* God is spirit - He’s not male or female.

* In Genesis 2 we see God made “them” in HIS image - both male and female are His image.

* In the Bible we see the fatherly spirit AND the motherly (Matthew 23:37) spirits of God.

* We see God working through men and women.

* Eastern culture was and is a very male dominated culture.

* Deborah arose a mother in Israel (Judges 5:7).

* She was a very well known prophetess who became a deliverer for the people.

* This was probably a great encouragement to women.

* She heard the peoples’ cries and spoke to Barak God’s command to lead them into battle.

* Prophets didn’t go into battle - commanders did.

* vs 8 - Barak says, “I won’t go unless you go.”

* Hebrews 11:32 - Barak was commended for his faith.

* vs 9 - Deborah gave him the warning - “you won’t get the credit.”

* In a male dominated culture the person who got the credit was “the man!”

* Barak didn’t care about all that - he didn’t care what it looked like.

* He wanted the presence of God, and Deborah represented that.

* vs 21 - Deborah’s prophesy came true - Jael is now seen as the deliverer.

* But Barak was mentioned by Paul in Hebrews.

* vs 5:15 - The men of Issachar, who understood the times, went with Deborah into battle.

* You would think if it wasn’t right for her to be there then they would’ve stayed back.