the Week of Proper 28 / Ordinary 33
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Bible Dictionaries
Barak
Morrish Bible Dictionary
Son of Abinoam, of Naphtali. He was called by Deborah the prophetess (who judged Israel at that time) to collect from the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulon 10,000 men that God might deliver into his hand Sisera, the captain of the army of Jabin, king of Canaan, who had 900 chariots of iron, and who had mightily oppressed the children of Israel twenty years. It required great faith to attack so strong an enemy with such a small force; and Barak had not this strong faith in God; he said he would not go unless Deborah would go with him. Deborah consented to go, but told Barak that it would not be to his honour; Sisera would fall by the hand of a woman. When the armies were face to face it was still Deborah that had to tell Barak when to arise to the attack.
Jehovah discomfited Sisera and his chariots and his host, by the swords of the Israelites, and apparently the overthrow was completed by a severe storm and the overflowing of the river Kishon. Judges 4:6-17; Judges 5:20,21 . The Canaanites being smitten, Sisera left his chariot and fled for refuge to the house of Heber the Kenite, where he was killed by Jael, Heber's wife. Judges 4:18-24 . Judges 5 : gives the song of Deborah and Barak over the victory. Barak's faith is like that of many who can follow if another will lead, though they cannot take a first place; it is very gracious of God to mention Barak in Hebrews 11:32 as one in the cloud of witnesses who had become victorious by their faith.
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Morrish, George. Entry for 'Barak'. Morrish Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/​dictionaries/​eng/​mbd/​b/barak.html. 1897.