1. Deborah The Prophetess

2. Introduction The Book of Judges covers a period of 350-400 years
The book presents 7 cycles of apostasy, oppression, repentance and deliverance

3. Introduction 1. The people would fall away from God (apostasy)
2. God would permit the enemies of Israel to fall upon her (oppression)

4. Introduction
3. Under oppression the people would repent and call upon God (repentance)
4. God would raise up a leader and deliver Israel (deliverance)

5. Introduction The sin of Israel
1. They did not drive out the Canaanites
2. They practiced idolatry
3. The men took pagan wives

6. Introduction Judges 2:7, 10-13
There were 13 Judges named in the book of Judges and 2 named in 1 Samuel

7. Introduction
The Judges did not rule all the time, but God would raise them up when there was a need
Deborah was raised up at the time of a great need in Israel

8. Deborah, The Prophetess
Deborah’s Work
Deborah was the only woman judge
Judges 4:4
She was a prophetess
Prophetess = an inspired woman
O.T. Judges

9. Deborah’s Work
With her captain, Barak, she gained victory over Jabin, the Canaanite king.

10. Deborah, The Prophetess
Deborah’s Work
We are not told why she became a Judge, but we do know what she did
She acted under God’s authority
O.T. Judges

11. Great Lessons From Deborah

12. She Was A Woman Of Great Faith
She took God at His Word
Judges 4:6,7,14
Acts 27:25
Gen. 22:8
Ps. 23:4

13. She Was A Woman Of Great Courage
Facing an enemy which seemed impossible to overcome she showed no fear but encouraged Barak to go forward
Judges 4:14
Leaders must have great courage
Joshua 1:6
Ps. 27:14

14. She Depended Upon What God Said
Judges 4:6
We need more people today who interested in what God says rather than what men say

15. She Depended Upon What God Said
Rev. 20:11-15
Let’s seek a “thus saith the Lord” for all we do in serving God
Jn. 12:48

16. Deborah Had The Ability To Inspire And Encourage
She depended upon Go---faced danger with courage --- an was willing to go with the people ----this gave them courage

17. Deborah Had The Ability To Inspire And Encourage
The person who has courage in times of crisis will be a help to those who are uncertain and hesitating
Heb. 10:24
Heb. 3:13

18. Deborah, The Prophetess
Conclusion
While Deborah’s name does not appear in Heb. 11—Barak’s does
Without Deborah there probably would not have been such a useful man as Barak
Gal. 6:9
O.T. Judges