The Judges: Deborah

Judges: Deborah and Barak go into Battle by Jennifer Tolbert

God has rescued and provided for the children of Israel. They have experienced his miracles, wonders, provision and protection. Over and over, he has proven himself to be true and faithful to them. Over and over, they continue to doubt and fail. Even as they dwell in the Promised Land, they forget the God who brought them there! 

In this story, the children of Israel have turned from God and have again started worshipping idols. God sends them judges, like Deborah to guide them and lead them back to God. This is the story of how Deborah and Barak lead the Israelites in battle against the Canaanites. 

Key Themes: 

• We should not worship idols. 
• Integrity is standing for what is right, even if it means standing alone. 
• God wants us to have faith in Him. 

Memory Verse

Joshua 24:15
“But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

Songs

Books of the Old Testament
The B.I.B.L.E.
He's Got The Whole World In His Hands
​Hear, O Israel
​Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho
Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus
I'm in the Lord's Army
My God is So Big
The Judges Song

Story

Begin Class with Songs, Games, Table Activity, or Sharing Time
 
Open Class in Prayer

Introducing the Story Ideas
1. Stuck in the Mud
This is a take on the classic game of freeze tag by Trueway Kids. Use this game to discuss being stuck in sin and what it looks like to help pull a friend out of sin. 

2. Palm Tree Court
Set up a make believe court for the kids and give them silly scenarios to "judge" between. Let the kids argue their case before the judge. You can find more information at Rotation.org.


Story: ​In this story, the children of Israel have again fallen away from God. They have started worshipping idols and forgotten about all that God has done for them. As a consequence, God allowed them to be conquered by the neighboring Canaanites. This is the story of how Deborah and Barak faithfully lead the Israelites into battle against the Canaanites. 

SHOW the power point Deborah and Barak Go Into Battle or read Judges 4-5.
EMPHASIZE that:

• We can encourage our friends like Deborah did for Barak.
• God wants us to have faith. 
• God wants us to stand up for what is right. 

Visual Aids

Video: The Story of Deborah by God's Story

Video: Deborah and Barak by My First Bible

Video: God's People-Deborah by God's Story

Video: The Judges by My First Bible

God is...

Challenge the children to come up with "God is" statements based on this story such as God is faithful, God is powerful, etc. ​

Activities

Chariot Craft by Trueway Kids

Deborah and Palm Tree Craft by 10 Minutes of Quality Time

Judge Deborah Spinner Craft on Etsy