Title Reason for Gratitude/Judges 5:2-13
Content Introduction
Following the previous chapter in which Deborah and Barak rescued Israel from Jabin king of Hazor, a powerful in northern Canaan, this chapter introduces a song written by the female judge Deborah to thank and commemorate that glorious victory.
In other words, it is a song of triumph made to commemorate the glorious victory over Canaanite king Jabin. In this song, God's grace and power are highly praised as the victory events recorded in prose in the preceding chapter are described in direct and vivid expression. In particular, in this chapter we are examining today, it is the only poem of the period of the Judges that has been preserved to this day.
The content of this text is to glorify God who has given us victory. Let's look at the reasons for thanks through the Word.
1. I thanked the people for their joyful devotion.
Verse 2 of the text says, “Praise the Lord, for the chief of Israel led him, and the people dedicated themselves with joy.” The original meaning of the word "commitment" is "to support as a soldier." The phrase "the people dedicated themselves with joy" indicates that the common people were also willing to join the war with joy, especially when Barak called the army at Kedesh, and the people obeyed the call. In fact, no matter how well the leader conducts the war, it is impossible if the people do not follow. Even if you follow, if you forcefully follow, you cannot win the war. In other words, the victory or defeat of the war is determined by whether the people who are willing to die have devotion or not. Deborah is praising God for giving these people a war that was won through their voluntary devotion. Even today, we who have been called as soldiers of Christ should participate in the temple to win the kingdom of God with joy and joy.
2. Thank you for choosing me.
Verse 7 says, "The rulership in Israel ceased and ceased, and I, Deborah, rose up, and I rose up and became the mother of Israel." Here, "the rulers ceased in Israel" is lamenting that there is no true leader in Israel. So it is implied that Deborah had risen. Also, "I, Deborah, rose up, and I rose up and became the mother of Israel." This is a metaphor for maternal love, referring to her love for Israel with the word "mother".
3. I thanked God for giving me victory.
Verse 13 of the text says, “The Lord has come down to strike a mighty man for me.” This is the content of gratitude for the battle of the Kishon River. This means that Jehovah himself has gone out to fight the enemy, and it indicates that he has bestowed on the armies of Israel with amazing powers. Therefore, the Battle of the Kishon River was a battle that God Himself fought for His people, and the soldiers mobilized in this war were merely instruments of God's work. Specifically, "the warrior" refers to the warriors who drive iron chariots, which is his main force, including Sisera, the commander of Jabin's army. Victory is not given just because I did my best, but it is only when God helps us in all our battles that we can sing the hymn of victory. Therefore, we must become the saints who sincerely give thanks for the invisible hand of God who gave us victory.
conclusion:
Through today's Word, we looked at three reasons to be thankful. First, I was grateful for the people's voluntary devotion, second, they chose to use themselves, and thirdly, they gave me victory in the war. When we see that we are thankful for all these things, I sincerely hope that our members will always be an opportunity to give thanks for everything.
Prayer:
Lord! May I become a saint who rejoices and devotes himself to the work of the Lord.
Make me thank you for using me, which I lack, not a heart that is forced to obey.
Realize that our battle is not a battle of flesh and blood, but a spiritual battle, and make it clear that it is God who will give us victory.