Who was Deborah in The Bible?
Introduction of Deborah
Deborah was very wise and intelligent. Under her leadership, the Israelites won because at that time the enemies were dominating the Israelites. They were being defeated from all sides. Deborah, who was a woman, won the Israelites with great wisdom. Deborah was a prophet as well as a judge.
Verse
“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 4:4-5)
Role of Deborah as a Prophetess
Deborah’s coming as a prophet proves that women are not inferior to anyone, they are equal to men, and they are given equal rights in Christianity. As a prophetess, Deborah delivered God’s messages to the people and led other women by being strong.
Verse
“Now Deborah, a prophet, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time.” (Judges 4:4)
Deborah’s as a Judge
Deborah was known as a judge among the Israelites. She used to sit under a tree and administer justice to the people. This shows that Deborah was a very just woman, which is why she got this position. Besides being a prophetess, she was also a just judge of Israel.
Verse
“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 4:5)
Leadership of Deborah And Barak
Deborah was about to fight against a king named Babylonian. For this, he gave God’s message to Barak, who was a war chief, and invited him to lead the war. God also told Barak to fight against the enemy with an army of 10,000 men. Barak accepts it and prepares for battle. But for this he made a condition that Deborah will be with me only then I will go to fight. Deborah also agreed and they both went to fight. With their mutual understanding and Deborah’s leadership, the Babylonian king was defeated and Israel won.
Verse
“She sent for Barak son of Abinoam from Kedesh in Naphtali and said to him, “The Lord, the God of Israel, commands you: ‘Go, take with you ten thousand men of Naphtali and Zebulun and lead them up to Mount Tabor. I will lead Sisera, the commander of Jabin’s army, with his chariots and his troops to the Kishon River and give him into your hands.’” Barak said to her, “If you go with me, I will go; but if you don’t go with me, I won’t go.” “Certainly I will go with you,” said Deborah. “But because of the course you are taking, the honor will not be yours, for the Lord will deliver Sisera into the hands of a woman.” So Deborah went with Barak to Kedesh.” (Judges 4: 6-9)
Prophecy And Victory of Deborah
Deborah was a prophetess, so God gave her a prophecy that a woman would win this war. Prophet Deborah told the same thing to Barak that this war will be won only by a woman. So when the war broke out, Sisera, the chief there, went to take refuge in a tent, and there was a woman named Jail. The woman killed him, which also confirmed Deborah’s prophetess status and strengthened Deborah’s leadership.
Verse
“Certainly I will go with you,” said Deborah. “But because of the course you are taking, the honor will not be yours, for the Lord will deliver Sisera into the hands of a woman.” So Deborah went with Barak to Kedesh.” (Judges 4:9)
Verse
“Sisera, meanwhile, fled on foot to the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, because there was an alliance between Jabin king of Hazor and the family of Heber the Kenite. Jael went out to meet Sisera and said to him, “Come, my lord, come right in. Don’t be afraid.” So he entered her tent, and she covered him with a blanket. “I’m thirsty,” he said. “Please give me some water.” She opened a skin of milk, gave him a drink, and covered him up. “Stand in the doorway of the tent,” he told her. “If someone comes by and asks you, ‘Is anyone in there?’ say ‘No.’”But Jael, Heber’s wife, picked up a tent peg and a hammer and went quietly to him while he lay fast asleep, exhausted. She drove the peg through his temple into the ground, and he died. Just then Barak came by in pursuit of Sisera, and Jael went out to meet him. “Come,” she said, “I will show you the man you’re looking for.” So he went in with her, and there lay Sisera with the tent peg through his temple—dead.” Judges (4: 17-22)
Deborah’s Song
When the battle was won, Deborah and Barak were very happy. They sang a song of praise to God. This song is in the Bible. Reference: (Judges 5: 1-31)
Women’s Leadership
Deborah’s being a prophetess, being a judge and even leading in battle proves that women are not less than anyone; they have the same importance as men in society. This lesson is still relevant today. God wants to tell that no gender is inferior or guidance is not limited to certain people or gender, but God’s mercy and guidance for people of all types, religions and genders.
Verse
“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. She sent for Barak son of Abinoam from Kedesh in Naphtali and said to him, “The Lord, the God of Israel, commands you: ‘Go, take with you ten thousand men of Naphtali and Zebulun and lead them up to Mount Tabor. 7 I will lead Sisera, the commander of Jabin’s army, with his chariots and his troops to the Kishon River and give him into your hands.’” Barak said to her, “If you go with me, I will go; but if you don’t go with me, I won’t go.” “Certainly I will go with you,” said Deborah. “But because of the course you are taking, the honor will not be yours, for the Lord will deliver Sisera into the hands of a woman.” So Deborah went with Barak to Kedesh.” (Judges 4:4-9)
Legacy of Deborah
Deborah’s legacy is a very important lesson for people today. It shows us that women are not weak; they can act as judges and as war leaders. Deborah proved that no matter how difficult the situation is, it can be faced if we have faith and trust in God. Deborah is also considered as one of the greatest women.
Verse
“So may all your enemies perish, Lord! But may all who love you be like the sun when it rises in its strength.” (Judges 5:31)
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Deborah is very important in history because she was a very noble woman. She was a prophetess, a just and fair judge as well as a very brave war leader. When Israel was facing difficulties from all sides and was being defeated by its enemies, then the war led by Deborah won Israel. Deborah’s life is an example that women are not weak and God considers people of all genders as equals. It also teaches us that if our faith is strong, we can do any difficult task easily.
