No King

The Odd Couple to the Awed Couple

Judges 4-5

Sin, Servitude, Supplication, Salvation, Silence

Rebellion, Retribution, Repentance, and Restoration

Disobedience, Discipline, Despair, Deliverance

Cast of Characters

Jabin: King of Hazor in Canaan; a tyrant

Deborah: a Jewish judge; a woman of faith and courage “Honey Bee”

Barak: a reluctant Jewish general “Lightning”

Sisera: captain of Jabin’s army

Heber: a Kenite neighbor, at peace with Jabin

Jael: wife of Heber; handy with a hammer “Mountain Goat”

Jehovah/Yahweh God: in charge of wars and weather

Prose and Poetry

1. Act One - Sin Always Leads Back To Bondage

Judges 4:1–3 The devil never advertises the chains.

2. Act Two - God Raises Leaders In Dark Times

Judges 4:4–5

Throughout Scripture, God often uses unlikely people in desperate moments.

Judge & Prophetess - Like Miriam, led in worship

3. Act Three - Don't Hesitate When God Calls

Judges 4:6–9 The Word of God should have been enough.

Delayed obedience is still disobedience.

Faith obeys before it sees the outcome.

4. Act Four: God Gives the Victory

Judges 4:11–23 Sisera is warned (vv. 11–12) Sisera is defeated (vv. 13–16) Sisera is slain (vv. 17–23)

5. Act Five - Give Glory to God

Judges 5:1-31 Praise the Lord, all you people! (vv. 1–12)

Praise the Lord for the volunteers (vv. 13–18)

Praise the Lord for His victory (vv. 19–23)

Praise the Lord for a courageous woman (vv. 24–31)