Bibledoorajar for Deborah and Barak's Song of Dominion

     I have decided to continue the poll for another week to see if we have additional votes. So, if you did not vote and would like to, the poll is to the right.
     Lately, we were talking about God's two hidden weapons, the weather and the lady, Jael. The course of the battle and Jael's action made for a wonderful victory for freedom. It was so God-like to use the less than obvious means to secure His plan. I love His ways because it means I am always surprised. Almost everyone likes to be surprised. Now, on to Deborah's song.
     The song is a sweet song of salvation which she sang "on that day." She did not delay which implies that her joy was so great she simply burst into song. After all, her God had just been vindicated over the blasphemous acts of the Canaanites. She gave the glory to God and to Him only. The Master of the Universe (able to manipulate the weather) would to be known to all as the God of Israel (desirous to have a called out people). What a wonderful realization! This victory would, of necessity, have elevated the Israelites to new heights of spirituality and, for this, Deborah was extremely grateful. She took the opportunity to trace God's provision of the law at Mt. Sinai and reminded the Israelites that straying from the law was what always made them vulnerable to their enemies. The Jews should praise God and return to holy acts of service. Now they were free to do so because Deborah reminds them that "in the time of Jael" it was treacherous to even leave your tent to travel. Most of the people had taken to living behind city walls. People who had to be out would go in less travelled ways and take many detours in hopes of avoiding trouble. To be relieved of this kind of stress meant the ladies in the tents would certainly praise Jael because she ended a 20 year cycle of torment.
     But like most mothers, the "mother in Israel" could not resist a little motherly chiding. Things did not get any better until she "arose" and offered herself to God to be a part of the solution. Then, God was able to avenge. For Deborah, this act of offering herself was the fulfillment of her spiritual destiny. People could now ride and walk the roads without fear. She urged the scholars and the businessmen who could return to their efforts unmolested to praise God. All should intensify their praises. Barak could now arise and take his captives because Deborah's efforts had helped his prowess as a warrior. When Barak joined Deborah in the song, the song was one of dominion. But Deborah also expressed her feelings toward some of the tribes who did not respond to Barak's summons for help. There is nothing worse than putting out an appeal for help and getting a poor response. However, such human limitations and failings do not mean that God is failing. For that, we can all praise Him and be encouraged.
     Some of the tribes may have found Deborah's song a little embarrassing. The were probably wishing they had joined in and helped more, especially when Deborah said they would not share in the rewards. Jesus said that if we would confess Him before men, He would confess us before the Father. How are we going to feel when the recitations by Jesus take place in heaven? I heard someone say once, "I'll be happy to just get a back row seat just as long as I get in." But I'm different. I want to think He will feel that with His help I did something of merit on my journey. How about you? We'll end this week on one of Deborah's "notes."

        "Hear O kings; give ear O princes! I, to God shall I sing; I shall sing praise to God, God of Israel!"
                                                        Judges 5:3