Without a King: Part 4 – “Nailed It!”

Main Text: Judges 4–5

Message Overview

Judges 4–5 tells the incredible story of Deborah, Barak, and Jael, three very different people whom God used to bring victory to Israel. Deborah was a prophet and leader who spoke the Word of God with wisdom and courage. Barak was a warrior who stepped out in faith to face an impossible battle. Jael was an ordinary woman who used what was already in her hands to defeat the enemy. Together, their story reminds us that God goes before His people and wins the battle, inviting us to join what He’s already doing.

 The Cycle Continues (4:1–3)

Once again, Israel fell back into sin after their leader died. They were enslaved and oppressed for twenty years under King Jabin and his commander Sisera. God allowed this discipline to turn their hearts back to Him.
Truth: If we don’t put sin to death, it will eventually come back stronger to enslave us.

 Deborah: The Wise Leader (4:4–9)

Deborah’s name means “honeybee.” She brought both sweetness and strength to God’s people. As a prophet and judge, she declared God’s Word and led Israel with courage and discernment. When Barak hesitated, Deborah reminded him, “Has not the Lord gone ahead of you?”
Truth: God doesn’t just fight with us, He fights before us. The victory is already His.

 Barak: The Faithful Soldier (4:10–16)

Barak gathered ten thousand men to face an army of thousands with nine hundred iron chariots. Humanly speaking, it was impossible. Yet at Deborah’s word, Barak charged down the mountain in faith, and God caused chaos in the enemy ranks.
Truth: When we obey God in faith, He turns impossible battles into certain victories.

 Jael: The Ordinary Instrument (4:17–22)

While Sisera fled the battle, he ran to the tent of Jael, a housewife with a hammer and a tent peg. She used the tools of her everyday life to carry out God’s justice.
Truth: God can use whatever is in your hands, no matter how ordinary, to accomplish His extraordinary purposes.

 The Song of Deborah (5:1–31)

After the victory, Deborah and Barak sang a song of praise to the Lord. They celebrated those who stepped up in faith and called out those who stood by and did nothing.
Truth: When God moves, our response should be worship. Praise Him before the battle, during the battle, and after the victory.

 The Gospel Connection

Deborah, Barak, and Jael each point us forward to Jesus, the ultimate Deliverer.
Deborah shows us the wisdom and truth of God’s Word made flesh in Christ.
Barak points to Jesus, who went into battle and won victory on our behalf.
Jael reminds us of the cross, an ordinary tool that became the instrument of God’s greatest triumph over sin and death.

 This Week’s Challenge

God doesn’t need your strength, skill, or résumé. He wants your willingness.
Ask yourself: What has God placed in my hands, and how can I use it this week for His glory?
Take whatever God has given you, your talents, your tools, your time, and offer it back to Him. Open your hands and say, “Lord, use me.”