“Hear this, you kings! Listen, you rulers!
I, even I, will sing to the LORD;
I will praise the LORD, the God of Israel, in song. (Judges 5:3)
Deborah counseling General Barak. Credit: CZ Landelle
Deborah, the Prophetess, wrote these words more than 3,000 years ago. These are the faithful words of a powerful woman after the most challenging experience of her life. The Canaanites had oppressed the Israelites for many years and Deborah, who was the Judge of Israel at the time, decided to hit the challenge head on. She gathered her most trusted commander, Barak, and 10,000 men to fight against Sisera and his army. Outnumbered and outflanked by 900 chariots, the miraculous happened…it began to rain. The chariots got stuck in the mud and Sisera’s army was completely wiped out.
But Sisera, like a coward, ran away in the opposite direction. He arrived at the tent of Yael and knowing that Sisera was an enemy of Israel, while he was asleep, she hammered a tent peg into his temple, finishing him off once and for all. There was peace in Israel for 40 years after this great victory. The full account of the story is in the book of Judges 4. This incredible woman is an early example of one of the first women who could be called “empowered” and she became an iconic leader for her people who is still remembered today.
Deborah wrote a poem about her experience in Judges 5, where she honors the God of Israel and recognizes his omnipresence. What a fantastic example of a woman relying on God to give her the strength and wisdom to lead her people!
Deborah by CZ Landelle
Deborah is introduced in the bible simply as a prophetess and “the wife of Lapidoth.” This introduction speaks volumes to the story behind the story. The mere fact that she is mentioned as his wife means that he was important to her. The Bible tells us nothing else about Lapidoth and nothing about Deborah’s genealogy so consequently, this becomes a story about a self-made woman. Lapidoth probably fully understood that she was called to do great things and was willing to encourage her to fulfill her destiny. What a gem of a man that can see beyond his ego and understand that a woman can be called to greatness! Her faith empowered her and her zeal for justice inspired multitudes during her lifetime and for the generations of women that would come behind her.
By definition, the name Deborah means “bee.” Science confirms that the bee ranks among the highest in intelligence in the animal kingdom. While Deborah’s prophetic wisdom was as sweet as honey, her fatal sting to her enemies is what she will be remembered for. As for intelligence; Deborah stands out among the wisest of all women in the bible.
Date Palm Tree in Israel.
Deborah and Lapidoth lived between Bethel and Ramah in the hill country of Ephraim. This is located next to modern day Ramallah, known as the area of the “West Bank.” Deborah worked close to home, under a palm tree no less. The Palm of Deborah was named much like a street or building being named after her today. And though there is no record of her being a mother of natural children, she was referred to as a “mother in Israel”.
Deborah possessed a strong mind and a unique perspective. Her ability to discern the mind of God and declare it to others, drew men and women alike to seek out her counsel. She was a woman who had a zeal and quest for justice, personally and professionally. As a result of all these things her wisdom and leadership was unmatched in her time. She aroused the nation of Israel from its despair and fearlessly devoted herself to freeing her people from bondage and humiliation.
Yael and Sisera in her tent.
Even when she instructed Barak to go into battle with Sisera, he didn’t want to go unless she went with him. And went with him she did! What courage!! But it came at a cost for Barak. Why? Because she told him that if she came to the battle, the victory would be credited to a woman. She wasn’t referring to herself, but rather to Yael, who ended the battle with Sisera in her tent.
Deborah’s humility and her willingness to give others credit, is what made her an incredible leader and inspiration. The wisdom and justice that she shared were by-products of this attitude. Her willingness to get dirty and go into battle is a testimony to all who desire greatness. And her faith in the God of Israel is what sustained her. Next time you hear the expression “busy as a bee,” think of Deborah and be inspired.
