Judges 3:31–5:31 When Fear Stands in the Way of Faith

Judges 3:31–5:31 When Fear Stands in the Way of Faith

Introduction: There is a game or challenge called “mystery box.” The premise is that the participant must place their hand inside a box without knowing what’s inside. The anticipation often comes from watching the person before them scream, flinch, or refuse to participate. Whether it's harmless or unpleasant, the mystery affects how people react.

Our lives aren't quite like this game—but the illustration reminds us that external circumstances often influence our decisions. When it comes to following Christ, fear, insecurity, and worldly obstacles can tempt us to stay still. But faith calls us to move—even when the future is unclear.

In today’s passage, we meet two unlikely heroes—Deborah and Jael—and a hesitant man named Barak. The question this story leaves us with is this: What is holding you back from doing what God has called you to do?

1. Israel’s Return to Slavery (Judges 3:31–4:3)

After God raised up Shamgar to bring deliverance, Israel once again did what was evil in His sight. As a result, the Lord handed them over to Jabin, king of Canaan, and Sisera, his military commander. With 900 iron chariots, Sisera cruelly oppressed Israel for twenty years.

From a historical perspective, one reason Israel had no real way to defend themselves is because conquered peoples were often prohibited from producing weapons (1 Samuel 13:19). By stripping the people of means to fight, the enemy maintained control. It was a logical tactic after previous revolts.

But Israel's oppression wasn't just military—it was spiritual. Sin had led them into slavery. This wasn’t the first time, and it wouldn’t be the last. Yet once again, they cried out to the Lord.

2. The Failure of a Chosen Redeemer (Judges 4:4–10)

Deborah was a prophetess and judge in Israel. She summoned Barak and reminded him of the Lord’s command: gather 10,000 men and meet Sisera in battle. God promised victory, but Barak hesitated. He agreed to go only if Deborah went with him.

Barak's fear was understandable. He was facing a powerful, well-equipped army. But he also lacked faith. God had already given the command and promised the outcome. Because of his hesitation, Deborah informed him that the glory of the victory would go to a woman instead.

Barak is a mirror for us. What has God called you to do that you're still waiting to act on? Is it fear? Insecurity? A sense of unworthiness? The call to follow Jesus does not come after perfection—it comes in the midst of weakness. His Spirit equips those He calls.

3. The Faithfulness of the Spirit of Christ (Judges 4:11–17)

Sisera was confident. He mobilized his chariots and soldiers to meet Israel. But what he didn’t account for was what God would do.

Though it’s only briefly hinted in the narrative, Judges 5 reveals that God sent rain. That rain turned the battlefield into mud. Chariots became useless. God was fighting for His people. The very advantage Sisera relied on became a trap.

Barak went into battle without confidence in himself—but God responded with mercy. As Sisera’s army fell into disarray, Barak and his men overwhelmed them and won. By a simple act of providence, the Lord overturned the power of a superior enemy.

4. Salvation Through God’s Providence (Judges 4:18–23)

Sisera fled on foot and stumbled into the tent of Jael, a woman from a neutral tribe. She welcomed him, gave him milk, and covered him. When he fell asleep, she drove a tent peg through his temple.

It’s a violent end, but it fulfilled Deborah’s prophecy: the glory of this victory would belong to a woman. God had made it clear—He would save Israel, even if their human leader hesitated. Jael's actions, shocking as they are, were part of God's providential plan to deliver His people.

It also reminds us that God's purposes are never thwarted. He uses unexpected people in unexpected ways. The promise of salvation does not rely on our strength—but on God's sovereign faithfulness.

5. A Song of Victory (Judges 5)

The following chapter records Deborah and Barak’s song—a celebration of God’s faithfulness. In it, they describe how the earth trembled and the heavens dropped rain (Judges 5:4). They reflect on how Israel had been weaponless and defeated, yet the Lord acted on their behalf.

It’s a reminder to us that our strength, skill, or status is never the determining factor. God is the one who secures the victory. He confounds the strong with the weak, the proud with the humble, and the powerful with those the world forgets.

Reflection

• Have you allowed fear or insecurity to keep you from obeying God’s call?
• Do you believe God still uses flawed people—like Barak, like Deborah, like Jael—to accomplish His purposes?
• Are you willing to trust that God can bring victory, even when you don’t have all the tools or answers?

Conclusion

This passage challenges us not to shrink back. It shows us that God does not depend on our strength. He delights in using the humble, the hesitant, and the overlooked to accomplish His work.

Christ is our victorious Judge—greater than Barak, wiser than Deborah, and more powerful than any oppressor. He does not fail. He went to war on our behalf, defeated sin and death, and now calls us to follow Him into a kingdom that cannot be shaken.

Don’t wait until you feel ready. Go forward in obedience. The Spirit of Christ goes before you.

Scripture References

• Titus 3:4–7 – God saved us not because of our righteousness but because of His mercy, renewing us by the Holy Spirit and justifying us by grace.
• Exodus 4:1, 10, 13 – Moses expresses fear and insecurity about his calling, asking God to send someone else.
• Jonah 1:2–3 – Jonah flees from God's call due to hatred or indifference toward those he was sent to.
• 1 Corinthians 1:18–25 – The message of the cross is foolishness to the world but is the power and wisdom of God for those who are called.
• Acts 9:10–15 – Ananias hesitates to obey God’s call due to fear, yet God confirms Saul is a chosen instrument.
• Philippians 1:27–30 – Believers are encouraged to live lives worthy of the gospel, standing firm and not frightened by opponents.
• Hebrews 2:14–15 – Jesus destroyed the power of death held by the devil and delivered those in lifelong slavery.
• Colossians 2:13–15 – Christ forgave our sin, canceled our debt, and triumphed over spiritual powers through the cross.
• John 10:22–30 – Jesus declares that His sheep hear His voice, follow Him, and are secure in His hand.
• Matthew 9:9–13 – Jesus calls Matthew, dines with sinners, and states that He came to call not the righteous, but sinners.
• 1 Samuel 13:19 – Under Philistine oppression, Israel was not allowed blacksmiths to keep them from making weapons.
• Exodus 14:22–25 – God confounds Pharaoh’s chariots by clogging their wheels as Israel crosses the Red Sea.