Life Lessons from Hebrews: Barak
HEBREWS 11:32 – BARAK
Background
Barak was the son of Abinoam from Kedesh in Naphtali. At that time Israel was oppressed by king Jabin of Canaan and his army commander Sisera. God raised up Deborah, a prophetess and judge, to lead Israel.
God’s command (Judges 4)
God spoke through Deborah and commanded Barak to:
- Gather 10 000 men from Naphtali and Zebulun
- Go to Mount Tabor
- Prepare for the battle at the river Kishon
God promised: “And I will draw unto thee to the river Kishon Sisera… and I will deliver him into thine hand.” – Judges 4:7, KJV (1611)
Barak’s response
Barak said:
“If thou wilt go with me, then I will go: but if thou wilt not go with me, then I will not go.” – Judges 4:8, KJV (1611)
Deborah agreed, but warned him: “I will surely go with thee: notwithstanding the journey that thou takest shall not be for thine honour; for the LORD shall sell Sisera into the hand of a woman.” – Judges 4:9, KJV (1611)
The battle
Barak went with Deborah and his army to Mount Tabor. God intervened supernaturally. From Judges 5 we see what happened:
- A great storm came
- The river Kishon overflowed
- The ground became muddy
- Sisera’s chariots became stuck
“They fought from heaven; the stars in their courses fought against Sisera. The river of Kishon swept them away…” – Judges 5:20–21, KJV (1611)
Barak’s army completely defeated Sisera’s forces.
Sisera’s end
Sisera fled and went to the tent of Jael. While he slept, Jael killed him with a tent peg. This fulfilled Deborah’s prophecy that a woman would receive the honour.
The song of Deborah and Barak (Judges 5)
“Then sang Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam on that day…” – Judges 5:1, KJV (1611)
This is a victory song that gives honour to God. Here are the key passages:
Verses 1–3: Praise to God
“Praise ye the LORD for the avenging of Israel, when the people willingly offered themselves…” – Judges 5:2, KJV (1611)
Victory begins with giving honour to God.
Verses 4–5: God’s power
“LORD, when thou wentest out of Seir, when thou marchedst out of the field of Edom, the earth trembled, and the heavens dropped…” – Judges 5:4, KJV (1611)
God controls nature and fights for His people.
Verses 6–8: Israel’s broken condition
- Roads were unsafe
- People lived in fear
- Israel followed other gods
Disobedience leads to instability.
Verses 9–11: Willing hearts
“My heart is toward the governors of Israel, that offered themselves willingly among the people…” – Judges 5:9, KJV (1611)
God works through willing people.
Verses 12–15: Call to action
“Awake, awake, Deborah: awake, awake, utter a song: arise, Barak…” – Judges 5:12, KJV (1611)
God calls His people to step forward in faith.
Verses 15–17: Division
Some tribes hesitated and stayed behind. Lesson: Not everyone responds to God’s call.
Verse 18: Courage honoured
“Zebulun and Naphtali were a people that jeoparded their lives unto the death…” – Judges 5:18, KJV (1611)
God honours bold faith.
Verses 19–22: God fights
“The river of Kishon swept them away…” – Judges 5:21, KJV (1611)
God can use nature to bring victory.
Verses 24–27: Jael praised
Jael is called most blessed among women. God uses unexpected people.
Verses 28–30: Sisera’s mother waits
She assumes he is winning – but he has already been defeated. Human expectations often miss God’s plan.
Verse 31: Final declaration
“So let all thine enemies perish, O LORD: but let them that love him be as the sun when he goeth forth in his might…” – Judges 5:31, KJV (1611)
God’s people will rise in strength.
Barak in the New Testament
“And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak…” – Hebrews 11:32, KJV (1611)
Barak is listed among the heroes of faith. Through faith God’s people:
- Subdued kingdoms
- Wrought righteousness
- Obtained promises
- Stopped the mouths of lions
- Quenched the violence of fire
- Escaped the edge of the sword
- Out of weakness were made strong
- Waxed valiant in fight
- Turned to flight the armies of the aliens
- Received their dead raised to life again
The reality of faith
Not all victories are easy. Some were tortured, imprisoned, beaten, stoned, slain. Faith does not always remove difficulties – but God remains faithful.
Key lessons from Barak’s life
- God is the true Deliverer. Victory comes from God, not from human strength.
- Willingness is important. God uses those who step forward.
- Faith can include fear. Barak hesitated – but was still obedient.
- God uses unexpected people. From Deborah to Jael – God’s ways are higher.
- Do not remain neutral. Some tribes missed the moment because they did nothing.
Life application
- When God works → celebrate Him openly
- When called → respond quickly
- When uncertain → step forward in faith anyway
- Do not remain passive → be part of what God is doing