Search The Scriptures —Study 5 — Judges 5

Study 5 From the Book of Judges is: Judges 5

The story falls into four parts: (a) verses 1-5, an introductory hymn of praise; (b) verses 6-8, the situation before the deliverance; (c) verse 9:18, the rallying of the tribes and the rebuke of the irresolute; (d) verse 19:31, the victory, and the death of Sisera.

1. Observe to what dire straits backsliding had reduced the tribes (verses 6-8; cf. 3:31; 1 Sa. 13:19, 22; 2 Ki. 10:32, 33; 13:3, 7). What parallel spiritual consequences are found in the life of the backsliding Christian?
2. What qualities are praised in the story, and what kind of conduct is condemned? Is there a present-day application in our service for God? Cf. Lk. 8:14; 9:62; Acts 15:26.

Note. Deborah clearly approved of Jael’s act, but did God approve? It was an act of treachery which abused all the accepted conventions of the age. It may be compared with Jacob’s deceit of his age father. (Gn. 27), yet in both incidents there was an element which could be approved—Jacob’s oppressor. In the case of Jacob we know that he suffered severely for his treachery, although he received the blessing.

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