Deborah: Prophetess, Judge and Military Leader
by Pastor Ronald Boelte
Deborah is the only woman in the Bible to hold all three titles of
prophetess, judge, and military leader, and only Moses and Samuel also
carried those three titles.
She is also described as the mother of Israel, a title that held great
honor and meaning for the people. As a woman and as a follower of God she
held great influence in the nation of Israel, a role not often given to
women during this time in history.
As a judge she carried on court under a palm tree bearing her name. She
would hear and decide the cases that were brought to her by the people of
Israel.
As a prophet of God, she summoned Barak, the commander of the army, and
gave an oracle, giving him God's instructions for a battle in the Jezreel
Valley against the Canaanite army commanded by Sisera. Barak however would
not go unless Deborah went with the army. This would show how weak Barak
was as a commander, but also showed what great authority Deborah had in
the nation of Israel.
This fact showed her also a great military leader, who had God's power
and favor with her, and would help lead the nation of Israel in defeating
Sisera and his army. This battle would help to end the Canaanite power in
Israel for a long time to come.
By Barak's refusal to go win the battle by himself, Deborah had said
that the honor of killing Sisera would go to someone else. The woman Jael
is the one that kills Sisera. As he slept she drives a tent peg through
his head.
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