Deborah

The story of Deborah absolutely intrigues me. She was an amazing and powerful woman. She held positions of National Leadership that were not often held by women in Bible days. First, we see she was a Prophetess, a Wife, and a Judge which is only a partial list of her accomplishments.
“And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time.” Judges 4:4

Let me remind you a prophetess has direct contact with God. She speaks God’s word. What better quality for a Judge to possess?

Deborah allowed free access to her office as Judge, by positioning herself under the shade of a palm tree. Most Judges did not allow such availability. She was accessible to both God and man.
“And she dwelt under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in mount Ephraim: and the children of Israel came up to her for judgment.” Judges 4:5

Another interesting fact about Deborah is that she was the only female Judge in the Bible. She shared the honor with Samuel of being the only two people in the Bible to ever hold both the positions of Phophet(ess) and Judge.

As a Prophetess and woman of power (Judge), Deborah demanded that Barak come before her. Barak was a Military Commander of that time. When he arrived, Deborah, spoke a reassuring message to him from God. This message was that God would deliver their enemy into Barak’s hand in a battle.
“And she sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedeshnaphtali, and said unto him, Hath not the Lord God of Israel commanded, saying, Go and draw toward mount Tabor, and take with thee ten thousand men of the children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun? ⁷ And I will draw unto thee to the river Kishon Sisera, the captain of Jabin’s army, with his chariots and his multitude; and I will deliver him into thine hand.” Judges 4:6-7

Barak did not have the faith in God that Deborah possessed. He refused to go to battle unless Deborah went along. I do not know if he was a coward or just wanted someone of God to be with him.
“And Barak said unto her, If thou wilt go with me, then I will go: but if thou wilt not go with me, then I will not go.” Judges 4:8

Deborah willing consented to fight in battle to accomplish God’s work. Warrior Deborah, informed Barak that as a Commander he would usually be given credit for any victory, but since he insisted that she join him he would not receive full credit.
“And she said, I will surely go with thee: notwithstanding the journey that thou takest shall not be for thine honour; for the Lord shall sell Sisera into the hand of a woman. And Deborah arose, and went with Barak to Kedesh.” Judges 4:9

Barak formed an army of ten thousand men. Their enemy Sisera heard of this and gathered up his army of nine-hundred thousand chariots and warriors to battle Barak. As a Prophetess Deborah relayed to Barak that God would give them victory. I can imagine Barak looking at this massive army and thinking, “yeah right!”.
“And Barak called Zebulun and Naphtali to Kedesh; and he went up with ten thousand men at his feet: and Deborah went up with him. ¹¹ Now Heber the Kenite, which was of the children of Hobab the father in law of Moses, had severed himself from the Kenites, and pitched his tent unto the plain of Zaanaim, which is by Kedesh. ¹² And they shewed Sisera that Barak the son of Abinoam was gone up to mount Tabor. ¹³ And Sisera gathered together all his chariots, even nine hundred chariots of iron, and all the people that were with him, from Harosheth of the Gentiles unto the river of Kishon. ¹⁴ And Deborah said unto Barak, Up; for this is the day in which the Lord hath delivered Sisera into thine hand: is not the Lord gone out before thee? So Barak went down from mount Tabor, and ten thousand men after him. “
Judges 4:10-14

God kept his word of delivering Israel’s enemies into Barak’s hands. God discomfited Sisera and his army with noises from Heaven, making them believe Barak’s army was extremely large. Barak pursued their enemy and won the battle, fulfilling Deborah’s prophecy.
“And the Lord discomfited Sisera, and all his chariots, and all his host, with the edge of the sword before Barak; so that Sisera lighted down off his chariot, and fled away on his feet. ¹⁶But Barak pursued after the chariots, and after the host, unto Harosheth of the Gentiles: and all the host of Sisera fell upon the edge of the sword; and there was not a man left.” Judges 4:15-16

Deborah is also known as a songwriter. She is the author of “The Song of Deborah”. This song can be found in Judges chapter 5.
“Then sang Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam on that day, saying,..¹² Awake, awake, Deborah: awake, awake, utter a song: arise, Barak, and lead thy captivity captive, thou son of Abinoam.” Judges 5:1,12

Deborah was a mighty wittiness of what can be done when we put God first. What a resume she had as a prophetess, Judge, warrior, wife, and song writer. She is a role model for all women.