Bibledooajar opens for our last visit with Deborah and Barak as she concludes her song by praising Jael and comparing her with Sisera's mother.

     Deborah's song gives us a clear report of the battle for freedom--all the knowns and unknowns that make a battle turn. She sang that saved people would rehearse the righteous acts of the Lord during this battle over and over well into the future. I would say she was indeed a prophet since here we are "rehearsing" in 2010! Deborah could not imagine that people would ever forget the sound of the horse's heels as they pounded on the bed of the Kishon River. She also had a scary request of God--curse those who did not come to His aid against the mighty enemy. (Lord help us!). Her recounting of how Jael dealt with the Sisera supports the fact that efforts like hers must be done thoroughly and completely. I believe she did not just cut down the tree, but that girl surely got to the root of the matter! Deborah says that Jael was brave and courageous and deserved the honor which was bestowed on her. From your tent, can you see the enemy coming?
     At the end of Deborah's song, we find a comment about Sisera's mother. Her character is easily contrasted with Deborah, Israel's moral and spiritual compass. Sisera's mother stood at her window gazing out and tearfully wondering why her son had not returned. What was the delay? Why did she not hear hoofbeats bringing his chariots and carriages? She and the "wisest of her ladies" discussed the matter. What could be causing the delay? Perhaps they were busy dividing all the loot that they had found. Or, maybe they had captured so many that it was taking extra time to allot slaves to each of Sisera's men. And then, what about all of those beautiful Israeli garments laden with embroidery that would have had to be divided?  Thus, her friends tried to comfort and reassure Sisera's mother. But she would surely wail when she learned the truth that her son lay dead at the feet of a woman.
     What I want to know is where was Bael's wife, the goddess Anat, who was supposed to be a fierce defender of families?  Conspicuously absent I would say. Deborah ended her song this way: may all of God's enemies be destroyed and may all who love Him be as the rising sun. The story ends by telling us that the battle was worth it. There was peace in Israel for forty years. Deborah and her mighty force fought valiantly and to this God extended His deliverance and rest for His people. God shined wonderfully that day at the River Kishon. The apostle Paul writing to Christians in Eph. 5:1 says:
         "Awake sleeper, RISE from the dead, and Christ will SHINE upon you."
If we arise and shake off our stupor and get in the battle, Christ will complete His purpose in our lives just as was done in our story. We sit high in the heavenlies (a very fruitful place) with Him and can be at peace in the midst of all the difficulties with which we must deal. We have received the Light and are richly clothed and gifted to do great exploits for God. I really don't want the enemy stripping me of my garments of praise and successfully taking any I love as captive, do you? But, just remember, some "Jael" may get the honor if we do not believe we can serve or if we do not resolve to take action. Jesus stands in the midst of the churches observing. Are we in the fight? That is what we must contemplate as we leave Deborah, Barak, Jael and the other mighty warriors of Israel who stood steadfast in the strength which God supplied.
     A summary of the two polls taken shows that the Queen of Sheba edged out a narrow win. So with our next blog, Bibledoorajar will open for a Queen who had a great visit with a special king. I hope you have been blessed by this blog and that you will want to join the Queen. Who wouldn't want to travel to meet a renown king?