play acting

Yesterday, not a single student knew the words "judge," "leader," or "President".
This made it difficult to begin the book of Judges in ESL Bible class.

They could really use some bilingual instruction, but instead, they've got me, a drama coach.

So today I brought cardboard-and-duct-tape swords to class, along with milk, a tent, a tent peg, a hammer, a blanket, and pictures of palm trees and soldiers. Let the games begin!

Narrator: After Joshua died, God used people called judges to rule the people. They guided the
people in times of peace and times of war. They helped make sure the people did the right
thing and followed God.

One of the first judges was a woman named Deborah. She would sit near a palm tree and hold court, helping people with their problems. She was wise and faithful.

Deborah:I always sit under this tree and help people with their problems. Let me help you.

God: Hey, Deborah. Please give this message to the soldier Barak. Tell him to take some soldiers to the mountain. He will meet an evil man named Sisera and his army there, but I will help him win the battle.

Deborah: Ok, God. I will tell him. But I don’t think he will be happy about it!
Barak, come here please!

Barak: Hey Deborah. What’s up?

Deborah: God told me to tell you something. He wants you to take the army to the mountain and fight Sisera.

Barak: Oh no! I am too scared. I don’t want to go there. Will you come with me?

Deborah: Why don’t you believe God? I will go with you, but because you are so scared, God will not let you get the honor for killing Sisera.

Barak:Ok, whatever. Let’s go.

Narrator: So the army of Israel went to the mountain and fought Sisera’s army. With God’s help, Israel won. Sisera left his army and ran away. He ran by the tent that belonged to Jael.

Jael: Hello. You look very tired. Would you like to come into my tent?

Sisera: Oh, yes. I am so thirsty. Can I have a drink?

Jael: Sure. Here is some milk. Why don’t you lay down and rest? I will cover you with this blanket.

Sisera: Oh, thank you…(snores)

Narrator: When he was asleep, Jael picked up a tent peg and hammered it into his head. He died. Barak came by, looking for Sisera.

Barak: Excuse me, miss. Have you seen a man come running by here?

Jael: You mean Sisera? Yes, I saw him. Come into my tent. There he is!

Narrator: God took care of His people and helped them win the battle. He took care of all their
needs.. Barak needed to trust God’s plan. Deborah trusted God completely—not doubting Him even for a moment. Deborah sang a song to God to thank Him for helping them and watching over them. God heard their words of thanksgiving and they had peace for 40 years.