LEARNING DAILY

 

Hebrews 11:32-34, Well how much more do I need to say?  It would take too long to recount the stories of the faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets.  By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God has promised them.  They shut the mouths of lions, quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword.  Their weakness was turned to strength.  They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight.  (NLT)

 

Barak’s place in the Hall of Fame of Faith is somewhat of a mystery to me.  He is a reluctant contemporary of the prophetess Deborah during the time of the judges in Israel.  God commanded that ten thousand troops from the tribes of Israel were to fight against the chariots and multitude of men from Canaan.  Deborah told Barak to go and lead the troops.  He was willing but only if Deborah would go with him.  She did but told him God would not honor him when the victory was achieved; instead, a woman would be given the honor.  Israel would win the battle.  Canaan’s leader, Jael, fled, hid in the tent of Heber the Kenite where he was killed by Heber’s wife.  Read the full account in Judges 4. 

 

If Barak was a reluctant participant in this battle and seemingly had a lack of faith, why is he included in the HOFOF?  In this battle with the Canaanites, God certainly went before him and confused the Canaanite army.  The Canaanite army had 900 chariots and a multitude of soldiers which was superior to Barak’s 10,000 soldiers.  Was Barak weak and fearful about battle?  I do not think so; he was the leader of the military.  This not a position held by a weak person.  Yes, he was certainly wrong in placing faith in Deborah instead of the word from God that the Israel military would be victorious.  But when the fighting began, he was in the midst of the fight, leading his men and the pursuit of the fleeing Canaanite military.

 

Why was he included in the HOFOF?  Perhaps the answer lies in Judges 5 where he and Deborah sing praise to the Lord for the victory He gave them!  Read verse 3 where Barak gives praise to the Lord.  “Listen, you kings!  Pay attention, you mighty rulers!  For I will sing to the Lord.  I will lift up my song to the Lord, the God of Israel.”  Read the rest of their song and count the number of times Barak seeks and is given credit for the victory.  That does not happen.  No, Barak takes no credit for any of the victory; all praise and all honor is given the Lord.  Perhaps, Barak is not weak, but meek!  He did not seek medals to be pinned on him nor any credit at all.  If you read carefully the word he sang you will notice he stood before kings and rulers and gave all credit to “the Lord, the God of Israel”.

 

Barak made a mistake not placing his faith in the God who gives the victory.  Instead, he placed his confidence in Deborah.  How often do we place our faith in what a trusted friend thinks we should do?  Don’t misunderstand, we need to have friends who are willing to help us make important decisions.  Ultimately, we need to seek God!  Like Barak we need to speak about who has given us the victory.  It is important for you and me to recognize who gives us the victory and then be unashamed to speak it to others.  Barak was eventually honored by God for his faith; He was honored by having his name placed in the Hall of Fame of Faith.  You and I will receive honor for our faith, for walking on the narrow way when we step in to heaven and hear our Lord say, “Well done, My faithful servant!”  Oh, what a moment that will be!