The Song of Deborah – Part One

This meditation is based on a passage for July 30, 2010 in the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Judges 5:1-18

Reflection and Question: Imagine yourself in the time when the most highly revered person in your community was the one who learned all the ancient stories by heart, taught to him or her by the old one who had learned the stories in the same way in his or her youth. With no writing or reading, the great poetry of the people has passed from one generation to the next through stories. This Song of Deborah should be read out loud because it comes from that far back in human history. When you read it out loud, hear, as if for the very first time, of the power of God and the response of God’s people to go to war. What do you hear in this when you listen with old ears?

Prayer: Eternal Spirit, as the singer desires of us, we give ear to this melody preserved from far into the mists of time, so that we may know Your power and love. May the courage of Your ancient peoples stir the same courage in us in our time. Amen.