Deborah, the Judge

Deborah, the judge, held court while sitting beneath a palm tree. She was wise and helped the people solve their problems. She told Barak, commander of the army of Israel, that the Lord wanted him to fight an enemy named Sisera. Barak refused to fight unless Deborah accompanied him. She went along, and they defeated Sisera’s army. During the battle, Sisera escaped and hid in the tent of a woman named Jael. During the night, Jael killed Sisera in his sleep. After the events, Deborah and Barak composed a song about women winning the victory.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Judges 4-5

Outline:

1. Deborah, the judge, organises Barak to lead an army against the Canaanite enemies. (Judges 4:1-16)
2. Sisera, the enemy commander, is killed by a woman. (Judges 4:17-24)
3. Deborah’s song (Judges 4:17-24)

Tips for teaching children:

• Outline a picture of a palm tree and guide the children in writing or drawing facts or observations about Deborah inside the outline.
• Guide the children in writing a poem or song about God.
• Construct a visual aid to depict the cycle of the time of the judges. 
  • Safe with God
  • The people forget God
  • The people suffer
  • The people call out to God to save them
  • God sends a judge to save the people
  • And then start at the beginning again, safe with God.
    Printable instructions for the Judges Review Wheel.

Tips for teaching adults:

• You or other participants can read the following sections of Scripture. For added dramatic effect, sounds or video of a thunderstorm can be playing in the background while the poem sections of chapter 5 are being read. If using a YouTube link, such as this one, be sure to turn the sound off until the ad finishes playing at the beginning. You could also pause it until you are ready for the sound.  
  • Reader 1: Judges 4:1-24
  • Readers 1-7, reading one section of this poem each: 
    1. Judges 5:1-8
    2. Judges 5:9-13
    3. Judges 5:14-18
    4. Judges 5:19-23
    5. Judges 5:24-27
    6. Judges 5:28-30
    7. Judges 5:31
• Considering that the heroes of the story are women, list the ways women serve in the church.  Discuss what would happen if the work and ministry of the women of your congregation stopped. 
• Pray for your women of God.  Thanks God for them and how vital they are to the work of God. 

Free teaching instructions from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson:  Deborah the Judge

Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright ©1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

Music: Upbeat Positive Culture (Acoustic Corporate Travel Promo Christian Rock), Individual License, Stock Media provided by HumansWin, pond5.com

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org