Awake, Awake, Deborah Judges 4:1-7 November 15, 2020

Judges 4:1-7 The Israelites again did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, after Ehud died. So the LORD sold them into the hand of King Jabin of Canaan, who reigned in Hazor; the commander of his army was Sisera, who lived in Harosheth-ha-goiim. Then the Israelites cried out to the LORD for help; for he had nine hundred chariots of iron, and had oppressed the Israelites cruelly twenty years. At that time Deborah, a prophetess, wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel. She used to sit under the palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim; and the Israelites came up to her for judgment. She sent and summoned Barak son of Abinoam from Kedesh in Naphtali, and said to him, “The LORD, the God of Israel, commands you, ‘Go, take position at Mount Tabor, bringing ten thousand from the tribe of Naphtali and the tribe of Zebulun. I will draw out Sisera, the general of Jabin’s army, to meet you by the Wadi Kishon with his chariots and his troops; and I will give him into your hand.’ ” Awake, Awake, Deborah Judges 4:1-7 November 15, 2020 Rev. Michael Catanzaro I. Well, this is going to be harder than we thought, and require a lot more work than we imagined. We had the notion, naively, that once the election had ended, there would be some easing of the situation, some rest from the weariness. But, nothing is ever really easy, and so with rates of COVID infection surging, both nationally and here in our own county, and with the political situation still rumbling, our only option is to "March on, we souls, with might.”

This week’s sermon is a direct result of last week’s worship service when Ellen Grayson eagerly proclaimed her joy at having a woman in the West wing of the white house, rather than just the East wing, and, also, last week’s scripture reading where the Psalmist admonished us to incline our ears to dark sayings from of old, things that we have heard and known, that our ancestors have told us. This will be a fairly big bite to chew, so we’ll all need to pull together on this one.

II. True, the other lectionary readings for today, the Parable of the Talents from Matthew and Paul’s warning in 1 Thessalonians that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night, would have made for a much easier sermon; both from the perspective of the listener, and, especially, from that of the writer. But, the journey of faith is ever an arduous task, so let us begin today’s leg of the sojourn. The Book of Judges speaks to a very interesting, though often over-looked, time period in the history of the Hebrews. I know I’ve never written on it, and I’d guess most of you have never heard a sermon preached from it. So, today will be a first for most of us.

The books of the OT which precede Judges, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Deuteronomy and Joshua, are generally understood as a History of God at work in world to lead the chosen people to the land initially promised to Abraham and Sarah. What follows, beginning with Judges, is a history of what these people do once they get there. III. What has come to be known as “The Period Of The Judges” is covered in the Book of Judges (and, also, Ruth) and begins right after Joshua establishes a foothold in Canaan at the decisive victory at Jericho (when the walls came tumbling down) and extends to the establishment of the monarchy described in I & II Samuel, with Saul becoming the first king at the insistence of the people but against the warning of God. The Period of the Judges begins in late 14th century BCE and ends in late 17th century; a span of a tad more than 300 years.

As an unelected, non-hereditary leader, the influence of a Judge was often localized as there really was no “nation” per se as of yet but, rather, a loose tribal confederacy. Rather than through appointment or dictate, Judges were given authority more from consensus, as they enjoyed the favor of the people in being perceived as chosen by God to be an agent of God.

IV. The primary role of a Judge was that of military champion or “deliverer”; but, also, social and legal arbiter. Though there were almost certainly other, less well-known and unnamed Judges, the Biblical record articulates 11 of these so called Judges, each from a different tribe of Israel; Othniel, Shamgar, Deborah, Gideon, Tola, Jair, Jephthah, Ibzan, Elon, Abdon, and Samson; with a 12th, Ehud, generally being included as he served in essentially the same capacity.

Regardless of the particular person, however, the challenge set before each Judge was exactly the same: to call and cause the people to return to right covenantal relationship with God. The story of The Period of the Judges follows a neat pattern: obedience to Yahweh’s Law, or Torah, leads to welfare and peace; disobedience results in hardship and defeat. Though perhaps more vividly illustrated in this particular chapter of the story, this really is the same old story we’ve always seen being played out with the followers of Yahweh; and, if we’re being honest, later with the followers of Christ. V. The people of Israel did what was evil by forsaking Yahweh, who brought them out of Egypt, and by turning to serve the gods of the surrounding peoples. Therefore, Yahweh’s anger was kindled against them, and they were delivered into the power of their enemies, who oppressed them. In their affliction, the people cried out in penitence. So, Yahweh, moved to pity, raised up a judge who delivered them from their enemies. Throughout the lifetime of the judge, the land enjoyed rest. However, when the judge died the people fell back into idolatry. Therefore the anger of Yahweh was kindled against Israel, and Yahweh sold them again into the hands of their plunders. This history, which is very much our own, seems to show the the downfall of a people often begins not with external military pressure, but with internal moral and spiritual decay.

VI. Into this cyclic story enters Deborah, the only female Judge, and the only Judge to also be called a prophet/prophetess. Though we do not know how Deborah became a Judge, unlike the other Judges who were proclaimed so only after victorious military campaigns, Deborah, interestingly, achieves this status prior to such an event. And so, in our scripture reading for today we find her sitting under the palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim; with the Israelites coming up to her for judgment.

Eventually, though, that military event did arrive, at what is called the Battle of Megiddo. In Deborah’s day, the Israelites had safely entrenched themselves in the central hill county, but could not dislodge the Canaanites who occupied the plains; particularly the strategic Valley of Jezreel.

VII. The Canaanites occupied the fortress Megiddo which guarded the pass into this valley and, hence, controlled the trade routes which were the commercial life-line for the Israelites. As today’s scripture relates, the Canaanite King Jabin had oppressed the Israelites cruelly for twenty years. So, Deborah called Barak to muster forces,10,000 solders from the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun to battle the Canaanites who were commanded by a General Sisera; with Deborah promising that she would deliver Sisera, and the Canaanites, into their hands. The only hitch in the giddy-up was Sisera’s 900 chariots of iron, a formidable military advantage in that day. What today’s scripture reading doesn’t relate, are the events of the outcome of this epic battle which are recounted in “The Song Of Deborah” found in Judges chapter 5 which I have included as a bulletin insert, and below at the end of this sermon.

VIII. It is widely agreed that the Song of Deborah is a firsthand, authentic historical witness. It is one of the oldest passages of poetry in the OT written by one who stood very near the event, perhaps by a participant. The poem deals with history as it was lived, not a history as reported by a detached observer. The song describes the chaotic conditions that existed until “you arose, Deborah, arose as the mother of Israel.” The song hints that the battle was instigated by the people, who called, “Awake, Awake, Deborah!” And, the song relates how the battle turned with the intervention of Yahweh, causing a sudden storm and flash-flood, “The stars fought from heaven, from their courses they fought against Sisera, the torrent Kishon swept them away.” A flood which disabled the Canaanite chariots, miring them in mud, giving Israel’s infantry the victory. Finally, the song of Deborah goes on to tell how Sisera fled from defeat only to be vanquished by another female hero, Jael, who used warm milk to lull Sisera to sleep and, then, drive a tent stake through him.

IX. Talk about dark sayings of old, not to put too fine a point on it. That this scripture should appear as a lectionary reading right on the heels of a woman being elected to the second highest office in our land, is cause for us to pause and to recognize that throughout the Bible God has called women to serve as pivotal players at crucial moments in the unfolding story of a God at work in lives of nations and their people.

Women like the prophetess Miriam, older sister of Moses, who helped save his life and preserve their family by cunningly convincing Pharoah’s daughter to have Moses’ own mother serve as his wet-nurse. Women like Rachel, whose patience and grit who would prove to save the Israelites from starvation through her son Joseph. Women like Ruth the Moabite whose loyalty and love for her mother-in-law Ruth formed a royal blood-line to Jesus as the great-grandmother of King David. Women like Hannah, whose commitment to education and faith, would imbue her son, Samuel the prophet, with the wisdom to help found a nation through his anointing of David as King. Women like Esther, a Jewish Queen of a Persian King, who thwarted the genocide of her people. Women like Mary of Bethany, sister to Martha and Lazarus, who was commended by Jesus for “choosing the better” in sitting at his feet to learn rather than standing in the kitchen to work. Women like Mary Magdalene, a disciple of Jesus (and, perhaps, more) to whom was accorded the privilege and responsibility of being the first to greet the risen Christ amid her sorrow and compassion. And, Women like Priscilla, a 1st century missionary and leader in the early church; who strengthened and sustained it, quite probably in the role of Presbyter, our tradition’s first women Elder.

XI. In spite of this, however, I must admit that last Sunday, when Ellen Grayson stood to share her joy, I didn’t get it; not fully, not really. I didn’t appreciate the incredible significance, to her and millions of women, that such a triumphant day had arrived after so very long in coming; taking 100 years since women first won the right to vote. Thank you Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and the thousands of women’s souls who marched on with might, and labored for so very long to ensure the right of self-determination for half of our nation. Thank you, also, to the women of our church for your deep commitment and relentless effort to keep our church running year after year, for your sagacious leadership which guides us at every turn to meet any challenge, and, for the profound compassion you display in caring about, and caring for, your sisters and brothers in Christ, here in these pews, out in our community and those half a world away. XII. This past Wednesday, at Partridge Knoll, I used this passage from Judges and the story of Deborah for my homily. As is often my habit during this monthly worship service, I invited reflection and comment, as I so very much appreciate this group’s unique perspective, and often incorporate it into the sermon I’ll be writing for the coming Sunday.

Typically, only a very few will respond. However, last week, when I asked them to share how they have seen the role of women change in their life-time, almost every single person, all women I might add, had their own story to tell about how they had to overcome expectations and limitations placed on them, specifically, in their work place, and, generally, within the society at large. How male co-workers opposed or resented their personal advancement, and how, once, the only vocations open to them were those of teacher, nurse or secretary.

XIII. All too often, we forget our history: what we have heard and known, that our ancestors have told us. We forget how difficult the struggle has been, and is, for our mothers, our sisters and our daughters. We forget the vital role women have always had, and have, in our church. We forget the crucial and critical place women have always had, and have, in God’s unfolding plan for this world. We forget to Awake, Awake to the Deborahs in our life who take on the challenge of the moment and the challenge of their generation, whatever they maybe, to battle those forces that would oppress us cruelly for as long as we allow them.

Deborahs who remind us of the simple truth that obedience to God Law of love leads to welfare and peace; while disobedience to that law only results in hardship and defeat. And, until reminded by those Deborahs among us, who awaken us to triumphantly celebrate, we forget to sing, dance, laugh and feast with each victory we enjoy along the way, and the final victory won for us by the cross of Christ.

Amen. The Song of Deborah

5 Then Deborah and Barak son of Abinoam sang on that day, saying: 2 “When locks are long in Israel, when the people offer themselves willingly— bless the Lord! 3 “Hear, O kings; give ear, O princes; to the Lord I will sing, I will make melody to the Lord, the God of Israel. 4 “Lord, when you went out from Seir, when you marched from the region of Edom, the earth trembled, and the heavens poured, the clouds indeed poured water. 5 The mountains quaked before the Lord, the One of Sinai, before the Lord, the God of Israel. 6 “In the days of Shamgar son of Anath, in the days of Jael, caravans ceased and travelers kept to the byways. 7 The peasantry prospered in Israel, they grew fat on plunder, because you arose, Deborah, arose as a mother in Israel. 8 When new gods were chosen, then war was in the gates. Was shield or spear to be seen among forty thousand in Israel? 9 My heart goes out to the commanders of Israel who offered themselves willingly among the people. Bless the Lord. 10 “Tell of it, you who ride on white donkeys, you who sit on rich carpets and you who walk by the way. 11 To the sound of musicians at the watering places, there they repeat the triumphs of the Lord, the triumphs of his peasantry in Israel. “Then down to the gates marched the people of the Lord. 12 “Awake, awake, Deborah! Awake, awake, utter a song! Arise, Barak, lead away your captives, O son of Abinoam. 13 Then down marched the remnant of the noble; the people of the Lord marched down for him against the mighty. 14 From Ephraim they set out into the valley, following you, Benjamin, with your kin; from Machir marched down the commanders, and from Zebulun those who bear the marshal’s staff; 15 the chiefs of Issachar came with Deborah, and Issachar faithful to Barak; into the valley they rushed out at his heels. Among the clans of Reuben there were great searchings of heart. 16 Why did you tarry among the sheepfolds, to hear the piping for the flocks? Among the clans of Reuben there were great searchings of heart. 17 Gilead stayed beyond the Jordan; and Dan, why did he abide with the ships? Asher sat still at the coast of the sea, settling down by his landings. 18 Zebulun is a people that scorned death; Naphtali too, on the heights of the field. 19 “The kings came, they fought; then fought the kings of Canaan, at Taanach, by the waters of Megiddo; they got no spoils of silver. 20 The stars fought from heaven, from their courses they fought against Sisera. 21 The torrent Kishon swept them away, the onrushing torrent, the torrent Kishon. March on, my soul, with might! 22 “Then loud beat the horses’ hoofs with the galloping, galloping of his steeds. 23 “Curse Meroz, says the angel of the Lord, curse bitterly its inhabitants, because they did not come to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty. 24 “Most blessed of women be Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, of tent-dwelling women most blessed. 25 He asked water and she gave him milk, she brought him curds in a lordly bowl. 26 She put her hand to the tent peg and her right hand to the workmen’s mallet; she struck Sisera a blow, she crushed his head, she shattered and pierced his temple. 27 He sank, he fell, he lay still at her feet; at her feet he sank, he fell; where he sank, there he fell dead. 28 “Out of the window she peered, the mother of Sisera gazed through the lattice: ‘Why is his chariot so long in coming? Why tarry the hoofbeats of his chariots?’ 29 Her wisest ladies make answer, indeed, she answers the question herself: 30 ‘Are they not finding and dividing the spoil?— A girl or two for every man; spoil of dyed stuffs for Sisera, spoil of dyed stuffs embroidered, two pieces of dyed work embroidered for my neck as spoil?’ 31 “So perish all your enemies, O Lord! But may your friends be like the sun as it rises in its might.” And the land had rest forty years.