Judges 4

[MEST] Judges
Study Guide > Judges 4
“ Carry on camping”
FINALLY! A woman to take charge of things.We’ve not seen a woman make any kind of dent in the story since Rahab (Josh6) and not a major role since Miriam (Ex15)
[Read Judges 4]
[draw character/scenes]
Deborah was the only woman who was both prophet, judge and military leader. What problems might she come up against?
The name Deborah means “bee”. Can you think of any significance of this?

In vs 7 we see the Isrealite army camped on Mount Tabor. Why is this a good strategic place?

Sisera wanted to fight in the valley of Jezreel and next to the Kishon river. Why?

In vs 9 Deborah tells Barak that “the honour won’t be his and the LORD will give Sisera into the hands of a woman”, why? What are the implications of this?

In vs 11, Heber the Kenite (Moses’ brother-in-law!) has switched sides and is now helping the Canaanites. He is a metal-worker by trade. Why would this be of use to these Cananites?

In vs 18 we see Sisera hiding in Jael’s tent. [Jael means “mountain goat”] Why would this be a good hiding place?

Genesis 19:8 clearly states that laws of hospitality meant you protected your guest from harm. Apparently Jael skipped that class in her elocution lessons! What motives may have driven her to this violent action?
Why a tent peg?
Thinking about the 2 women’s names[thier meanings] in this story, what kind of poetic outcome can we find?