Deborah and Barak

Preparation

Read Judges 3:12-31

Ehud and Shamgar prepare us for some important themes that we will see in the story of Deborah and Barak:

Human Weapons
- Why do Ehud (Judges 3:16) and Shamgar (Judges 3:31) have to use makeshift weapons? Look up Judges 5:8.
- How is this theme seen in later battles? Look up Judges 7:20, 1 Samuel 17:45.

Unlikely Heroes
- Ehud is left-handed (Judges 3:15) which would have made him an awkward soldier in a battle line. But why does it make him a good assassin (Judges 3:16, 21)?

Enemy strength
- Was Ehud’s assassination plan likely to succeed?
- How does God use King Eglon’s pride and pomp against him?

Group Study
Introduction: Has God ever surprised you?
Read Judges 4:1-24

(4:1-10) Why does Barak doubt that God is going to save his people?
- Why do the Canaanites seem unbeatable?
- How does Deborah compare to Barak?

(4:11-24) How does God save his people?
- How are the chariots defeated? (See Judges 4:13, 5:4)
- How is Sisera defeated?

How do we expect God to work in our lives? How might he surprise us?
- What are we learning about human weapons in these chapters? How does that apply to us?

What are we learning about who God uses? How does that challenge or encourage you?

12/08/2026

Planning your Visit

Welcome to St John's Church!

We are so delighted that you have found our website. We are a Church family in Wimborne for anyone living, working or studying around this area. Whoever you are, whatever your age, whether you’re an experienced Christian or not, we would love you to join us.

From an intrigued onlooker to the committed follower we are keen that everyone should grow in relationship with God through knowing Jesus. To help us do that our emphasis is on hearing God speak to us by his Holy Spirit through his word, the Bible. Each of us knows that we only grow in a relationship with someone and get to know them when we spend time listening to them and responding and reacting to what they say. So the focus of St John’s is on listening to God’s word, talking to him in prayer and taking up all that he says.

The Church family here at St John’s longs to help anyone who wants to investigate the life of Jesus. On this site you will find people, meetings, talks and events shaped to help you take another step forward in finding out more about God and his love for us in Jesus, and to help you get linked into the church family life.

We hope to have the opportunity to meet you personally in the very near future and that you will quickly feel at home at St John’s.

Stuart Hull and Nigel Day (Churchwardens)
Please note that we are currently seeking a new Vicar, following the retirement of Revd Peter Breckwoldt in July 2025