Unit 1 LESSON 6

October 12, 2025

Study Text: Judges 4:1-23; 6:11-16; 7:1-25

                     Central Truth: Through faithfulness to God, unlikely people are empowered to do His will.

KEY VERSE--1 Corinthians 1:27 God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty (KJV). 

God  chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful (NLT).

LET'S GET STARTED

Winston Churchill once said, "To each there comes in their lifetime a special moment when they are figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered the chance to do a very special thing, unique to them and fitted to their talents." One of Churchills' greatest leadership strengths was his ability to see a person's untapped talent and then convince them to take on a challenge they had never dreamed possible. Most of us have areas where we're most comfortable serving, but sometimes God directs us to take on responsibilities that might surprise us. Following God in these moments reminds us that everything we do for Him--comfortable or not--is only possible through the Holy Spirit's power. This lesson focuses on two of Israel's most familiar judges: Deborah and Gideon. Both were unlikely candidates for leading Israel, but God chose them nonetheless.

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PART 1- Deborah: Prophet and Judge

Deborah Leads Israel into War             Judges 4:1-11

Once again, Israel "did evil in the LORD'S sight (Judges 4:1). And once again, the Lord turned them over to a conquering king. In this case, Jabin of Hazor and his ruthless army commander, Sisera. Finally, after twenty years of oppression, the Israelites cried out to God for help. Judges 4:4-9 depicts Deborah as a trustworthy prophet and judge whom God used to speak to His people. God told Deborah His plan to deliver Israel using a general named Barak and ten thousand warriors from the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun. Barak agreed to go--but under one condition: "only if Deborah go with me." Barak recognized the prophetic gift in Deborah that he himself did not possess. Deborah  agreed to accompany Barak, explaining that he would "received no honor in this venture, for the LORD'S victory over Sisera will be at the hands of a woman." Deborah and Barak set up their military camp in Kadesh and began gathering their army.

DISCUSS?  How can you make sure you are viewing a person's potential from God's perspective instead of through the lens of your culture?

The Lord Gives the Victory                     Judges 4:12-24

When Sisera heard Barak was gathering an army at Mount Tabor, he did exactly what God had said he would do (Judges 4:7, 13). Sisera took every chariot and soldier at his disposal to the valley below Mount Tabor. Deborah advised Barak it was time to attack. She assured him that God's people had an immeasurable unseen advantage: "The LORD is marching ahead of you." God caused panic to break out among Sisera's army. This disruption allowed Barak to completely destroy the Canaanites. Deborah's role in this story is clear. She did not command the army; she simply proclaimed the word of the Lord. The godly leaders in our own lives help us understand God's Word and see how it applies specifically to us. They help us recognize how God is working. They inspire us to trust His goodness and rest in His salvation. When the tide turned against the Canaanite army, Sisera abandoned his troops and fled the battlefield. He eventually reached the tent of Heber, "Whose family was on friendly terms with King Jabin of Hazor." Heber may have taken sides against Israel, but his wife Jael proved to have different loyalties. Her actions seem extremely brutal, but she was fulfilling her role in the deliverance of God's people (verses 20-23). God used both Deborah and Jael to end the oppression of the Canaanites. This story illustrates how God used even unlikely people to bring about His will.

 Discuss?  Deborah is one of the most virtuous and faithful characters in the Book of Judges. What can we learn from her example?

Part 2-- Gideon: Chosen to Rescue Israel

                         Gideon Questions the Angel of the Lord            Judges 6:1-13                    

Judges 6:1-6 describes how Israel fell into yet another cycle of sin. This time, the Lord handed them over to the Midianites for seven years. When Israel cried out to God, He sent an unnamed prophet to expose their idolatry and remind them to worship only God (verses 7-10). Unlike previous judges, Gideon was visited by the angel of the Lord, who said, "Mighty hero, the LORD is with you" (verse 12). But instead of accepting the angel's words, Gideon asked a series of questions about whether God was with the Israelites (verse 13).

DISCUSS? Gideon believed God had abandoned His people and responded to the angel out of his pain and fear. Have you ever reacted poorly when you were struggling to sense God's presence? If so, how?

God Sends Gideon                   Judges 6:14-16

In Judges 6:14, God told Gideon, "Go with the strength you have, and rescue Israel from the Midianites. I  am sending you!" Gideon responded by pointing out his inadequacies. He seemingly wanted to evade his calling, since the task before him was daunting and dangerous. But God promised him, "I will be with you.: Verse 34 adds that the Holy Spirit "clothed Gideon with power." Gideon still asked for signs to verify what God was saying (verses 17-40), but he eventually laid aside his insecurity and carried out the LORD'S will.

Discuss? Some Christians struggle with insecurities and doubts, even when they have placed their faith in the Lord. How can we help one another obey God and carry out His will?

      Part 3- Miraculous Victory

        Ready for Battle      Judges 7:1-18

Gideon's alternate name "Jerub-baal" in Judges 7:1 recalls the  way he bravely destroyed his father's idolatrous worship center and replaced it with an altar to the Lord (6:25-32). Chapter 7 records how Gideon dutifully followed the Lord's direction, reducing his army to 300 men before attacking the Midianites so Israel would know the victory had come from God alone (verses 1-7). To calm any lingering fears, the Lord directed Gideon to sneak down to the Midianite camp on a scouting mission at the precise moment a Midianite soldier interpreted a dream as a sign that Israel would be  victorious (verses 7-14). Now that his own faith  and zeal were kindled, Gideon was able to encourage the 300 soldiers under his command. Under the cover of darkness, the army separated into three groups of 100 men. each soldier was given a ram's horn and a jar with a torch in it. The  stage was set for a miraculous victory.

Discuss? In what ways does our own faith grow unevenly sometimes--as if we're taking two steps forward and one step back?

Miraculous Victory                Judges 7:19-25

The Midianites rushed around in a panic, shouting as they ran to escape, and began to fight against each other with their swords. The Midianites who survived the confusion quickly fled. Verses 23-25 record how Gideon wisely called upon some of the northern tribes to send warriors after the escaping Midianites. The enemy soldiers were trapped trying to cross the Jordan, and the entire Midianite army was destroyed. God had given Israel the victory. Gideon's story reminds us that we all have a part to play in advancing God's kingdom, even when our faith or resources are small. If we trust God and humbly recognize our dependence on Him, we can do amazing things for His glory. Our weakness prove that every victory truly belongs to the Lord.

DISCUSS? In  what unexpected ways has God allowed you to be part of His plan? What might He be calling you to do next?

WHAT IS GOD SAYING TO US? 

God empowered Othniel and Ehud for their roles in delivering Israel from their oppressors. Even during the years when Israel was caught in idolatry and sin, God was actively preparing judges for the moment the people turned to Him for help. God also prepares us for the roles He has called us to fill. As we seek Him, turn from temptation, and follow His direction, we can advance His kingdom and bring the freedom and victory of Jesus to people who are oppressed by sin.

LIVING IT OUT

Think of a friend, family member, or coworker who is oppressed by sin and lovingly remind them of the freedom Jesus offers.

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               DAILY BIBLE READING

      Monday: Equipped by God. Exodus 4:1-7

                             Tuesday: God Overpowers the Enemy. Esther 9:1-10

                                            Wednesday: Called and Commissioned to Service. Jer. 1:1-10

                           Thursday: Set Apart for Service. Galatians 1:11-17

           Friday: Walk in the Spirit. Galatians 5:16-25

                                 Saturday: Use the Gift You Have Received. 1 Peter 4:7-11

Gospel Publishing House. 1445 N. Boonville Ave. Springfield, Missouri 65802 Volume 107 Number 1. Sep. Oct. Nov 2025