Deborah

An outstanding leader in Israel when the nation faced a crisis of resurgent Canaanite power in the time of the judges. Her name means “bee”.

Deborah's calling

As a judge

Judges 4:4–5, Judges 5:7 She was probably called upon to settle intertribal disputes, “mother in Israel” meaning one who promotes the unity of God's family.

As a prophetess

Judges 4:4, Judges 4:7, Judges 4:9, Judges 4:14

Deborah's response to the Canaanite threat

She was petitioned by the people

Judges 5:11–12

She appointed Barak commander-in-chief

Judges 4:6

She accompanied the army into battle

Judges 4:8–10

She led the people in victory celebration

Judges 5:1–3, Judges 5:28–31 In this respect she is like Moses and Miriam (Exodus 15:1–20).

Deborah's character

She was wise, decisive, courageous, inspiring and bold

Judges 4:5–9, Judges 4:14, Judges 5:9, Judges 5:15–17 Her confidence was in God's word and promise and she did not shrink from rebuking God's people.

She gave credit to others

Judges 5:14–15, Judges 5:18–19, Judges 5:24–27

She gave glory to God

Judges 5:20–23 These verses are a poetic acknowledgment that God has fought on Israel's behalf.

She was God's person for the hour

Judges 5:31 See also Esther 4:14

So may all Your enemies perish, O LORD! But may those who love You shine like the sun at its brightest.” And the land had rest for forty years.