We see one of the more well-known stories of a judge today, the story of Deborah. In this story, we see three people who have different responses. We see Deborah and Jael, who use God’s gifts to be faithful and overthrow the evil king and general. But we also seek Barak, who God uses, but because of his lack of faith, God cannot fully use him as God may like. The people that God can fully use are people who have a variety of gifts, but regardless of their gift, they are willing to be used by God. Today, will we use the gifts for God’s glory, no matter how great or small they may be?

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Good morning. It’s good to be with you on this Wednesday as we continue our journey through the book of Judges. Today’s story is a fascinating one—it features one of the better-known judges. While some of the judges we’ve read about, like Ehud, may be less familiar, today’s judge is likely someone you’ve heard of before: Deborah.

We’re reading from Judges 4, which is a longer chapter (verses 1–24), so I won’t go through every verse here. You can find a full link to the passage in the accompanying blog or video. Let’s start in verse 1:

“The Israelites again did what was evil in the sight of the Lord after Ehud died.”

There it is again—the recurring cycle in Judges: the people sin, they’re oppressed, they cry out, God raises a judge, they’re delivered… and then the cycle starts again.

Now skip ahead to verse 4:

“At that time, Deborah, a prophetess and judge, was leading Israel. She held court under the Palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel, and the Israelites came to her to settle their disputes.”

Deborah sends for Barak and tells him that God commands him to take 10,000 men and fight against Sisera, the general of King Jabin’s army. Barak responds:

“If you go with me, I will go; but if you don’t go with me, I won’t go.”

Deborah agrees to go but tells him:

“The road you’re on will not lead to your glory. The Lord will deliver Sisera into the hands of a woman.”

Deborah goes with Barak, and when Sisera hears of their plans, he gathers his 900 iron chariots. Deborah encourages Barak, and the Lord throws Sisera’s army into confusion. Sisera flees on foot and ends up in the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite. She offers him hospitality, gives him milk, and covers him with a rug.

Then the story takes a shocking turn:

“Jael picked up a tent peg and a hammer, went quietly to him while he slept, and drove the peg through his temple into the ground. And he died.”

Shortly after, Barak arrives. Jael comes out and says, “Come, I will show you the man you’re looking for.” And there lies Sisera—dead.

You may have seen memes about Jael that capture the drama of this story. One reads, “If you can’t handle me at my Judges 4, you don’t deserve me at my Proverbs 31.” Another says, “When I say I want a biblical wife, I mean a wife who’s willing to drive a tent peg through the head of God’s enemies.”

This passage highlights three key figures God uses: Deborah, Barak, and Jael.

Deborah is both a judge and a prophetess. As a judge, she leads and settles disputes. As a prophetess, she speaks God’s word. Like Samuel, she held spiritual and civic authority. Her leadership was respected and effective. And Jael? She shows bravery and cunning. Like Ehud yesterday, she uses what she has—and does what needs to be done.

Then we have Barak. He’s a capable military leader, but hesitant. He won’t go without Deborah. His hesitancy costs him the glory of victory, which goes to Jael. He’s not condemned, but he’s contrasted with these bold women who fully step into their roles.

This story reminds us that God uses everyone. Galatians tells us that in Christ, “there is neither male nor female… for all are one.” Deborah and Jael demonstrate that God calls and equips women just as powerfully as men. Whatever your gender, age, or background—if you’re available, God can use you.

It also reminds us that our gifts are meant to be used. You may not be called to drive a tent peg through anyone’s head (hopefully!), but you are called to do something. As I often say, your calling lies at the intersection of your passion and the needs of God’s people.

So today, ask yourself: What has God gifted me to do? Am I using that gift? Will I, like Deborah and Jael, boldly step into what God has prepared?

Thanks for being with us today. Tomorrow, we’ll look at Deborah’s song of praise in Judges 5. Have a great day—and see you in the morning.