Congregational Book Study: Week of November 9-15, 2026. Let Us Be Courageous in Walking with God: Chapter 16.

Congregational Book Study: November 9-15, 2026. Let Us Be Courageous in Walking with God: Chapter 16.

Congregation Bible Study (30 min.) wcg chap. 16.

Analysis of Chapter 16. Barak and Deborah: “Of course I will go with you”

What would I say?

In what ways did Barac and Deborah demonstrate courage?

Barak showed courage by gathering 10,000 men and facing Sisera’s powerful army, which included 900 chariots, trusting that Jehovah would give them victory. Deborah, for her part, showed courage by assuming spiritual leadership, conveying Jehovah’s instructions, and accompanying Barak and the army to the battlefield, risking her life to strengthen her trust in Jehovah. Both demonstrated unwavering faith and, after the victory, gave all the glory to Jehovah.

Investigate a little more

1. What was life like for the Israelites when Sisera ruled over them? (w15 1/8 12 par. 6)

Life for the Israelites was extremely difficult. They lived in terror and constant danger due to the oppression of King Jabin and his fearsome general Sisera, whose army boasted 900 chariots. The roads were deserted, trade ceased, and people had to travel along hidden paths to avoid the soldiers. Furthermore, they were unarmed and defenseless, with no means of protecting themselves.

2. Why is Deborah not usually included among the 12 judges who served in Israel before Samuel became a prophet? (w86 6/1 31 pars. 6-8)

Because, although Deborah served as a prophetess and judged civil matters in Israel, Jehovah directly commissioned Barak to lead the military forces and liberate the people from Canaanite oppression. Therefore, Barak is recognized as the liberating judge who led the battle against Sisera and appears on the list of the 12 judges.

3. In what sense was Deborah “a mother to Israel”? (Judges 4:4, 5; 5:7; w15 8/1 13 par. 1).

Deborah was “a mother to Israel” because she provided protection, comfort, and spiritual guidance to the people. Like a loving mother caring for her children, she strengthened the Israelites’ faith, encouraged them when they were discouraged, and motivated them to trust in Jehovah. Furthermore, she helped Barak and the warriors find the courage to fight for their liberation.

4. What did Deborah and Barak mean when they sang that the stars “fought against Sisera”? (Judges 5:20; w05 1/15 25 par. 5)

They were referring to Jehovah's miraculous intervention on behalf of Israel. The expression that the stars fought against Sisera could allude to natural phenomena, such as a powerful storm that flooded the Kishon Valley and bogged down the enemy chariots, or to the direct intervention of angels to ensure Israel's victory.

Think about the lessons

In what situations could a brother imitate Barak's humble attitude when he accepted the help of a servant of God?

A brother can imitate Barak's humility when he respectfully accepts the suggestions, help, or biblical counsel of mature sisters. He can also do so when he works alongside them on theocratic assignments, such as construction projects, assembly committees, or organizing the preaching work, valuing their experience and abilities without seeking the limelight.

Furthermore, when going through difficult times, he shows humility by accepting their comfort, support, and words of encouragement, recognizing that Jehovah can use any member of the congregation to strengthen us.

Why did Deborah have to be brave to accompany Barak? In what situations should we be just as brave as she was?

Because it took extraordinary faith and courage for her to accompany the Israelite army to the battlefield and face Sisera’s powerful army, which had 900 iron chariots. She did not simply give instructions from a safe place, but was willing to risk her life, trusting completely in Jehovah’s protection.

We can demonstrate that same courage in three situations:

By supporting our brothers in the face of persecution or opposition: by standing by them and faithfully supporting them, without letting ourselves be intimidated.

By upholding Jehovah’s moral standards: by standing firm in our Bible principles at work or at school, even when others pressure us to compromise.

By taking on difficult responsibilities: accepting assignments and supporting theocratic initiatives that require us to step outside our comfort zone or face physical and emotional challenges.

In what other ways can you copy the example of courage set by Barak and Deborah?

We can copy the value of Barac and Deborah in three ways:

First, by immediately obeying the instructions of Jehovah's organization and trusting in his guidance, with the assurance that he will give us spiritual victory when we follow his guidelines.

Second, by encouraging and strengthening our brothers when they go through trials, using the Scriptures to give them comfort and reminding them that Jehovah is on our side and helps us to overcome difficulties.

Third, by facing obstacles and difficulties with faith, without being intimidated, and convinced that Jehovah will give us the strength to overcome them. In this way, we will be able to conquer any obstacle that stands in our way.

See the full chart

What does this account teach me about Jehovah?

This account teaches me that Jehovah is a powerful, loyal, and merciful God. He fights for his servants and can use any means to protect them and give them victory, even when circumstances seem to be against them. I also see that he values ​​men and women equally and uses those with a willing heart to accomplish his will.

Furthermore, he is patient and compassionate, for he listens to those who sincerely repent and turn to him for help. Therefore, I can fully trust that Jehovah never abandons his loyal servants.

How does this account relate to Jehovah's purpose and the main theme of the Bible?

This account relates to Jehovah’s purpose because he protected the nation of Israel, from which the promised Seed, Jesus Christ, would come. It also highlights the Bible’s main theme: the sanctification of Jehovah’s name and the vindication of his sovereignty through the Messianic Kingdom.

The defeat of Sisera’s army proved that Jehovah is the only true God and that no enemy can prevent him from fulfilling his purpose. Furthermore, it foreshadows the victory that Jesus Christ will win over all of God’s enemies at Armageddon. Finally, the song of Deborah and Barak reminds us that every victory belongs to Jehovah and that he alone deserves to receive glory and praise.

What would I like to ask Barak and Deborah when they are resurrected?

I would like to ask Deborah and Barak how they felt about participating in that extraordinary victory. I would also like to know how they composed the song in Judges 5 together and how they felt seeing the entire nation united in praising the name of Jehovah.

I would ask Deborah where she got the calm and faith to fulfill her assignment and accompany the army.

I would ask Barak what he felt when he faced Sisera's 900 iron chariots and witnessed how Jehovah intervened to give them the victory.