Jewish History 8 - Devorah and Barak

Jewish History 8 - Devorah and Barak

Under Canaani Oppression 

After Ehud's death the Jews left the ways of the Torah. This time the Jews were delivered into the hands of the Canaanim, who, under Yovin, king of Chotzer fiercely oppressed the Jews. His general Sisra, a mighty warrior with iron chariots and cavalry, but a cruel and brutal man, oppressed the Jews for twenty years. The oppression as painful, and the piteous cry of despair rose to Hashem, who mercifully raised up a deliverer.

Multiple Choice

What was the name of the general that oppressed the Jews for 20 years?

• Sisera

• Nevuchnetzar

• Barak

• Iyov

Devorah 

There lived at that time between Ramah and Beis-Kel, in the mountain of Ephraim, a wise and G‑d-fearing woman named Devorah, the wife of Lapidois, renowned as a prophetess. Surrounded by avodah zora, she had remained true to Hashem and His Torah, and she was recognized and selected to be the 4th  supreme Judge by the whole nation. Under a palm-tree which remained famous for all time, she sat and spoke words of advice, warning, and judgment. Seeing the oppression of the people, and feeling for them in their misery, she sent for Barak, the son of Avinoam.

Multiple Choice

Which number Judge of the Jews was Devorah?

• 4th

• 2nd

• 3rd

• 5th

Multiple Choice

Where did Devorah sit when judging?

• under a palm tree

• in the courtyard of the Mishkon

• by the front gate of the Bais Hamikdosh

Barak Responds

Barak agreed to accept the call only if Devorah agreed to accompany him. Sisra learned of Barak's approach and prepared his army for battle against the Jews. A mighty warrior, Sisra placed himself at the head of his men. At first the Canaanim had the upper hand, but suddenly Hashem threw Sisra's army into general confusion, causing his terrified warriors to flee in chaos in all directions. Seeing the unexpected turn of the battle, Sisra descended from his chariot and ran to hide himself in one of the non-Jewish houses on the road. There lived in that district Chever HaKeni, who was a descendant of Yisro, the father-in-law of Moshe. This Chever had been on good terms with Yovin, the king of Chotzer, and Sisra felt certain of finding a safe refuge in Chever's house. Yael, Chever's wife, offered to hide him until the Jewish armies would pass.

Multiple Choice

Who was the general leading the Jewish army?

• Barak

• Sisera

• Osniel

• Ehud

Exhausted from battle, Sisra soon fell into a heavy slumber. Brave Yael decided to make Sisra pay for his cruel deeds. Carefully approaching the sleeping warrior, she drove a long nail through his temple, putting an end to the life of the hated oppressor. In the meantime, Barak had hotly continued his pursuit of Sisra. Following his tracks, he breathlessly approached Chever's tent. Yael came to meet him in all the flush of triumph, and exclaimed, "Come, and I will show you the man whom you are seeking." She led Barak into the tent, and there lay the cruel general dead.

Multiple Choice

In whose tent did Sisera hide?

• Yael

• Devorah

• Barak

• Yochonon

Exhausted from battle, Sisra soon fell into a heavy slumber. Brave Yael decided to make Sisra pay for his cruel deeds. Carefully approaching the sleeping warrior, she drove a long nail through his temple, putting an end to the life of the hated oppressor. In the meantime, Barak had hotly continued his pursuit of Sisra. Following his tracks, he breathlessly approached Chever's tent. Yael came to meet him in all the flush of triumph, and exclaimed, "Come, and I will show you the man whom you are seeking." She led Barak into the tent, and there lay the cruel general dead.

Multiple Choice

How did Yael overcome Sisera?

• Drove a nail through his temple while he slept

• Convince him to leave the Jews alone

• She sent a secret message to the Jews telling them where Sisera was hiding

The Song of Devorah 

As a result of this victory, the Canaanim were again reduced to submission. Returning after the victory to her peaceful home in the mountain of Ephraim, Devorah commemorated the recent war by composing a poem of singular and almost unequalled beauty. The Shiras Devorah is second only to the song which Moshe and Bnei Yisroel sang when they saw the miracles that Hashem had done on the shores of the Yam suf. For forty years the Jews lived in peace under the wise leadership of Devorah and Barak.

Multiple Choice

What did Devora do after the victory over the Canaanim?

• Sang a song of praise to Hashem

• Donated lots of gold to the Mishkon

• Removed all the idols from the land