** Outline ** Right Click To
File Size: 25 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

The Faith of Barak
(Hebrews 11:32)

Introduction:
 
         1. In Hebrews 11 we read about a number of men and women from the Old Testament who
             showed how faith will enable a person to be in good standing with God.
         2. In vs.32 Barak is mentioned.
             a. Barak lived when "judges" [deliverers] ruled Israel.
             b. This was a turbulent period in Israel's history (Judges 2:18-19).
             c. Barak's activities are recorded in Judges 4-5.

Discussion:

I.            JUDGES  4

         A. (vs.1-3) The king of Canaan afflicted the Israelites.
              1. (vs.1) The Israelites had sinned again.
              2. (vs.2, 3b) God punished the Israelites by delivering them to Jabin, king of Canaan.
                  a. Sisera was the captain of Jabin's army.
                      1) He had 900 chariots of iron.
                      2) He oppressed Israel 20 years.
              3. (vs.3a) The Israelites cried out to the Lord for deliverance.
         B. (vs.4-5) Deborah judged Israel at that time.
              1. (vs.4) She was a prophetess.
              2. (vs.5) The Israelites came to her for judgment.
         C. (vs.6-10) Deborah called Barak to lead the fight against Sisera.
              1. (vs.6-7) She revealed to Barak the message that God had spoken.
              2. Barak demonstrated his faith by:
                  a. agreeing to fight if Deborah would go with him (vs.8)
                  b. accepting the prophecy about who would take Sisera's life (vs.9)
                  c. following God's instructions (vs.6, 10).
         D. (vs.12-16) Barak and the Israelites defeated Sisera's army.
         E. (vs.17-22) Sisera was killed by a woman named Jael.
              1. (vs.17) Sisera left the battle on foot.
                  a. He went to the tent of Jael.
                      1) She was the wife of Heber the Kenite.
                      2) Heber had severed himself from the other Kenites (vs.11).
                      3) He lived nearby in Kedesh where Barak had called his army (vs.10).
                  b. Since Jabin and Heber were at peace, Sisera went to Jael's tent.
              2. (vs.18-20) Jael allowed Sisera to enter her tent.
                  a. (vs.18b) She covered Sisera with a mantle.
                  b. (vs.19) She gave him milk to drink.
                  c. (vs.20) Sisera asked Jael to lie for him.
              3. (vs.21-22) Jael killed Sisera.
         F. (vs.23-24) God allowed Israel to destroy Jabin.

II.          JUDGES  5

        A. (vs.1-31a) Deborah and Barak sang a song of praise to God for giving them a great victory.
        B. (vs.31b) Israel enjoyed 40 years of peace.