to step out in faith, trust His plan, and be willing vessels for His work today.