Judges 4: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Judges 4 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The children of Israel did evil in Yahweh's sight after Ehud died (vv. 1-3). Yahweh sold them to Jabin, king of Canaan. Jabin's army was led by Sisera, who oppressed Israel for twenty years. Deborah, a prophetess, judged Israel at that time. She called Barak and told him to lead an army to Mount Tabor (vv. 4-10). Barak agreed to go only if Deborah went with him. Deborah agreed but warned Barak that he would not gain honor in the coming battle.

Key verse

“Yahweh confused Sisera, all his chariots, and all his army, with the edge of the sword before Barak. Sisera abandoned his chariot and fled away on his feet.”
Judges 4:15 (WEB)

Outline

Judges 4:1–3 Israel's Oppression by Jabin
Judges 4:4–10 Deborah's Leadership and Barak's Call
Judges 4:11–13 Sisera Prepares for Battle
Judges 4:14–16 Victory through Divine Intervention
Judges 4:17–22 Jael's Deception and Sisera's Death
Judges 4:23–24 Israel Prevails Against Jabin

Discussion questions

In v4, who is described as judging Israel at that time?
What does Barak request from Deborah in v8 before he agrees to go?
Deborah's remark in v9 about honor: what does it suggest about Barak's role in the victory?
Jael's act of killing Sisera in v21 raises questions about her motives: what might they be?
When have you felt the need for support in a difficult task, like Barak with Deborah?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Judges 4: Judges 5, Joshua 19, Judges 3.

Before next time: read Judges 5.