And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. (Hebrews 11:32-34, NKJV).
Although slightly earlier in the time of the Judges of Israel than Gideon, and rather than a judge himself, Barak was a commander in her army under Deborah, the prophetess (Judges 4-5). It was she who was Judge over the nation at this time.
For once again, the people had done evil in the sight of the Lord and had come under oppression from their enemies (a depressing pattern). Thus Jabin, King of Canaan, and his general, Sisera, ravaged Israel for 20 years. Then the nation cried out to the LORD for a Deliverer, and Barak was risen up.
Yet he would do nothing without Deborah, the wife of Lapidoth, and was not willing to follow her directives from the Lord without her being present.
This may seem that he was less than courageous and obedient, but can we make that conclusion? Barak is here in Hebrews 11 as an example of the Old Testament faithful, so, although he forfeit personal glory by insisting the prophetess accompany him, he was nonetheless victorious over the enemy.
Of that time it says: When leaders lead in Israel, When the people willingly offer themselves, Bless the LORD! (Judges 5:2, NKJV).
So this we know, Barak was a leader who, by faith, sought out the prophetess of God, and with her, delivered the people.
A woman in authority over the nation was a rare occurrence. When it happened, it mostly did not go well, as with Jezebel, wife of evil King Ahab of Israel, and Maacah, queen mother of Abijam, evil King of Judah.
But Deborah was different. She was both Judge and prophetess, and heard directly from the LORD, as did Samuel after her.
Barak insisted on partnering with her, and by so doing we see a glimpse into his mind. I believe he sought her because, by faith, he sought the Lord, and Barak recognized Deborah was the LORD's designated representative. He believed she spoke for God, and through her, he wanted God with him in his exploits… even if it cost him glory and pride.
Deborah sent for Barak and commanded him to go to war with Jabin and Sisera. And Barak said to her, “If you will go with me, then I will go; but if you will not go with me, I will not go!” So she said, “I will surely go with you; nevertheless there will be no glory for you in the journey you are taking, for the LORD will sell Sisera into the hand of a woman.” Then Deborah arose and went with Barak to Kedesh. (Judges 4:8, 9, NKJV).
Would Sisera have been delivered into the hand of a woman, Jael, who killed the mighty general with a tent peg through his skull, had Barak not made his obedience conditional? The Scripture does not say.
But it does say that Barak led the army in successful battle time and again after this, and he made certain to honor both Deborah and Jael in song for their part in throwing off the Canaanite oppression.
By faith, he had no problem NOT being the center of attention. By faith, he did not balk at being subordinate to a woman. By faith he went against the tide of culture and tradition and sought out both the direction and presence of this woman of God.
What does this ancient example teach us today?
It shows us that God will use even the quirky and reluctant obedience of a single man to bring about His purposes.
It illustrates that faithfulness and renown do not always go hand in hand.
It demonstrates that sometimes the faith of one man needs a kick in the pants by a faithful woman.
And it teaches that once that first step of faith is taken, great victories can be won.
So then, thank God for the lesson of Barak, who perhaps faltered at the start of his race, but finished well - better, in fact, than many others who let God's success go to their heads.
