“When the princes in Israel take the lead, when the people willingly offer themselves, praise the LORD!” Judges 5:2 (Chapters 3-5)
In case you wonder why the idolatry of the inhabitants of Canaan were so loathsome to God, here’s a little insight. The Moabite’s god, Chemosh was worshipped with human sacrifice, the Ammonites practiced the burning of little children to please their god, Moloch. In addition, temple priests and priestesses were prostitutes. Sexual depravity was the free gift from government. God wanted none of this life/soul destroying behavior to threaten His people, but Israel continued to walk past all warnings and wandered toward destruction.
In a male dominated world, two women took initiative and won a great battle for Israel. Deborah was both prophet and judge, a woman of great authority. She received divine direction to share with her military leader. He hesitated to obey until she agreed to enter into battle with him. As combat began, a sudden storm bogged down the opposing forces of Jabin, king of Canaan, allowing Israel victory. Sisera, Jabin’s military leader was the sole surviver. He fled, escaping to the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite. Jael, as a woman, would have limited experience beyond her own home, but when good vs. evil was presented, her one skill, pitching a tent, was all she needed. She pretended hospitality, only to murder Sisera with a hammer and tent peg when he fell asleep.
The narrative of Judges is a repeated pattern of obedience bringing prosperity and sin bringing despair. One constant is the authority, power and faithfulness of The One True God. Your faith is well placed when it is placed in Him.
Love,
Gretchen