Deborah Part I: The Prophetess

00:00:00 Speaker 1: Previously on the chosen people. Before the breaker of chains came, the Lord would send lesser heroes, fractured and broken images of the Deliverer to come. 00:00:12 Speaker 2: You all call me the Lord's man. You praised me for my courage, and you have responded to mike Gor. Make no mistake bothers. We are all the Lord's men. 00:00:25 Speaker 1: After forty years of protecting Israel alongside his family, Othneil finally returned home to be at peace. Other nations, lean and hungry circled the land as predators cir called fattened sheep. 00:00:41 Speaker 2: Brothers, people of Israel, hear me, follow after me, for the Lord has given your enemies, the Mobiites, into your hand. Do not fear. 00:00:51 Speaker 1: A hood led his people to victory, and for eighty years Israel new peace. All the stood between God's people and the Philistine raiders was Shamgar's farm. 00:01:05 Speaker 2: Have I not commended you? They strong be cogeous for the. 00:01:13 Speaker 3: Lord with me. 00:01:16 Speaker 1: Shamgar was the judge nobody knew of until much later, Yet his bravery was known by God. 00:01:24 Speaker 4: They would be. 00:01:25 Speaker 1: Imperfect vessels in God's hands, crafted to lead Israel out of its self inflicted destruction. 00:01:39 Speaker 5: There are moments when a single voice can waken a sleeping nation, and sometimes that voice belongs to someone who we least expect. Shell Oh, my friends, from here in the holy Land of Israel, i'm l extein with the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, and welcome to the Chosen People. The people of Israel are restless. They have once again drifted, losing themselves in foreign ways, and their hearts have grown cold. The familiar refrain in the Book of Judges returns, quote the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord end quote. So we come to a time of darkness, and in this darkness the voice of an unexpected leader rises. What kind of person does it take to inspire a nation mired in fear? And what strength lives in someone who trusts in God even when others hesitate. Let's dive into the story of Deborah and Barakh, inspired by Judges four one to nine. We'll meet this prophetess and judge, and we will ask ourselves, what does it mean to truly be called? 00:02:50 Speaker 1: The frailty of the people of Israel was like rot within a great tree, unseen until the storm came to topple it. Their strength of will, once iron bound in the days of Joshua, unraveled like the frayed edges of a soldier's cloak. Where once they had stood steadfast against temptation, they now bent their knees to foreign gods. Seduced by the smooth promises whispered from strange altars, they lay with temple harlots under the shadow of idols, their hands red with blood spilled for gods that neither saw nor heard. The covenant bride of Yahue had become a harlot herself, drifting upon the sea of her own lusts, a ship with neither anchor nor captain. Without the protection of Yahweh, the people of Israel were like lambs in the wolf's meadow, ripe for slaughter. The shadow of war fell over them as Jabin, King of Canaan, set his hungry gaze upon their lands. Jabin was no mere ruler, but a butcher cloaked in royal purple. His wars were fires that consumed everything, fields, villages, and men alike, leaving behind only ash and bone to extend his dominion. Jabin placed his trust in Cicera, a warlord of brutal renown Cicera, commander of nine hundred iron chariots, was a master of death on the battlefield. The chariots of Canaan were terror incarnate, their wheels cutting through the earth like scythes through the wheat, swift as the winds and mercilesses rules, these charioteers brought ruin upon the flat lands, striking before their enemies could mount a defence. For twenty long years, Cicierra's chariots rolled unchecked across the land of Price, leaving blood soaked soil in their wake. The cries of the defeated filled the heavens that the people of Israel had no strength to fight. Broke in bodied and spirit, they sank to their knees in despair. From their misery rose raw and desperate prayers. They called upon the Lord. They offered sacrifices upon desecrated altars, pleading for deliverance. But would he answer? The covenant had been broken time and again, the bride had spurned her husband's love for the embrace of false gods. Did they deserve his mercy? Could the Lord, in his holiness extend his hand to a people so steeped in betrayal? Or would he leave them to their fate, to be consumed in the flames of Canaanite conquest. And yet there is a truth as ancient as the hills. Yahweh is not a god of abandonment. Perhaps, as he had before, he would rise again to deliver his people, not for their sake alone, but for the sake of his name, a name that could not be sullied by the faithless busness of men. Perhaps, against all odds, deliverance would come once more between Ramah and Bethel. Amidst the rugged hill country of Ephraim stood a solitary palm, tall and regal, its branches outstretched like the arms of a sentinel. At its base, a tent of modest make blended into the earth. From within a woman emerged. She stretched her hands, reaching skyward as though to touch the heavens, and drew in a deep breath of the crisp morning air. Her eyes swept over the valley below, now painted in hues of gold and green by the dawning sun. She moved with purpose, gathering a clay jar and descending toward the well at the base of the hill. Each step was deliberate. The crunch of gravel underfoot, as rhythmic as a psalm. She was a tuned to the world around her, every rustle of leaves, every bird's cry, every subtle stirring of the morning breeze. Even as her hands drew water, her fingers trailing through the cold stream as it poured into the jar, her spirit seemed elsewhere, listening to the divine whisper carried on the wind. When she returned to the palm, she poured the water into a basin, pausing to give thanks before drinking. The sunlight warmed her cheek as she turned her face to the heavens, her smile serene, her spirit in communion with the Lord. Here beneath the shadow of the Great Tree, Deborah, wife of Lapidoth, the Judge of Israel, dwelled in the presence of the Almighty. She was a woman set apart in wisdom and strength. Her heart was attuned to the will of God. Before long, travelers appeared from the road. They came with burdens, both heavy and trivial, seeking counsel, justice, or simply the comfort of her words. Deborah seated herself upon a stone beneath the tree, her eyes steady and discerning as they fell upon the faces of her people. One by one, they knelt before her, bringing disputes and pleas two men approached, their anger palpable. The first gestured wildly. 00:08:28 Speaker 2: His sheep have been grazing on my land. He has no right to be there, and I demand payment. 00:08:33 Speaker 6: That land was stolen. It comes from a lineage of thieves. I will not honor his request. I will not pay a thief is due. 00:08:44 Speaker 2: Take that back. 00:08:45 Speaker 1: The two men postured at one another, puffing up their chests and raising their voices. Deborah remained silent, leaning over with her hands folded under her chin. 00:08:56 Speaker 2: Your grandfather was a coward and a liar, soryal silence, before I tear your tongue out. 00:09:05 Speaker 1: Steel glinted as both men reached for their weapons, but before a single blow could land, Deborah moved in a motion too swift to follow. Her hand clamped onto one man's wrist, twisting it downward, while her other hand struck the second man's chest, sending him sprawling. Her voice, calm and commanding, cut through their rage like a blade. 00:09:29 Speaker 3: Enough, this land is the lord's, as are the sheep that graze upon it. Yet you fight over it as though you were kings, squandering your brotherhood for pride. The greater sin is not the trespass of a sheep, but the hatred that has taken root in your hearts. 00:09:48 Speaker 1: Chastened, the men knelt before her. Deborah spoke again, her tone tempered but firm. 00:09:55 Speaker 3: Cannot both of you share in what the Lord has given you? One the right to graze on the southern border, the other a payment of wool on the first day of shearing. 00:10:04 Speaker 1: The two of them kept their heads low and nodded. 00:10:08 Speaker 3: Then let it be so, and remember this. If you cannot make peace over little things, how will you stand together when greater trials come. 00:10:18 Speaker 1: The men bowed their heads, subdued and ashamed, before departing with her judgment. More came, their burdens laid bare before Deborah, who sat unyielding. As the sun arked over the hill. She listened, spoke, and offered guidance with a wisdom that seemed not her own, but divinely bestowed by God. As the day waned and the crowd thinned, a figure appeared on the path leading a donkey laden with supplies. Lapidov, her husband, dismounted with care, his face shadowed by concern. He greeted her with the kiss, and they sat together beneath the palm, sharing a simple meal of cooked barley and rabbit. 00:11:07 Speaker 3: How was it within the city walls? 00:11:10 Speaker 1: Lapidov put down his bowl of broth and stared off for a moment. He was saddened and troubled by what he had seen. He sighed and shook his head. 00:11:20 Speaker 7: Our people are suffering, Deborah. Sisa's soldiers raided the city monthly, leaving people in shambles. With the time they collect themselves again, they've stormed by another raid. Sarah keeps us alive, only to suck the life out of us. 00:11:37 Speaker 1: Lapidov buried his face in his hands. He was disturbed by the Canaanite's cruelty. He turned to his wife and looked at her longingly. 00:11:46 Speaker 4: You are a seer. What would the Lord do? The answer our cries? 00:11:53 Speaker 1: Deborah held her husband's hand and squeezed it. They both looked off into the sunset, watching the sh shimmering light dissolve into the horizon. Deborah found herself lost in thought, her mind straining to discern the will of God. 00:12:10 Speaker 3: How shall the Lord respond? What shall the Lord do? 00:12:15 Speaker 1: Lapidov watched her in silence, his heart steadying. He knew her well, this woman of God. Though the answers had not yet come, he trusted they would. Jahweh had never abandoned his people, and he would not start now. The flames devoured the village of kidsh Naftalli with a ferocity that seemed alive, their tongues of fire licking at the sky. Smoke blowed like a funeral shroud, choking the air and darkening the morning sun. Amidst the chaos, the wails of the villagers cut through the roar of the inferno. Canaanite soldiers swarmed the narrow streets, their iron blades glinting with malice. They looted with impunity, their hands snatching gold and silver. Their faces twisted in cruelty, were still. They tore children from the arms of their weeping mothers, dragging them away to a life of servitude. The woman screamed as her child was ripped from her arms. The soldier was deaf to her pleas, shoving her aside. As her child was carried off. Her sobs mingled with the clash of steel and the crackle of fire. At the heart of the carnage. Atop his iron chariot, Ciceras surveyed the destruction like a grim architect of ruin. His voice sharp as a whip, cut through the din. 00:13:47 Speaker 2: Shut that woman app. 00:13:49 Speaker 1: Two soldiers obeyed at once, drawing their swords and advancing on the woman. She stumbled back, darting behind the charred remains of her home. As they pursued, but before they could close in, a distant rumble echoed through the valley. It was not the fire, nor the collapsing timber. It was the sound of hoofs and war cries. From behind the wall of smoke. A battalion of Israelite soldiers surged forward, their shields gleaming faintly in the haze. Leading the charge was Behak, the commander of Israel's army. The Israelites struck with ferocity, their spears biting into the ranks of the Canaanites, but the chariots of Cicera were swift and unrelenting, cutting through the lines of Israelite infantry with ease. The clash of armies became a storm of screams, splintering wood and grinding iron. Barark dismounted near the edge of the village, rushing to shield the woman, cowered by the remains of her home. His sword flashed as he drove back the advancing soldiers, but his valor was short lived. A hulking shadow loomed behind him. Cicera himself with a single glow from the flat of his sword, ciceraar struck Barach from his feet, sending him sprawling into a pile of burning rubble. Blood trickled from a cart on Barack's temple as he struggled to rise, his vision swimming A. 00:15:21 Speaker 4: Weak fool, you like. 00:15:25 Speaker 7: A no, a woman, not a. 00:15:31 Speaker 4: Man worth one. 00:15:34 Speaker 1: Cicera's voice was low and scornful, each word laced with contempt. His iron clad frame towered over Barak, his sword glinting in the firelight. 00:15:46 Speaker 2: This pitiful attempt at rebellion rules your people's weakness. You need a ruler. 00:15:53 Speaker 1: With his manhood still remaining, someone to keep the leash tight on you Israel like dogs. He swung his blade tauntingly, forcing Barrark to scramble forward, his hands fumbling for his weapon. Around him, the tide of battle turned against his soldiers. The charioteers of Canaan were merciless mowing down the Israelites who dared stand in their path. 00:16:20 Speaker 2: Are there any men left among you? Oh? Just these womanly cowards I see around me. 00:16:27 Speaker 1: Arark rose unsteadily, his sword trembling in his grip, and lunged at Cicera with a war The canaan I general deflected the blow with ease, disarming him in a single motion. Barrark's blade flew into the rubble, and Cicera struck him across the face with the back of his gauntlet. Barark staggered, his boots, crunching over hot coals. The heat stung at his heels, and desperation surged within him. With a sudden burst of resolve, he kicked the burning embers upward. The fiery debris struck Cicera's face, scorching his cheek. The general bellowed in rage, giving Barak a fleeting moment to escape. He retreated his sword and raised his trumpet to his lips, sounding the call to retreat. 00:17:14 Speaker 2: Afraid, Take any women and children you can to safety. 00:17:19 Speaker 1: The Israelites fell back, carrying with them what little they could save. They had stalled the Canaanite attack, but the cost was high. Barrark's men cast wary glances at their commander, their eyes heavy with disappointment. Bharark himself avoided their gazes, his head bowed in shame as they retreated into the hills. That night, the camp was quiet, the air thick with the weight of defeat. Bharks sat alone by the fire, its light flickering across his battered face. His mind was a storm of memories, the mocking laughter of Cicera, the screams of his men, the helplessness that gnawed at his soul. He stared into the flames, his voice barely a whisper. 00:18:17 Speaker 4: How I recover from this? I I haven't the stomach for this fight? Why am I even here? 00:18:26 Speaker 1: He looked to the heavens, but the sky offered no solace. The stars were hidden behind dark clouds, and the silence felt like a curse. 00:18:39 Speaker 4: Have you have you forsaken us? Are we doomed to live under this darkness forever? 00:18:45 Speaker 1: The faint crunch of footsteps broke the stillness. Barak's hand went to his sword, his grip trembling as he turned toward the sound. From the shadows emerged a young man in a gray tunic, his hands were raised in a gesture of peace. 00:19:02 Speaker 2: Who goes, who goes there? State, state your business. 00:19:06 Speaker 1: The young man approached, his lips curving into a wry smile. He sat by the fire, his presence unsettling in its calmness. He gestured to Barak's sword and released a chuckle. 00:19:19 Speaker 4: Now, what do you plan on doing with that? 00:19:23 Speaker 2: I'll use it if if I have to. 00:19:28 Speaker 7: If only you would, Barak, if only I've come with a message from the prophetess. 00:19:34 Speaker 4: Would you like to hear it? 00:19:36 Speaker 1: Barrack's heart skipped a beat. He felt his hands beginning to shake even more at the mention of her. 00:19:42 Speaker 4: What does she have to to say to me? You'll find out tomorrow. 00:19:47 Speaker 2: Beat her under the palm. 00:19:49 Speaker 7: I suggest leaving before the sun rises to escape the heat. 00:19:53 Speaker 4: Has has Has God spoken to her regarding me? 00:19:57 Speaker 2: It is possible, Barrak, She's a prophetess. 00:20:00 Speaker 1: Hearing from God is part of the Bierz. With that, the young man disappeared into the night, leaving Barark alone with his thoughts. The commander ran his hands through his hair, groaning softly. Rarely did Deborah summon anyone directly. Whatever awaited him under the palm, He knew it would change the course of his fate. The hill country of Ephraim stood in serene contrast to the chaos Barark had fled the day before. The gentle slopes were shrouded in mist, the air cool and laden with the earthy scent of dew drenched soil. Barark limped along the dirt path that wound its way toward the Palm of Deborah, his steps uneven from the burns that still throbbed at his right foot, and walked this trail before, But this time was different. He had not come seeking Deborah's wisdom of his own accord, as he had in days past. He had been summoned. There was an unease in being called by the prophetess. Her words carried a weight far greater than his own authority as commander. Though he bore the title of leader over Israel's armies, it was Deborah who truly commanded the hearts and faith of the people. She was the Lord's mouthpiece, and her strength, both of spirit and body, was legendary. As he reached the crest of the hill, Bhark paused. 00:21:40 Speaker 4: There. 00:21:40 Speaker 1: She was seated beneath the solitary palm. She neither moved nor spoke, her stillness unnerving. Bhark approached slowly. When he drew near enough, he knelt before her, bowing his head. Though his title demanded respect, it was Deborah's presence that commanded it. Deborah studied Bhark in silence. She was unhurried, her stillness deliberate words she believed were not to be spent recklessly. They were a weapon to wield sparingly, their weight dulled by excess. Her gaze lingered on Bearark, waiting for him to lift his head. When he finally did, his eyes met hers, filled with a blend of shame, uncertainty, and expectation. 00:22:33 Speaker 4: What does the Lord need from from from me? What does he say? 00:22:43 Speaker 1: For years, the Lord's prompting had been a soft but persistent voice in his heart, one he had ignored, Silenced with excuses and fear. He blinked, unable to meet Deborah's piercing gaze, and gave a weak shrug, as if hoping can fusion might excuse him. Deborah exhaled slowly and gestured for him to rise. 00:23:06 Speaker 3: Thus, says the Lord, go gather your men at Mount Tabor, taking ten thousand from the people of Naftali, and the people of Zebulun. I will draw out Cicero to meet you by the river Kishon for battle with his chariots and his troops. Do not fear, for I have given them into your hands. 00:23:24 Speaker 2: Ten thousand troops, with all the carnage Cesarah has already left in his wake. Do you think we could. 00:23:31 Speaker 3: Even buster that Lord has declared it? How shall you respond? 00:23:36 Speaker 1: Bhak hesitated, shame washing over him in waves, his mind filled with images of Cicera's mocking face and the countless defeats his army had suffered. The weight of expectation pressed heavy on his chest. He shook his head, retreating into the doubt that had haunted him for years. 00:23:57 Speaker 4: I I cannot, I cannot. I cannot leave them on my own. 00:24:01 Speaker 3: The Lord has chosen you, brek Hesh. 00:24:04 Speaker 4: He's chosen wrong, So you. 00:24:07 Speaker 3: Will ignore the call and leave Israel vulnerable? 00:24:10 Speaker 2: Does the Lord really think Israel is better off with me the helm? I'm not strong enough. If he wants me to go, then then you'll have to go too. Will you go with me? I will only go if you are by my side. If you march with me and by my side into battle, perhaps I and the other warriors can feed off your strength. 00:24:34 Speaker 1: Bha could send Deborah's displeasure at his answer, but he did not care. 00:24:40 Speaker 2: I can't do this on my own. I won't If you march with me, I will go. If you do not march with me, I will not go. 00:24:48 Speaker 1: Deborah studied him, her expression unchanging. He looked up at her like a chastened child, waiting for her wrath to descend. The moment stretched along, each one more suffocating than the last. Finally, she stood her form, commanding. Bararc flinched as she stepped toward him, his body trembling under the weight of her gaze, but Deborah did not lash out. Instead, she sighed the sound heavy with disappointment and resolve. 00:25:21 Speaker 3: Oh very well, Brick, I shall march down with. 00:25:25 Speaker 2: You, hah, glory. Together we can defeat Sesarah. 00:25:31 Speaker 1: Deborah raised her hand, silencing him. Her voice grew sharper, her words piercing through his relief like an arrow. 00:25:40 Speaker 3: I said, I will go with you. However, the road on which you are going, the road of cowardice, will not lead to your glory. You will march, but you will receive no victory for yourself, for the Lord will hand cisera over and slay him by the hand of a woman. 00:26:05 Speaker 5: Imagine yourself under the shade of an olive tree. The warm breeze carries whispers of the stories old, and we come to this tale a woman, a prophetess, rising when men fail to believe, and we ask, why does Debora stand when others tremble. The story of Deborah teaches us something profound about godly leadership. Deborra isn't great by her own might. She isn't the loudest or the most commanding. She is great because she is faithful, or saygees say that true strength comes not in conquering enemies, but in conquering fear. And that's really the contrast between Deborah and Barak. The stark is contrast. Isn't that she's a woman and he's a man. It's that Barak is moved by fear and Deborah is moved by faith. Now, let's learn a little bit about Deborah. The Bible tells us very little background information about Deborah, but we are told that she was the wife of Lapidot. The Jewish ages explained that Lapidot was a name that Debora's husband earned, but they credit Deborah for starting him on this road to success. Let me explain, according to the Jewish tradition, while Devora was an intellectually and spiritually advanced woman, her husband was nothing special. He wasn't at all motivated to grow or to change, and this must have been disappointing for Deborah. But she didn't shout at him, she didn't attack him, she didn't tell him he was no good. Instead, Debora made lapidot or wis, and she asked her husband to bring them to the tabernacle to be used for the menorah lamp. You see, Debora's husband went on these errands and he was completely inspired by the holiness of the tabernacle, just as Devara knew he would be motivated to be part of this holiness. Devora's husband realized that he could make even thicker than the ones that were being used, so that there would be even more light in the tabernacle. Well. Because of these wicks, Debora's husband was honored for his contribution and became known as a lapidote. For this important accomplishment, the tabernacle was enlightened, Debora's husband was elevated, and Devar had never even said a word that's powerful leadership, isn't it nurturing and encouraging, inspiring growth through love in a way that the person takes full ownership of it and feels proud well. Dava was also the only one of the judges who is also described as a prophet, and in fact, the military advice from this prophet to the general Baraq seemed to go against logic. Let me explain. Dvora told Barak to lead his soldiers to climb Mount tabor Now, Mountain Tabori is a very high mountain. Any military leaders that his soldiers would be exhausted when they reached the top and would be unable to effectively fight the forces of the Canaanite general Cisra. But because God had given Dvora the gift of prophecy, Barak followed her plan. This caused Sisra to let down his guard because he assumed that the fight would be a route in his favor. But as the Bible clearly tells us, God intervened and the Israelites one a decisive battle which turned out to be the final defeat of the Canaanites. You see, after this, the Canaanites aren't mentioned anywhere else in the Bible is Israel's main enemy. So while Israel no longer has prophets, we certainly still need leaders today who listened to the voice of God. And as I read Devora's story, I keep praying, let us be worthy to have a final victory over those who wished to destroy us and drive us out of the Holy land. This chapter be closed. Divores's story isn't just about courage. It's about a kind of leadership that calls others to trust the Lord beyond their own doubts. This is not human wisdom, but divine. Divores stood firm when others wavered, embodying the kind of strength that comes from trusting God alone. Think back to the Bible stories that we've already studied. Remember Moses at the burning bush, where he was filled with excuses, begging for a way out, until God finally said I'll be with you, and then he said okay. And we see this throughout the story of the Chosen People, don't we leaders who speak with quiet authority of those who know God's promises. Devora carried in her voice the legacy of all those who trusted before her, the same courage as we saw in Moses, and in Miriam, and that we will see in the reluctant Gideon who comes later. God speaks through Devora because divorce rendered her heart to him, and when the time came, her faith was the pillar that held the nation of Israel steady. So what do we learn from Devorah? Well, most of us aren't profits, and we're not leaders of nations, but we all face moments when we're called to believe. Like Devara, we are called to take that quiet step forward. If our lives were only devoted to things we could do on our own, where would we find room for God to show his strength. So today, let's choose the path of Devara to be willing to stand in faith even if we feel alone, or maybe especially when we feel alone. Perhaps that's the real call of this story, not to be fearless, but to be faithful. 00:31:44 Speaker 1: You can listen to the Chosen People with the Isle Eckstein ad free by downloading and subscribing to the Pray dot Com app today. This prey dot Com production is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve katinax Bard, Zach Shellabarger and Ben Gammon are the executive producers of the Chosen People with Yil Eckstein, edited by Alberto Avilla, narrated by Paul Coltofianu. Characters are voiced by Jonathan Cotten, Aaron Salvado, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Stephen Ringwald, Sylvia Zaradoc, Thomas Copeland, Junior, Rosanna Pilcher, and the opening prayer is voiced by John Moore. Music by Andrew Morgan Smith, written by Aaron Salvato, bre Rosalie and Chris Baig. Special thanks to Bishop Paul Lanier, Robin van Ettin, kayleb Burrows, Jocelyn Fuller, and the team at International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. You can hear more Prey dot com productions on the Prey dot com app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. If you enjoyed The Chosen People with Yile Eckstein, please rate and leave a review.