Deborah, a prophetess, judge, and warrior stands tall among women, forged by God to express His strength and wisdom. Her story a resilient testimony of courage, faith, and trusting God, regardless of circumstances is told in Judges 4-5. The exhortations we find in Deborah’s story are ones all Christians need to remember always.
Deborah lived during a difficult time in Israel’s history when the people exhibited behavior of both faithfulness and rebellion through a continuous cycle. As a judge, Deborah was a leader chosen by God, a person to lead His people, settle their disputes, and speak on His behalf. Deborah wasn’t just a judge; She was also a prophetess, someone who hears from God, a woman of faith and authority.
Under Deborah’s leadership, Israel faced an enemy. The Canaanites were sovereign under King Jabin and Sisera, who oppressed the Israelites for 20 years (Judges 4:2-3) and Sisera decreed 900 iron chariots, which appeared destined for victory. Deborah trusted God enough to face Sisera’s army head-on.
The story of Deborah starts with Deborah sitting under a palm tree where she was judging Israel and dispensing the wisdom of God to His people (Judges 4:5). As a prophetess, Deborah received REVELATION from God, and her faith transitioned to action. When God told Deborah that he would defeat Sisera, Deborah took action. God commanded Deborah to speak to Barak, a leader of military operations, and to deliver His instructions to gather 10,000 men and take on Sisera’s army (Judges 4:6-7).
Barak’s response indicated the respect he had for Deborah’s spiritual authority: “If you don’t go with me, I won’t go” (Judges 4:8). Deborah said she would go. She said that the honor of the victory would go to a woman (Judges 4:9). Deborah’s prophecy was fulfilled through Jael who delivered the killing blow to Sisera (Judges 4:21). Deborah trusted God’s plan and rose to the challenge showing us the fruit of faith in action.
After the Israelites’ victory, Deborah and Barak sang a song to the Lord (Judges 5). The song is a powerful hymn of praise about God’s deliverance. The “Song of Deborah” is one of the oldest poetic passages in Scripture; it is full of artistic imagery as well as being filled with gratitude for God and His faithfulness to Israel. The song recalls the battle and recognizes those who took action to fight; it acknowledges God as the true victor in the fight. The song also reveals Deborah’s humility as she took no glory to herself, but rather gave God all the credit.
Deborah was a female prophetess and judge in a patriarchal society. This is a great illustration to Christians that God will select whom God wills—regardless of cultural expectations or norms. God equips whomever He calls, regardless of gender or age.
Faced with a formidable enemy, Deborah stood boldly in the face, and did not waiver. God’s promises gave Deborah courage to put action behind her knowledge and deliver leadership in a time of crisis. When we are faced with daunting challenges, we can absolutely lean on God… trusting that He is faithful to deliver us.
Deborah acted with authority, but she always pointed people to God as He was the source of her wisdom and strength. Deborah’s life challenges us to pursue leadership in the same manner, always humbling ourselves to allow God to redirect our calls and always giving Him the glory. Deborah led a team of people in the stories of Barak, Jael and the tribes of Israel, and she adeptly collaborated with them while offering her leadership. Deborah took responsibility for uniting the people of God together, which exemplifies the power of working together under the leadership of God.
Deborah’s story calls Christians to step boldly into the roles that God has called and prepared for us. Whether leading a family, leading a ministry, or leading a workplace, Deborah was only a person, but she encourages all of us to listen for God’s voice, be courageous when obeying and fulfilling God’s purpose and call through Jesus Christ, and trust God every step of the way towards the assured victory that He will bring. Deborah’s life challenges us to continue to break out of our own limitations, be it cultural, personal, or other, to fully embrace the unique purpose God has created for each of us.