When God Intervenes


Judges 4:11–5:31
11 Now Heber the Kenite had separated from the Kenites, the descendants of Hobab the father-in-law of Moses, and had pitched his tent as far away as the oak in Zaanannim, which is near Kedesh. 12 When Sisera was told that Barak the son of Abinoam had gone up to Mount Tabor, 13 Sisera called out all his chariots, 900 chariots of iron, and all the men who were with him, from Harosheth-hagoyim to the river Kishon. 14 And Deborah said to Barak, “Up! For this is the day in which the Lord has given Sisera into your hand. Does not the Lord go out before you?” So Barak went down from Mount Tabor with 10,000 men following him. 15 And the Lord routed Sisera and all his chariots and all his army before Barak by the edge of the sword. And Sisera got down from his chariot and fled away on foot. 16 And Barak pursued the chariots and the army to Harosheth-hagoyim, and all the army of Sisera fell by the edge of the sword; not a man was left.

We are given a front row seat to the violent drama that plays out between Israel and King Jabin’s army. Sisera was associated with the Hittites either as a direct descendant or as an ally to them. He was the ruler of one of the city-states allied with Jabin and “Harosheth-hagoyim” indicates that he occupied a seat of authority with the gentiles. He is about to become central to the story of God’s redemption of the people and the fulfillment of Deborah’s prophecy.

We also find that Sisera is in possession of chariots which would be a clear indication of the strength of his army. In all probability, Israel did not possess chariots, thus making them the weaker side of this battle strategically. But that is where their weakness ends. They did not need chariots; they had God Almighty. As the song of Deborah will teach us (in chapter 5) those chariots actually become a liability due to a violent thunderstorm sent by God. Deborah continues to play the role as leader as she must rouse the Barak and the army into action. The time is at hand and she moves Barak into position to accomplish the victory. We find the power of the story in verse 15 where “the Lord routed Sisera and all his chariots and all his army . . . and all the army of Sisera fell . . . not a man was left.” When God claims a victory is it complete.

Those were the words that captured my attention today. God didn’t leave anything to chance. He completed the victory so that His people could be free. That is God’s way. As I ponder that word victory I am reminded of a new song that is just perfect in terms of describing the victory that Jesus won for us on the cross. When I’m in a place of devotion, these kinds of songs lead me to a new celebration of the victory Jesus brings me every single day of my life. When God wins a victory, it is complete.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DNaMSVDSYo

My Victory
You came for criminals
And ev'ry Pharisee
You came for hypocrites
Even one like me
You carried sin and shame
The guilt of ev'ry man
The weight of all I've done
Nailed into Your hands

Oh Your love bled for me
Oh Your blood in crimson streams
Oh Your death is Hell's defeat
A cross meant to kill is my victory

Oh Your amazing grace
I've seen and tasted it
It's running through my veins
I can't escape its grip
In You my soul is safe
You cover ev'rything

Behold the Lamb of God
Who takes away our sin
Who takes away our sin
The holy Lamb of God
Makes us alive again
Makes us alive again

Oh a cross meant to kill is my victory

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