The Word for Today with Ray

Wednesday, September 16, 2026

If You Go with Me, Then I Will Go - Judges 4:8

In the book of Judges we learned how, “Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time. And she dwelt under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in mount Ephraim: and the children of Israel came up to her for judgment. And she sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedeshnaphtali, and said unto him, Has not the LORD God of Israel commanded, saying, Go and draw toward mount Tabor, and take with you ten thousand men of the children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun?And I will draw unto you to the river Kishon Sisera, the captain of Jabin's army, with his chariots and his multitude; and I will deliver him into your hand”, and in chapter four and verse eight of Judges, we learn how, “Barak said unto her, If you will go with me, then I will go” where we read,

And Barak said unto her, If you will go with me, then I will go:

but if you will not go with me, then I will not go.

The verse reads, “And Barak said unto her, If you will go with me, then I will go:” The writer began with the words, “and Barak” whose name means “lightning or lighting flash” and was the son of Abinoam of Kedesh who, incited by Deborah, a prophetess of Ephraim, delivered the Israelites from the yoke of Jabin by routing the Canaanites in the plain of Jezreel” “said unto her” or “uttered, declared and proclaimed to her, Deborah”, “if you will go with me” which means “whether and in case you, Deborah, shall depart and proceed alongside and accompanying me, Barak”, “then I will go” or “at that time I, Barak, shall depart, leave and proceed”. The writer shared how “Barak” told “Deborah” that “if” she would leave alongside of Him, he would proceed.

The verse goes on to say, “but if you will not go with me, then I will not go.” The writer continued with the words, “but if you will not go with me” which means “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover whether and in case you, Deborah, shall not proceed and leave alongside and accompanying me, Barak”, then I will not go” or “at that time I shall not in any manner depart and leave”. The writer shared how “Barak” told “Deborah” “if” she would not leave with him, He would in not way depart either.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn how ”Barak” had some insecurities about going out to battle against “Jabin”. He wanted “Deborah” to go with him. He was so determined to stay with this plan that he said if “Deborah” would leave with him, he would leave, however, if she would not leave, neither would he. We shall see how she responds to “Barak” in our next verses, but for now, let us be mindful that Jehovah God had a work for “Barak” to do, and he did not want to do it alone. God calls all of us to a personal intimate relationship with Him through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days. When we surrender our lives to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and help us not only to know His purpose for our lives, but also to have the ability to do what He asks us to do. (See John 3:16; Acts 1:8: John 15:5-8)

Next time we learn how Deborah says, “I will surely go with you: notwithstanding the journey that you take shall not be for your honor”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

Drawn to the River Kishon Sisera - Judges 4:7

In the book of Judges we learned how, “Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time. And she dwelt under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in mount Ephraim: and the children of Israel came up to her for judgment. And she sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedeshnaphtali, and said unto him, Has not the LORD God of Israel commanded, saying, Go and draw toward mount Tabor, and take with you ten thousand men of the children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun?”, and in chapter four and verse seven of Judges, we learn how Deborah shares how Jehovah God said, “I will draw unto you to the river Kishon Sisera” where we read,

And I will draw unto you to the river Kishon Sisera, the captain of Jabin's army,

with his chariots and his multitude; and I will deliver him into your hand.

The verse reads, “And I will draw unto you to the river Kishon Sisera, the captain of Jabin's army, …” The writer began with the words, “and I will draw unto you” which means “I, Jehovah God, shall drag, seize, proceed and march you, Barak “to the river Kishon Sisera” or “to the flowing stream known as Kishon whose name means ‘winding’ Sisera whose name means ‘battle array’ and was the conquering general under king Jabin of Hazor and slain by Jaeland was a river in central Palestine; scene of the defeat of Sisera by the Israelites in the time of the judges and the destruction of the prophets of Baal by Elijah”, “the captain of Jabin’s army” which means “the prince, ruler, leader, chief, chieftain and official belonging to Jabin’s, whose name means ‘whom God observes’ and was another king of Hazor whose general, Sisera, was defeated by Barak, organized mass of warriors”. The writer shared how “Deborah” reminded “Barak” that Jehovah God said he would lead “Barak” to the flowing stream known as “Kishon Sisera” who was the leader and official belonging to “Jabin’s” mass of warriors.

The verse continues, “… with his chariots and his multitude; and I will deliver him into your hand.” The writer added the words, “with his chariots” which means “alongside and accompanied by his, Jabin’s, war wagons” “and his multitude” or “and his, Jabin’s, mass of people”: “and I will deliver him into your hand” which means “and I, Jehovah God, shall give, put, bestow and commit him, Jabin, over to your power, might and strength”. The writer shared how “Deborah” told “Barak” that Jehovah God would grant “Jabin’s” war wagon and masses to him, and He would commit him to “Barak’s” power and might.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn how Jehovah God was involved in the plans to defeat “Jabin” who oppressed His people Israel. Although God allowed Israel to come under “Jabin’s” command for a time, when they cried out to Him, He was preparing to deliver them from him. God also desires to save us from the power of sin and death through a personal relationship with His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of the world and was raised from the dead after three days. When we yield to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and to help us know the times when He is planning to deliver us from our difficulties and oppressors. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Jeremiah 1:8)

Next time we learn how, “Barak said unto her, If you will go with me, then I will go”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Deborah Sending for Barak - Judges 4:6

In the book of Judges we learned how, “Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time. And she dwelt under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in mount Ephraim: and the children of Israel came up to her for judgment”, and in chapter four and verse six of Judges, we learn how Deborah, “sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedeshnaphtali” where we read,

And she sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedeshnaphtali, and said unto him, Has not the LORD God of Israel commanded, saying, Go and draw toward mount Tabor, and take with you ten thousand men of the children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun?

The verse reads, “And she sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedeshnaphtali, and said unto him, Has not the LORD God of Israel commanded, saying, …” The writer began with the words, “and she sent and called Barak” which means “and she, Deborah, stretched out, extended, impelled, summoned and invited Barak whose name means ‘lightning or lightning flash’ and was the one who, incited by Deborah, a prophetess of Ephraim, delivered the Israelites from the yoke of Jabin by routing the Canaanites in the plain of Jezreel” “the son of Abinoam” or “the male offspring and progeny belonging to Abinoam whose name means ‘my father is delight’ and was a descendant of Naphtali” “out of Kedeshnaphtali” which means “from Kedeshnaphtali whose name means ‘holy place’ and was a city in the extreme south of Judah”, “and said unto him” or “and uttered, declared, proclaimed to and questioned him, Barak” ,“has not the LORD God of Israel” which means “Jehovah whose name means Jehovah is salvation the Supreme Deity belonging to Israel whose name means ‘God prevails;’ and is the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob” “commanded saying” or “ordered and charged by uttering, declaring and proclaiming” the following words. The writer shared how “Deborah” summoned “Abinoams’s” male offspring named “Barak” from “Kedeshnaphtali” and asked him whether Jehovah God the Supreme Deity ordered the following words.

The verse goes on to say, “… Go and draw toward mount Tabor, and take with you ten thousand men of the children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun?” The writer continues the words, “go and draw toward mount Tabor” which means “walk, depart, proceed, move, march and continue to the rising above the plain named Tabor whose name means ‘mound’ and was a mountain in the plain of Esdraelon rising abruptly and insulated except for a narrow ridge on the west connecting it to the hills of Nazareth”, “and take with you” or “and fetch, seize, lay hold of and bring alongside and accompanying you, Barak” “ten thousand men” which means “ten thousand male human beings” “of the children of Naphtali” or “pertaining to the offspring and progeny belonging to Naphtali whose name means ‘wrestling’ and was the sixth son of Jacob and the second by Bilhah the handmaid of Rachel” “and of the children of Zebulun” which means “and pertaining to the offspring and progeny belonging to Zebulun whose name means ‘exalted’ and was the tenth of the sons of Jacob, the sixth and last of Leah; progenitor of the tribe of Zebulun”. The writer shared how “Deborah” asked “Barak” whether Jehovah God told him to proceed and march to the rising above the plain known as “Tabor” and to be accompanied by “ten thousand” males belonging to the offspring of “Naphtali” and “Zebulun”.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn how “Deborah” began the process for freeing the people of Israel from the oppression of “Jabin”, and her first action was to question “Barak” as to whether Jehovah God told him to proceed and march toward the rising above the plain known as “Tabor”. He was to be accompanied by “ten thousand” males from “Naphtali and Zebulun” in this move, but it appears he had done nothing at this point. God gives direction in His Kingdom, and when we consider His plan of salvation, He gave His only Begotten Son Jesus to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and to be raised from the dead after three days. When we yield to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and give us the ability to fulfill His desires in keeping with His will and purpose for His Kingdom. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 9:8)

Next time we learn how Deborah shares how Jehovah God said, “I will draw unto you to the river Kishon Sisera”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Monday, September 14, 2026

Deborah Under the Palm Tree - Judges 4:5

In the book of Judges we learned how, “the children of Israel again did evil in the sight of the LORD, when Ehud was dead. And the LORD sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan, that reigned in Hazor; the captain of whose host was Sisera, which dwelt in Harosheth of the Gentiles. And the children of Israel cried unto the LORD: for he had nine hundred chariots of iron; and twenty years he mightily oppressed the children of Israel. And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time”, and in chapter four and verse five of Judges, we learn how Deborah, “dwelt under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel” where we read,

And she dwelt under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in mount Ephraim: and the children of Israel came up to her for judgment.

The verse reads, “And she dwelt under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in mount Ephraim:” The writer began with the words, “and she dwelt” which means “and she, Deborah, abided and lived” “under the palm tree of Deborah” or “beneath the date palm tree belonging to Deborah whose name means ‘bee’” “between Ramah” which means “in the midst and middle of Ramah whose name means ‘hill’ and was a town in Benjamin on the border of Ephraim about five miles (8 km) from Jerusalem and near to Gibeah” “and Bethel” whose name means ‘house of God’ and was “ancient place and seat of worship in Ephraim on border of Benjamin, identified with Luz (former name)” “in mount Ephraim” which means “within the mountain and rising above the plain know as Ephraim whose name means ‘double ash-heap: I shall be doubly fruitful’ and was the second son of Joseph, blessed by him and given preference over first son, Manasseh”. The writer shared how “Deborah” lived beneath the date palm tree named after her which was located “between” “Ramah” and “Bethel” which were in the rising above the plain known as “Ephraim”.

The verse continues, “and the children of Israel came up to her for judgment.” The writer added the words, “and the children of Israel” which means “and the offspring and progeny belonging to Israel whose name means ‘God prevails’ and is the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob” “came up to her for judgment” or “approached, arose and ascended to her, Deborah, on behalf of deciding a case, ordinance, litigation, procedure and process”. The writer shared how the offspring belonging to “Israel” ascended to “Deborah” to have her decide, give process and litigation for cases and causes.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn not only that “Deborah” lived within the rising above the plain known as “Ephraim” beneath the date palm tree named after her, and the people of Israel ascended to where she was located to have her decide cases and share litigation with them. God set this process in order, and it was meant to deliver His people “Israel” from the oppression of “Jabin”. God has a plan for the redemption of mankind through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days. When we put our faith and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and provide us with the ability to live according to that truth so we too become useful in His Kingdom. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Mark 10:44)

Next time we learn how Deborah, “sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedeshnaphtali”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Deborah the Prophetess - Judges 4:4

In the book of Judges we learned how, “the children of Israel again did evil in the sight of the LORD, when Ehud was dead. And the LORD sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan, that reigned in Hazor; the captain of whose host was Sisera, which dwelt in Harosheth of the Gentiles. And the children of Israel cried unto the LORD: for he had nine hundred chariots of iron; and twenty years he mightily oppressed the children of Israel”, and in chapter four and verse four of Judges, we learn about, “Deborah, a prophetess” where we read,

And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time.

The verse reads, “And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth,” The writer began with the words, “and Deborah” whose name means “bee”, “a prophetess” or “a poetess who consulted and was the female spouse of a prophet”, “the wife of Lapidoth” which means “the female spouse belonging to Lapidoth whose name means “torches”. The writer began to share about “Deborah” who was a “prophetess” and the female spouse of a man named “Lapidoth”.

The verse goes on to say, “she judged Israel at that time.” The writer continued with the words, “she judged Israel” which means “she, Deborah, governed, ruled and decided controversy over Israel whose name means ‘God prevails’ and is the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob” “at that time” or “during that season or time period when Jabin oppressed Israel”. The writer shared how “Deborah” governed over the people of “Israel” during the time “Jabin” afflicted “Israel”.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn about a woman named “Deborah” who was a “prophetess” and a “judge” who governed over “Israel”. Her tenure was during the time “Jabin” was oppressing “Israel”, and we shall see how Jehovah God uses her to deliver the people of “Israel” again. God is no respecter of persons, (See Acts 10:34-35) and this time He employed the services of “Deborah” to accomplish His will. God wants to have a personal intimate relationship with all of us through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was resurrected from the grave after three days. When we yield to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and equip us with His Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth and to use us to fulfill all He desires within His Kingdom according to His will. (See Matthew 6:33; John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8)

Next time we learn how Deborah, “dwelt under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Nine Hundred Chariots - Judges 4:3

And the children of Israel cried unto the LORD: for he had nine hundred chariots of iron;

and twenty years he mightily oppressed the children of Israel.

The verse reads, “And the children of Israel cried unto the LORD: for he had nine hundred chariots of iron;” The writer began with the words, “and the children of Israel” which means “and the offspring and progeny belonging to Israel whose name means ‘God prevails’ and is the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob” “cried unto the LORD” or “summoned and called out for help to Jehovah who is the existing One and is the proper name for the One True God”: “for he had nine hundred chariots of iron” which means “because he, Jabin, possessed and owned nine hundred war wagons constructed with iron ore”. The writer shared how the offspring of “Israel” called out for help from Jehovah God because “Jabin” possessed “nine hundred” battle wagons or carts that were made with iron ore.

The verse continues, “and twenty years he mightily oppressed the children of Israel.” The writer added the words, “and twenty years” which means “and twenty annual sets of days” “he mightily oppressed” or “he, Jabin, strongly and forcefully squeezed, distressed and crushed” “the children of Israel” which means “the offspring and progeny belonging to Israel whose name means ‘God prevails’ and is the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob”. The writer shared how “Jabin” forcefully afflicted the offspring of “Israel” for a period of “twenty” annual sets of days.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn how “Jabin” possessed powerful weapons of war, nine hundred war wagons made with iron, to keep the offspring of Israel afflicted for “twenty years”. “Israel” once again had forsaken Jehovah God, and when He gave them over to “Jabin”, they suffered for it. God wants to free people from sin and oppression, and this is accomplished when we receive His Son Jesus who was crucified on the cross and raised from the dead after three days. As we believe and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and accompany us regardless of our circumstances in the world. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:19-20)

Next time we learn about, “Deborah, a prophetess”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Sold to Jabin - Judges 4:2

In the book of Judges we learned how, “the children of Israel again did evil in the sight of the LORD, when Ehud was dead”, and in chapter four and verse two of Judges, we learn how, “the LORD sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan” where we read,

And the LORD sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan, that reigned in Hazor;

the captain of whose host was Sisera, which dwelt in Harosheth of the Gentiles.

The verse reads, “And the LORD sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan, that reigned in Hazor;” The writer began with the words, “and the LORD” which means “and Jehovah who is the existing One and is the proper name for the One True God” “sold them” or “gave or delivered them, the people of Israel, over to slavery” “into the hand of Jabin” which means “over to the power, might and authority of Jabin whose name means ‘whom God observes’ and was another king of Hazor whose general, Sisera, was defeated by Barak” “king of Canaan” or “royal ruler and leader belonging to Canaan whose name means ‘zealous or lowland’ and was the land west of the Jordan peopled by the descendants of Canaan and subsequently conquered by the Israelites under Joshua”, “that reigned in Hazor” which means “who counseled, advised and ruled within Hazor whose name means ‘castle’ and was a royal city of northern Palestine allotted to Naphtali”. The writer shared how Jehovah God delivered the people of “Israel” over to the power and might of “Jabin” who was the royal ruler “of Canaan” who ruled in “Hazor”.

The verse goes on to say, “the captain of whose host was Sisera, which dwelt in Harosheth of the Gentiles.” The writer continued with the words, “the captain” which means “the prince, ruler, leader, chieftain, official or general” “of whose host” or “pertaining Jabin’s organized army” “was Sisera” with means “existed as Sisera whose name means ‘battle array’ and was the conquering general under king Jabin of Hazor and slain by Jael”, “which dwelt in Harosheth” or “who lived, abided and inhabited Harosheth whose name means ‘woodland’ and was a city in the north of the land of Canaan on the west coast of the lake Merom” “of the Gentiles” which means “belonging to the non-Hebrew, foreign and pagan people group”. The writer shared how the general of “Jabin’s” army was “Sisera” who lived in “Harosheth” which belonged to the pagan people.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn how the people of “Israel” suffered adverse consequences for their wicked behavior again, and this time Jehovah God gave them to be slaves under the power and authority of “Jabin” who ruled from “Hazor” and was the royal leader of “Canaan”. The general to “Jabin’s” army was “Sisera” who lived in “Harosheth” whose residents were pagan and heathen people. This was not God’s first plan for Israel, but because they forsook Him and His ways, they were set under this bondage. God wants to set us free from the bondage of sin and it’s consequences, and that is why He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and raise Him from the dead after three days. When we yield to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us His Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth and give us the ability to live according to that truth so we avoid the slavery and bondage that sin can bring into our lives. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Romans 6:18, 22)

Next time we learn how Jabin, “had nine hundred chariots of iron”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…