Deborah is an exceptional woman of great influence, wisdom and courage. She is the only female Judge in the book of Judges, which is huge because she lived in a male-dominated culture where females were not traditionally in leadership roles. She was accepted by both men and women, and having such a powerful role in this time was ground-breaking for a woman. Yet she was clearly respected and admired by those around her. Not only was she a fearless military leader, she was also a prophet who shared the word of God with her people.
During the time when Deborah was a judge, the people of Israel had suffered under the oppression of King Jabin of Canaan for 20 years. Deborah received word from God to go to battle against Sisera, the leader of Jabin’s army, and she called Barak, the commander of Israel’s army and told him to take 10,000 soldiers to battle the Canaanites. Judges 4:6-10:
“6 She sent for Barak son of Abinoam from Kedesh in Naphtali and said to him, “The Lord, the God of Israel, commands you: ‘Go, take with you ten thousand men of Naphtali and Zebulun and lead them up to Mount Tabor. 7 I will lead Sisera, the commander of Jabin’s army, with his chariots and his troops to the Kishon River and give him into your hands.’”
8 Barak said to her, “If you go with me, I will go; but if you don’t go with me, I won’t go.”
9 “Certainly I will go with you,” said Deborah. “But because of the course you are taking, the honour will not be yours, for the Lord will deliver Sisera into the hands of a woman.” So Deborah went with Barak to Kedesh. 10 There Barak summoned Zebulun and Naphtali, and ten thousand men went up under his command. Deborah also went up with him.” (NIV)
Barak insisted that Deborah go with him into battle, even though it means he will not receive credit for victory. Deborah breaks so many barriers at a time where women mainly had subordination roles. She was a fierce leader, a prophet who heard God’s voice, a protector of her people and a woman of great faith.
What can we learn from Deborah? She was obedient to God and not afraid to step into an uncommon role (for females) when He called her to it. Her faith remained strong in the face of oppression from the Canaanites and as she led Barak and her army into battle. When God called her, she stepped up. Deborah was a role model then and she remains one today.
How do we respond when God calls on us? Are we ready, like Deborah, for whatever he has for us? Can we step out of our comfort zones when He leads us into something unexpected?
I pray that we all might have the faith, wisdom, boldness and obedience of Deborah. She listened to God’s word and followed, and He used her for His glory.
Our song for today is You Are My Strength by Hillsong Worship.