Judge Deborah and Her Coworker Barak (Judges 4:1–9)
Judge Deborah and Her Coworker Barak (Judges 4:1–9) 3/29/2026
After Shamgar, the fourth judge is Deborah, along with her coworker Barak who helped her. Shamgar was a victor who killed 600 Philistines with an ox goad, but there is no record that he ruled Israel. The primary role of a judge was not only to defeat Israel’s enemies but also to govern the people.
This is a foreshadowing of Christ, who has kingship. Christ possesses eternal kingship, has overcome our enemies, and now rules us through the Holy Spirit. In that sense, we are sharing about Deborah, who played a role like a type of Christ.
Deborah was the only female judge. In the Old Testament, this is likely the first and last instance of a woman being established as a leader.
What is certain is that if God chooses to use someone, it does not matter whether they are male or female—especially in the gospel (Galatians 3:28
). The work of the Lord is not done by human ability. If the Lord intends to use someone, no one can stop it.
More importantly, Deborah did not fight alone in battle. There was someone who stood before her and fought. It was Barak, who became her lifelong coworker. Together, they created God’s masterpiece.
- What kind of Judge was Deborah?
1) She was the wife of Lappidoth and a prophetess.
The mention of her husband shows that she faithfully supported her family. For any leader or worker, if they are not living alone, this is an essential quality.
① Taking good care of one’s household is the beginning of leadership (1 Timothy 3:2–5). From this, the next generation is raised and future leaders emerge. Also, those in important positions must have helpers. This is why God gave Eve to Adam as a “coworker” to help fulfill his calling.
② Deborah was a prophetess. She was chosen and used by God, and a prophet is one who receives and delivers God’s Word. No matter how complete someone may seem worldly, if God does not intend to use them, they cannot be used.
③ When Jesus called the twelve disciples, He “called those He wanted” (Mark 3:13–15). For three years, He trained them spiritually to overcome enemies, love souls, and save people through evangelism. This is the most important training for those who will be used as leaders in the church.
2) Deborah was used in a time of great crisis.
True leadership emerges in difficult times. Whether in family, church, or society, leadership brings important results in difficult times.
① Israel had been oppressed for 20 years by a Canaanite king with 900 iron chariots (v.3). These were powerful war machines, carried by two horses, and there were armed men shooting arrows on the chariots. With that alone, Israel trembled in fear, and Israel had no power or weapon to defeat them.
② Yet in verses 14–15, God handed the enemy over to His people, throwing them into confusion. Those who experience God’s work like this are true believers and disciples, the bartizans of God’s kingdom. If God works and helps us, no enemy can stand against us.
3) For those saved by God, three absolute things must be clear.
① Look to the Triune God who rules from the heavenly throne (absolute bartizan).
He transcends time and space, is unprecedented and never repeated, power of light that overcomes darkness, and has the power to save all nations. God sets His bartizan and watchmen and continues His work for those who look to Him (Isaiah 62:6–7).
② God is with us through the Holy Spirit in every path we take (absolute journey). He goes with us, guides us, and works through His power. This must be enjoyed through prayer. This is why we must meditate on the Word given, and enjoy the blessing of prayer (Joshua 1:8–9).
③ Believe that God will use even someone lacking like me to save others and reveal His glory (absolute guidepost). God used the early church, starting from Calvary, the Mount of Olives, and Mark’s Upper Room to reach conquest of Rome. At Calvary, the covenant of Christ that solved sin and broke Satan’s power was fulfilled. At the Mount of Olives, Jesus taught about God’s kingdom, the blessing and mission, for 40 days to the failed disciples. At Mark’s Upper Room, through 10 days of concentrated prayer, the Holy Spirit came and everything changed. These people saved Rome.
- Barak, the coworker who helped Deborah win the battle.
1) Deborah first called Barak and told him God would defeat the enemy through him (v.6).
① Barak hesitated at first, just as we often struggle due to our circumstances. So he asked Deborah, God’s prophet, to go before him.
② This is far better than acting in pride and falling into arrogance, trusting only one’s own strength. Many leaders fall into pride, working with their own powers, seeking and falling into their own glory (e.g., Pharaoh, King Saul, King Herod).
③ This is why Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey (Matthew 21:1–5). He showed humility and lived to fulfill the Father’s will (John 6:38). Christ Himself became a coworker with the Father.
2) Barak placed Deborah in front and chose to be her coworker.
① The Bible contains many models of such coworkers who created God’s work together.
There were important co-workers to Moses in the age if the Wilderness. Jethro, Aaron, Hur, Joshua, and Caleb. Joshua had co-workers that led the age of Canaan conquest. The leaders of the twelve tribes and hidden coworker Caleb. There were many co-workers that opened the door of world evangelism along with Paul.
② They were “God’s coworkers,” established and blessed by Him. They also became coworkers to God’s servants and to one another. In family, workplace, and church, we should become such coworkers who fulfill God’s will.
Conclusion – After these two defeated Israel’s enemies, Deborah ruled Israel for 40 years, and there was peace in the land. The conclusion of the song they sang is this.
“Lord, may all Your enemies perish like this, but may those who love You be like the sun when it rises in its strength” (Judges 5:31). May we also be able to sing this confession of blessing together.
3.29.26 Judge Deborah and Her Coworker Barak
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