Read Judges 4-5

When leaders lead in Israel, When the people willingly offer themselves, Bless the LORD! Hear, O kings! Give ear, O princes! I, even I, will sing to the LORD; I will sing praise to the LORD God of Israel. (Judges 5:2-3)

After Joshua had passed on; the Israelites turned to idolatry. They were harassed and attacked by the enemies. They would cry to God and He would raise up a judge to lead and deliver them. On this third occasion, Jabin, king of Canaan had oppressed them for twenty years. God raised Deborah to deliver them.

Upon her victory; she sang the occasion in poetic form. First, she sang praise to God for the leaders lead willingly (Judges 5:9) and people offer themselves willingly to fight for Israel as the tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali did, (Judges 5:18). It was divine providence on their hearts, moving and drawing them to this service. It was the Lord on this account, who works in the hearts to will and to do whether in things spiritual or civil.

Second, she sang for the way God intervened in the warfare. She saw the Lord goes before her, the earth trembling with the storm that destroy the forces of Jabin (Judges 5:3-8). It is also to recount the victory to be remembered (Judges 5:10-12).

Finally, she sang praise to God for the long-term effect of the victory for those who love Him will be like the sun coming forth in full strength (Judges 5:31)

We can be assured of victory when we offer ourselves to honour the Lord willingly with gratitude. We set forth with praises in whatever we do even so with the end in mind concerning the warfare.

Prayer: Father God, thank You for raising up willing leaders to lead. I offer myself in whatever capacity You have placed me. You be my constant focus of praise as I engaged in warfare. I can sing and draw others to praise You for Your great deliverance.

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