The name Deborah means “bee.” The parents of Israel’s fourth—and only female—judge could not have picked a more appropriate name for their daughter. Uncommonly gifted, this industrious woman grew up to accomplish extraordinary things with her life.
The Bible tells us she was married to a man named Lappidoth (though there’s no overt mention of children). We also learn she was a prophetess, which means that like Miriam (see Exod 15:20) before her and Anna (see Luke 2:36) after her, Deborah regularly received divine revelation for her people.
Somewhere along the way, Deborah added the job of “judge” to her roles as wife and prophetess. This was during that lawless, rudderless time in Israel’s history between Joshua and Saul, when the nation had no king (see Judg 17:6)—and even less of a sense of right and wrong. The judges apparently exercised some degree of legal authority. More often they served as military conquerors—securing freedom from outside oppressors and then presiding over periods of peace.
During her stint as judge, Deborah kept an “office” (literally a palm tree between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim; see Judg 4:5). There she likely shared God’s truth, offered wise counsel, boosted national morale, and presided over disputes between her people in almost the same way a mom referees squabbles between her kids (see Judg 5:7).
It’s safe to assume that juggling all these responsibilities and functions kept Deborah busy. But her shining moment was still to come. One day, at God’s clear prompting, Deborah called Barak in and commanded him to take 10,000 men and attack the forces of Jabin, who were under the command of General Sisera. (Jabin was the Canaanite king who reigned in Hazor and who had been a thorn in the side of the children of Israel for more than two decades.)
Barak, due either to his own insecurity or to Deborah’s great ability (or perhaps a bit of both), pleaded for her to accompany him into battle. “‘I will go with you,’ she said, ‘but you will receive no honor on the road you are about to take, because the Lord will sell Sisera into a woman’s hand.’ So Deborah got up and went with Barak to Kedesh” (Judg 4:9).
Once the troops were in position on Mount Tabor, Deborah gave the signal, and Barak led the charge. Rushing down the mountainside, the ragtag Israelites routed the stronger, battle-tested Canaanites and their 900 iron chariots. Deliverance came largely because of Deborah’s bold leadership—and, it seems, some timely, divine flooding (see Judg 5:21–22).
As per Deborah’s prophecy, Sisera fled the battle and hid among the Kenites. While he snoozed, an Israelite sympathizer, a woman named Jael, took his life in a most inglorious manner (see Judg 4:17–21).
Following this overwhelming victory, Deborah composed a vivid, upbeat song (see Judg 5:2–31) to celebrate Israel’s great deliverance. Who knew this busy prophetess, wife, and judge was also a gifted songwriter?
The “Song of Deborah” has long been praised for its literary qualities. Lyrically the song taps into all of Deborah’s life experiences. It is God-centered, as we would expect from a spiritual leader or prophetess. It is full of the kinds of historical and military references that only a seasoned national leader (i.e., a “judge”) would be able to describe. It is further filled with domestic imagery—concluding with the poignant picture of Sisera’s mother looking out the window, waiting in vain for her son to return home from battle.
Mostly, Deborah’s song is humble. It avoids any hint of self-congratulation, beginning with the words, “When the leaders lead in Israel, when the people volunteer, praise the Lord.” In other words, victory is a team effort and ultimately the work of the Lord.
While the nation looked on, Deborah performed her composition with Barak (see Judg 5:1). The fact that we still have the song suggests it was quite a hit in Israel.
Following these events, Israel enjoyed forty years of peace and quiet (see Judg 5:31). Surely Deborah kept busy to the end of her days.
The Takeaway
One conclusion we can draw from the life of Deborah is that certain people are given rare leadership ability. God graces each one of us with unique abilities and one-of-a-kind opportunities. In certain situations we are called to lead. In other settings we are expected to volunteer, to follow. This much we know: we are all called by God to play a role. We each have a part.
When, like Barak, we doubt the promise of God and shrink back, we miss out on the full experience of being used by God. When, like Deborah, we step forward and bravely exercise our gifts, we end up having a huge impact.
Deborah teaches us to busy ourselves in doing all the things God has given us to do, all for his glory.
Food for Thought
- What are the various roles you play in life?
- What do others say are your gifts, special talents, and unique abilities?
- Are there situations in your life in which you feel nudged to engage but question whether you could really make a difference? If so, what are they? What keeps you from stepping out?