Deborah - The Judge

The Hebrews continued to sin and turn away from God to worship idols. Because of this God allowed the cruel Canannites to develop a strong army with over 900 iron chariots. Along with this strong army was a mighty commander called Sisera. The Cannannites controlled the Hebrews and for twenty years treated them very harshly. So the people prayed and cried out to God for help. In those days there was a woman Prophetess who judged over the people. Her name was Deborah and she lived in the hill country of Ephriam, but the people were willing to travel up the hill for her guidance from God. God heard the cries of his people concerning the cruel Canannites and God directed Deborah to call Barak up to her for directions.* Do you know what it is like to suffer under a cruel people? God hears the prayers of those who suffer. David, a man after God’s own heart, knew what it was like to suffer.   I am weary with my sighing; Every night I make my bed swim, I dissolve my couch with my tears. My eye has wasted away with grief; It has become old because of all my adversaries. Depart from me, all you who do iniquity, For the LORD has heard the voice of my weeping. The LORD has heard my supplication, The LORD receives my prayer. All my enemies will be ashamed and greatly dismayed; They shall turn back, they will suddenly be ashamed.*   The good news is God hears the prayers of those who suffer. Special Note: The Old Testament will refer to the descendents of Jacob who were slaves in Egypt as: My people, Hebrews, Sons of Israel, Children of Israel, Israel, Israelites and Jews. Judges 4, Psalm 6:6-10 (NASB)

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