Judges Profiles

DEBORAH

Judges 4:4–5:31

Wise leaders are rare. They accomplish great amounts of work without direct involvement because they know how to work through other people. They are able to see the big picture that often escapes those directly involved, so they make good mediators, advisers, and planners. Deborah fit this description perfectly. She had all these leadership skills, and she had a remarkable relationship with God. The insight and confidence God gave this woman placed her in a unique position in the Old Testament. Deborah is among the outstanding women of history.

Her story shows that she was not power hungry. She wanted to serve God. Whenever praise came her way, she gave God the credit. She didn’t deny or resist her position in the culture as a woman and wife, but she never allowed herself to be hindered by it either. Her story shows that God can accomplish great things through people who are willing to be led by him.

Deborah’s life challenges us in several ways. She reminds us of the need to be available both to God and to others. She encourages us to spend our efforts on what we can do rather than on worrying about what we can’t do. Deborah challenges us to be wise leaders. She demonstrates what a person can accomplish when God is in control.

Strengths and accomplishments	Fourth and only female judge of Israel Special abilities as a mediator, adviser, and counselor When called on to lead, was able to plan, direct, and delegate Known for her prophetic power A writer of songs
Lessons from her life	God chooses leaders by his standards, not ours Wise leaders choose good helpers
Vital statistics	Where: Canaan Occupations: Prophet, judge Relative: Husband: Lappidoth Contemporaries: Barak, Jael, Jabin of Hazor, Sisera
Key verse	“And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time” (Judges 4:4).

Her story is told in Judges 4—5.