The article "Of Barak" by Don Fortner centers on the theological significance of faith as demonstrated in the life of Barak, a judge of Israel. Fortner argues that Barak's faith, grounded in divine revelation delivered through Deborah, exemplifies the response of a believer to God's word. He references Hebrews 11:32 to highlight Barak’s inclusion in the "Hall of Faith," illustrating that true faith is not merely subjective but is always linked to God’s promises. The article also discusses the context of Barak's calling, emphasizing that while his faith was not flawless—demonstrated by his request for Deborah's presence—his ultimate obedience led to Israel's deliverance, serving as a vital lesson for contemporary believers on the importance of faith and obedience to God's command. This highlights the Reformed emphasis on salvation through faith and the sovereignty of God's revelation in leading His people.
Key Quotes
“Faith is not an unguided impulse; faith is a believer's response to God's revelation.”
“Barak's faith was exemplary but it was not perfect.”
“He was obedient to the Lord God walking before him in faith.”
“His obedience of faith brought Israel deliverance by the hand of God.”
What does the Bible say about Barak's faith?
The Bible describes Barak's faith as a response to God's revelation through Deborah, embodying obedience despite human infirmity.
Hebrews 11:32, Judges 4:6-10
How do we know that Deborah was a true prophetess?
Deborah is recognized as a prophetess in the Bible, speaking God's word and serving as a leader during Israel's oppression.
Judges 4:4, Isaiah 3:12, 1 Corinthians 14:34, 1 Timothy 2:11-12
Why is Barak's story important for Christians?
Barak's story highlights themes of faith, obedience, and God's deliverance, providing an example for modern believers.
Judges 4:8-10, Hebrews 11:32-34
And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: - Hebrews 11:32“Of Barak”
“And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell…of Barak." Hebrews 11:32
Barak was raised up by God after Jabin the king of Canaan had "mightily oppressed the children of Israel" (Jud. 4:1-3) for twenty years. Deborah acted as judge in that day. Israel had fallen into such a low condition that God gave them a woman to rule over them (Isa. 3:12).
Deborah the Prophetess
Deborah was not a "judge" in the strict sense of the word (Compare Judges 4:4 Judges 2:18). She was a "prophetess" (a worshipper of God), one by whom God spoke his word to his people, a mouthpiece of the Almighty. The word “prophetess” in the Old Testament does not refer to female preachers, but simply to women who were singularly known for their worship of God. Sometimes the word is used simply to speak of a woman who was the wife of a prophet (Isa. 8:3). — Yet, even if those Old Testament women spoken of as prophetesses actually stepped into a pulpit and preached, that does not nullify the specific prohibition of the New Testament concerning female preachers (1 Cor. 14:34; 1 Tim. 2:11-12).
It was through Deborah that God spoke to Barak, saying, "Hath not the Lord God of Israel commanded, Go and draw toward mount Tabor, and take with thee ten thousand men of the children of Napthali and of the children of Zebulun? And I will draw unto thee to the river Kishon Sisera, the captain of Jabin’s army, with his chariots and his multitude; and I will deliver him into thine hand" (Jud. 4:6, 7).
Barak’s Faith
Faith is not an unguided impulse. Faith is a believer’s response to God’s revelation. “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” The word from God that Deborah delivered to him was the basis of Barak’s faith. He was given the sure promise of divine revelation that the thing to be "hoped for," Israel’s salvation, would be accomplished.
Barak is here held before us as an example of faith. How thankful we should be that the Spirit of God gives us such an example. His faith was exemplary; but it was not perfect. Like all God’s saints in this world, Barak’s faith acted through the infirmity of a sinful man. That infirmity is seen in Judges 4:8. "Barak said unto her, If thou wilt go with me, then I will go: but if thou wilt not go with me, then I will not go." Yet, he was obedient to the Lord God, walking before him in faith (Jud. 4:10). The Lord went before him and delivered Sisera into his hand (Jud. 8:14). Barak heard God’s Word, believed it, and obeyed it. It was by faith in God’s promise that Barak went forth against the enormous army of Sisera and vanquished it. His obedience of faith brought Israel deliverance by the hand of God.
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