This chapter contains just one of many accounts in scripture where God works in and through women.
“Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord, now that Ehud was dead. So the Lord sold them into the hands of Jabin king of Canaan… he had nine hundred chariots fitted with iron and had cruelly oppressed the Israelites for twenty years, they cried to the Lord for help. Now Deborah, a prophet, the wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel at that time. Then Deborah said to Barak, ‘Go! This is the day the Lord has given Sisera into your hands. Has not the Lord gone ahead of you?’ So Barak went down Mount Tabor, with ten thousand men following him. At Barak’s advance, the Lord routed Sisera and all his chariots and army by the sword” (v1-2a,3-4,14-15a)
In summary, Deborah, a female judge and prophet, and Jael (the wife of King Jabin’s ally) play a huge role in delivering Israel from their oppression. Deborah, receiving word from God leads a military campaign to destroy the evil king’s army, and Jael who pretends to harbor the fleeing king, kills Jabin in his sleep (you can read the entire chapter for details).
In our day and age, women have equal rights with men, period. This is how it should be. Though men and women are given distinct roles in the Bible, there is no gender greater than another, both are equally loved and honored by God. Men and women play different roles in society and households, yet both have been made in God’s image (see Gen 1:26-28).
Unfortunately, most ancient cultures (including Israel) have been guilty of treating women like property or slaves, as if they are less than human. They were not seen as competent, capable, or wise. This chapter turns that stigma on its head, by showing us women are capable of so much more than simply cooking and cleaning.
I want to encourage all of us today that no matter what our gender, social, economic, or cultural status, we are equally loved and valued by God. He can and will work through us to accomplish great things for His kingdom if we’re willing to obey Him. Let’s submit ourselves to Him today, and see how He works through us tomorrow.
Father God in whose image we are created, holy and righteous are You Lord. Father thank you for reminding us to honor and respect every person in this world, for they are made in Your image. Thank you for continuing to be our Lord and provider, even in the midst of trials. Thank you for working through us to build Your kingdom here on earth as it is in heaven. In the name of our righteous Redeemer, Jesus our Savior we praise You, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training