Barak: Judge of Israel from 1205-1165 BC
At Barak’s advance, the Lord routed Sisera and all his chariots and
army by the sword, and Sisera got down from his chariot and fled on foot.
Judges 4:15 (NIV)
READ: Judges 4-5
After the children of Israel took
hold of the Promised Land they had no central government system. So, in times of crisis, God raised up judges
as leaders for the people. The people
usually fell into trouble due to their own apostasy, which brought on
punishment from God. They would cry to
the Lord to rescue them and he would raise up a judge to help them. Barak became a significant part of Israel’s
history during the period of the judges when he was summoned by Deborah, a
prophet, to lead volunteers against the forces of Jabin, king of the
Canaanites. Israel had been brought into
bondage as one of a series of punishments Yahweh had inflicted upon his people
because they had abandoned Him for idolatry.
When this punishment got really bad, and in response to national
repentance, a deliverer would be raised up and become a judge. When Deborah summoned him to leadership,
Barak flatly refused to lead the people unless she agreed to accompany him into
battle. Barak led the people to destroy
their enemies; this victory is celebrated by Deborah’s song in Judges 5.
JOURNALING AND PRAYER
1. Where do you feel weak in your faith?
2. Ask God how He wants to grow your faith this summer. What does He want to do in your heart?
3. Thank God for what He has shown you, and pray that it would become a reality in your life.
