Deborah (Judges 4-5) – Bible lesson for teens

In this study, we’ll meet Deborah, a prophetess and judge who led God’s people during a difficult time in their history. She was unique in her role, especially as a woman in a predominantly male-led society. Her story will challenge us to consider our own gifts and how we can use them to serve others.

BIBLE READING: Judges 4-5

MEMORY VERSE: “I will certainly go with you,” Deborah replied, “but the road you are taking will bring you no honour, because the LORD will deliver Sisera into the hand of a woman.” Judges 4:9

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BIBLE STUDY NOTES FOR TEENS

OVERVIEW OF DEBORAH

1. The Time of the Judges: The time of the Judges was a period of Israel’s history from the death of Joshua until the establishment of the monarchy. This time was characterized by cycles of disobedience, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. Judges were raised by God to deliver Israel from its oppressors, and Deborah was one of them. (Judges 2:16-19)
2. Deborah, The Prophetess and Judge: Deborah was a prophetess, a judge, and a military leader who led Israel to victory over their oppressors. She held court under a palm tree, where the Israelites came to her for judgment. (Judges 4:4-5)
3. The Battle against the Canaanites: Deborah delivered a message from God to Barak, instructing him to lead an army against Sisera, the commander of the Canaanite army. Sisera’s forces boasted an impressive array of military prowess, including a fleet of 900 chariots made of iron.  Barak agreed but only if Deborah accompanied him. She agreed but foretold that the honour of victory would belong to a woman. (Judges 4:6-9)
4. Jael’s Courageous Act: Jael, a woman of the Kenite tribe, killed Sisera while he was asleep, thus fulfilling Deborah’s prophecy and ensuring Israel’s victory. (Judges 4:17-22)

KEY POINTS

1. SERVING OTHERS THROUGH OUR GIFTS – JUDGES 4:4-5

2. FAITH IN THE MIDST OF FEAR – JUDGES 4:6-9

3. GOD’S UNLIKELY HEROES – JUDGES 4:17-22

4. GIVE GOD ALL THE PRAISE – JUDGES 5

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YOUTH GAMES AND ACTIVITIES – Deborah

THE CHARIOT RACE

Materials needed: Blankets or large towels, markers for the racecourse.

Instructions:

1. Divide the group into pairs. Each pair will receive a blanket, which will act as their “chariot.”
2. One person sits on the blanket while the other person stands and holds the edge of the blanket.
3. Set up a racecourse using markers or cones. Ensure the course is in an open, safe area.
4. On your mark, pairs must navigate their “chariots” through the course, with one person pulling the blanket and the other steering and encouraging their teammate.
5. The first “chariot” to cross the finish line wins.
6. After the game, discuss how God provided victory for Israel over the Canaanites who had 900 iron chariots, highlighting that with God, no enemy or obstacle is too formidable.

JAEL’S TENT HIDE AND SEEK

Materials needed: Sheets or light blankets.

Instructions:

1. Place several sheets or light blankets around the room as tents. The tents should be just large enough for one person to hide under.
2. One player is chosen to be the seeker. The seeker is either taken out of the room or blindfolded.
3. While the seeker is not present, all players must hide under the tents. One of the hidden players is chosen to be Sisera.
4. The seeker is then brought back into the room. They are told the name of the player who is ‘Sisera’ but not their location.
5. The seeker then starts the search for ‘Sisera’, aiming to find them in the least number of attempts possible.

DICE BATTLE

Materials needed: A set of dice for each team.

Instructions:

1. Split players into an equal number of teams. If you have a large group, you can make multiple teams.
2. One player from each team steps forward and rolls a dice.
3. Compare the numbers rolled. The player with the lowest number is out of the game. If there’s a tie for the lowest number, those players roll again.
4. The game continues with players taking turns rolling the dice until one team has the last remaining player. That team is the winner.

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