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    Deborah the Judge: Sunday School Lesson

    Judges 4–5

    Ages 8–12 ~40 min Memory: Judges 4:14

    Print this page straight from your browser — the story, memory verse, discussion questions and craft all fit on one sheet.

    Big Idea

    God gives the courage before He gives the victory — and the glory stays His.

    Story Summary

    Deborah was a prophetess who judged Israel under a palm tree. When Jabin's captain Sisera oppressed Israel with nine hundred chariots of iron, she called Barak and gave him God's word to go. Barak would only go if she went with him. God discomfited Sisera's army, and Deborah and Barak sang a song of victory.

    Read the full retelling →

    Memory Verse (KJV)

    “Up; for this is the day in which the LORD hath delivered Sisera into thine hand: is not the LORD gone out before thee?”

    Judges 4:14

    Discussion Questions

    1. Where did Deborah sit to judge Israel?

      Teacher hint: Under the palm tree of Deborah, between Ramah and Bethel (Judg 4:5).

    2. Why do you think Barak did not want to go alone?
    3. Who really won the battle?

      Teacher hint: 'The LORD discomfited Sisera' (Judg 4:15).

    4. When have you needed a friend's courage to do the right thing?

    Craft Idea: Palm-Tree Courage Card

    Supplies

    • Green and brown paper
    • Card stock
    • Glue
    • Markers

    Steps

    1. Cut a brown trunk and green palm fronds.
    2. Glue the tree onto folded card stock.
    3. Write Judges 4:14 beneath the tree.
    4. Inside, each child writes one brave thing they will do this week.

    Printable Worksheet

    Print the lesson page for the memory verse and the discussion questions.

    This Sunday's lesson

    Lesson flow (45 minutes)

    1. Welcome (5 min): Pray, then read the memory verse aloud three times together.
    2. Story (10 min): Tell the story summary in your own words; open a KJV to Judges 4–5.
    3. Discussion (10 min): Walk through the questions above. Let every child answer at least once.
    4. Craft (15 min): Make the palm-tree courage card.
    5. Wrap-up (5 min): Hand out the worksheet to finish at home and recite the memory verse one last time.

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    Where to go next

    Teaching Deborah the Judge? Here is what to grab next for your class.