Deborah

*Deborah’s story is told in Judges 4-5

Who is Deborah?

  • She was a prophetess. This means she had a special connection with God and could hear his voice, which she used to guide the people of Israel.
  • Deborah was also a judge. Judges in ancient Israel were more than just courtroom figures. They were leaders, military strategists, and mediators, guiding the people in all matters – civil, legal, and sometimes even spiritual.
  • Not only that, but she also led the Israelites into battle, a role usually preserved for men. She led her people against the Canaanite King Jabin, an oppressor of Israel for two decades.

Strengths and Accomplishments

  • Deborah was wise and discerning, which were key traits in her role as a judge.
  • She was courageous and bold. Leading an army into battle, especially as a woman in those times, wasn’t a walk in the park.
  • Deborah’s faith in God was unwavering. She relied on God’s word for direction and confidently moved forward in faith.
  • As for her accomplishments, she, along with Barak, led Israel to victory over the Canaanites, leading to 40 years of peace in the land.

Weaknesses and Mistakes

  • The Bible doesn’t directly highlight any specific weaknesses or mistakes in Deborah’s life.

Lessons from her Life

  • Have faith in God. Deborah’s faith was her driving force, and through it, she accomplished great things.
  • Don’t let societal norms limit you. Despite living in a time when women were rarely in leadership positions, Deborah rose to the occasion.
  • Stand up for justice. Deborah didn’t shy away from doing what was right, even if it meant going into battle.

Key Verses

  • Judges 4:4-5 (NIV): “Now Deborah, a prophet, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time. She held court under the Palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites went up to her to have their disputes decided.”
  • Judges 4:14 (NIV): “Then Deborah said to Barak, ‘Go! This is the day the Lord has given Sisera into your hands. Has not the Lord gone ahead of you?’ So Barak went down Mount Tabor, with ten thousand men following him.”
  • Judges 5:31 (NIV): “So may all your enemies perish, Lord! But may all who love you be like the sun when it rises in its strength. Then the land had peace forty years.”