The Abiding Gift of Prophecy

Deliverance Through the Gift

Therefore with utmost confidence she could say to Barak, “Up; for this is the day in which the Lord hath delivered Sisera into thine hand: is not the Lord gone out before thee?” Verse 14. AGP 61.3

In prompt obedience to this quick, positive, assuring command from the prophetess, Barak led his men into action. “And the Lord discomfited Sisera, and all his chariots, and all his host, with the edge of the sword before Barak; so that Sisera lighted down off his chariot, and fled away on his feet. But Barak pursued after the chariots, and after the host, unto Harosheth of the Gentiles: and all the host of Sisera fell upon the edge of the sword: and there was not a man left.” Verses 15, 16. AGP 61.4

“So God subdued on that day Jabin the king of Canaan before the children of Israel. And the hand of the children of Israel prospered, and prevailed against Jabin the king of Canaan, until they had destroyed Jabin king of Canaan.” Verses 23, 24. AGP 61.5

Deborah, Barak, and the ten thousand men they had led into the conflict returned with glad hearts to their people and their homes. This great deliverance brought rejoicing to all Israel. “Then sang Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam on that day, saying, Praise ye the Lord for the avenging of Israel, when the people willingly offered themselves.” Judges 5:1, 2. AGP 61.6

Inspiration gave this detailed account of this historic experience for the benefit of succeeding generations to the close of time. From it, we today may obtain instructive lessons of very AGP 61.7

great importance that will be a blessing to us if we heed them. AGP 62.1

The essential lesson to be emphasized in this study is the vital part contributed by the prophetic gift in the events that culminated in so great a victory. AGP 62.2

Consider the situation: Through inexcusable and persistent apostasy, the nation of Israel had turned away from God to idolatry. In doing this they had removed themselves from the powerful protection that had been with them when they were true and loyal to Jehovah. Shorn of His power, they could not stand before their enemies, and were consequently brought into bondage by the Canaanites. For twenty long years they had been “mightily oppressed.” They had not been able to free themselves. Growing weaker with each year of servitude, their situation became more hopeless. In this helpless state they once more turned to the Lord for help. They confessed and repudiated their wrongdoing. They cried to God for mercy and deliverance. AGP 62.3

In His great compassion the Lord responded to their appeal. Through that gracious and always helpful gift of prophecy, He gave to Deborah—His prophetess—the message of deliverance for His tardily penitent people. The instruction given in the message was carried out, and a great deliverance was wrought. AGP 62.4

What a priceless gift! Such has been the purpose and the working of this abiding and continuing prophetic gift from the day when Adam was expelled from Eden to the present time. AGP 62.5