The prophet Deborah transforms chaos into order and, as a woman, leads Israel in one of the most pivotal victories of the settlement period teaching us all what is worth fighting for, where our loyalties lie, and asks do we trust the Lord in all battles. The Book of Judges narrates one of the most chaotic and morally dark eras of Israel's story. Many speak of it as Israel's "Wild West," where the heroes and the villains stand only inches apart. Into this morally ambiguous time comes one of the most unlikely leaders of the biblical text-the prophet Deborah. She is a wife and mother in an entirely patriarchal world, yet due to her integrity and courage she transforms chaos into order and leads Israel in one of the most pivotal victories of the settlement period. Illustrating the era of the Judges by means of the archaeological record, historical geography, and the hard facts of warfare in the ancient world, this study draws students immediately into the grand tale of Deborah and Barak, Jabin and Sisera, and of course the most unlikely of leaders, Jael. This study compels the modern reader to ask and answer three critical questions: • What territory can you see from where you're standing that you know belongs to the Kingdom, but is not yet won? • Is it worth fighting for? • Are you willing to step out on faith and trust God for the victory?
