T H E K I N G ’ S B U S I N E S S from God. Bach departure was followed by punishment. They were subjugated and spoiled by the heathen whom they followed. When they repented and cried unto God, he raised up military leaders and executive officers called judges who delivered them from bond age and brought them into national and individual liberty once more. The book of Judges covers’ this period. It is the record of a turbulent age. The key verse is the last, Ch. 21:25, which indi- cates a state of political individualism amounting almost to anarchy. MONDAY, April 5. Judges 4:1-9. Israel’s Cry Heard. Fifteen different persons including Deborah acted in the capacity of judges. These rulers were not the ordinary judges of Ex. 18:21-26. Their office was political rather than judicial. They were not chosen by the people but were roused by the inward impulse of God’s Spirit, to deliver their countrymen from the thraldom of their enemies. They were upholders of the law, defenders of religion, and avengers of crimes espe cially those arising from idolatry and its attendant vices. They governed Israel as the agents of Him who was the supreme Ruler and whose sovereign power had created the nation. The swiftness with which Israel degenerated was well-nigh incredible. The genera tion that took Canaan was one of the noblest that Israel ever had. They were such largely because of their wilderness training and their splendid leader, Joshua. The declension began among the children of these first possessors of the land. There were seven apostacies, seven servitudes to seven heathen na tions and seven deliverances. The most marvellous thing in the world is God’s forbearance and infinite mercy. TUESDAY, April 6. Judges 4:10-16. Deborah and Barak Deliver Israel. Deborah was a woman of the tribe of Ephraim whom God raised up to judge
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Israel and give deliverance from the op pression of Jabin. Barak was the com mander of the army yèt subordinate to the judge. This is the first instance in the Scriptures of a woman occupying a public official position. Her faith recognized Israel’s invisible resources superior to Jabin’s nine hundred char iots of iron. Barak’s reluctant consent was obtained to conditions which made a woman the victor and deliverer. The mother of Israel became a soldier and the general her obedient adjutant. “ The Lord discomfited Sisera.” 4:15. “ They fought from heaven.” 5:20. The chariots of God are “ thousands of thou sands.” Victory came through faith and prayer. Deborah believed God. They went forth expecting to conquer. WEDNESDAY, April 7. Judges 5:1-20. A Song of Victory, Song is the natural expression of joy and triumph. This poem of patriotism was. composed by Deborah to be sung on the return of Barak and his army from the pursuit. It gives expression to sublime sentiments. God is declared to be the author of Israel’s deliverance. At the same time she praises the people because they freely offered themselves. She also remembers those who had for gotten and forsaken her in the time of trial. Meroz was blamed for inactivity. Sins of omission are as culpable as sins of commission. Righteousness is not lost in rhapsody. Moral distinctions are clearly maintained throughout the jubil ant strains. Sometime both the slacker and the hero shall receive recognition and reward. THURSDAY, April 8. Psalm 46:1-11. God Our Refuge. One cannot read the record of Divine working on behalf of Israel without be ing impressed by the fact that God so arranged the circumstances of each de liverance that all the credit and glory of the same should be given to Himself.
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