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Reflections

November – A Month for Giving Thanks

Nothing would be significant about November if it were not for Thanksgiving Day. Rather than having only one day for Thanksgiving, we are making November a month of giving thanks by looking at biblical songs of Thanksgiving. Hopefully our hearts will sing also this month.

Deborah’s Song of Victory

The Bible matter-of-factly introduces Deborah as prophet and judge holding court under a palm tree. We are surprised because previously in Scripture, women are noticeably absent from genealogies and census reports. Those mentioned by name are included because of their relationship with husbands or brothers.

And then Deborah appears—sitting in her counseling office under a palm tree. I have always wanted to give a cheer for her husband, Lappidoth. What a guy he must have been! Did he take care of the kids while Deborah held court or were they grown by this time? Maybe we’ll know someday.

While sitting under a palm tree sounds like being on vacation to most of us, Deborah was boldly moving counter-culturally. Israel as a nation had again departed from worship of Jehovah, resulting in captivity by a Canaanite king. Deborah stepped into the spiritual leadership vacuum to encourage people to believe God for victory over their enemies.

Deborah’s palm tree was in Ephraim, the central part of the nation, but she sent for help to the northern part of the country.  Barak (whom we know nothing about) responded by gathering support from his tribe and those surrounding him.

When it came time for battle, Deborah left Lappidoth and the palm tree to march with the armies. The battle took place near the River Kishon, a good distance from Deborah’s home. God gave Israel the victory, as He had spoken to Deborah.

In Judges 5, we have Deborah’s song of praise to God for victory in spite of obstacles. The song opens with a statement of truth: God’s blessing is upon the nation when godly men lead and people follow (verse 1). After recounting past victories, Deborah describes the present fear gripping the nation, so great that people were avoiding the main roads (verse 6).

Then, of all things, God chose a woman—a mother—to bring deliverance to the land (verse 7). She shares her compassion because many people had been taken captive and those who left were unarmed (verses 7–9).

Deborah must have attempted to rally troops from all parts of the land for in her song she rebukes those who stayed at home “among the sheepfolds,” “unmoved” while others “risked their lives” on the battlefield (verses 13–18). She did not let the disinterest of some keep her from responding to God’s call. Because of her faithfulness, she saw God move from the heavens (verse 20) and bring victory to the nation.

Deborah ends her song with a prophetic prayer, which can still be answered in our lifetime:

“Lord, may all your enemies die as Sisera!
But may those who love you rise like the sun in all its power!”
(Judges 5:31, NLT).

Deborah always challenges me because she had every reason to be uninvolved. When the Lord began speaking to her as a wife and mother, she may have been resting under her palm tree (I would if I could, wouldn’t you). However, when God called, she responded. The rest is history.

Today, we may not face literal enemies such as Deborah did; most often our enemies are doubts, fears and spiritual lethargy, while around us many people live in an increasingly troubled society. Spiritually we see a culture rapidly abandoning the ways of the Lord, going after other gods while people are being taken captive by life-controlling substances. Can we sit unmoved, tending our own sheepfolds like some of the tribes of Israel did during this battle?

We learn from Deborah that she did what God called her to do. His call to us probably will not be to military leadership, but each of us can be involved some way in the Kingdom. When we respond to what God speaks to our heart about, we can believe He will help us. Like Deborah, our recollection of past spiritual victories should inspire us to believe the Lord for help with the present need. Then we can join Deborah and sing a song of victory.

Points to Ponder

What reasons could Deborah have given for not going to battle? Do people use similar reasons today for not being involved in the Kingdom?
If you composed your own song of spiritual victories, what would it include? Try making up your own words to “Victory in Jesus.” It may not top the music charts but you can be personally blessed by it!

PEGGY MUSGROVE is a licensed Assemblies of God minister. She is also a speaker, freelance writer, author and prayer group leader. Her latest book, Musings of a Maraschino Cherry was released in 2004.. You can visit her at www.musgroveville.com.

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