Judges 4:4
Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel at that time.
Now Deborah
The introduction of Deborah marks a significant moment in the narrative of Judges. Her name, "Deborah," means "bee" in Hebrew, symbolizing industriousness and wisdom. In the context of ancient Israel, Deborah's emergence as a leader is remarkable, as it was uncommon for women to hold such positions of authority. Her role as a judge and prophetess highlights God's sovereign choice and the breaking of societal norms to fulfill His purposes.

a prophetess
The term "prophetess" indicates that Deborah was endowed with the gift of prophecy, serving as a mouthpiece for God. In the Hebrew context, a prophet or prophetess was someone who received divine revelation and guidance. Deborah's role as a prophetess underscores the spiritual authority she held, providing counsel and direction to the people of Israel. Her prophetic gift was crucial in guiding Israel during a time of oppression and turmoil.

the wife of Lappidoth
This phrase situates Deborah within her familial context, identifying her as the wife of Lappidoth. The name "Lappidoth" means "torches" or "flames," which could symbolize enlightenment or inspiration. While little is known about Lappidoth, his mention serves to ground Deborah in her social and familial setting, emphasizing that her leadership did not exist in isolation but within the fabric of her community.

was judging Israel
Deborah's role as a judge involved more than legal adjudication; it encompassed leadership, governance, and spiritual oversight. In the Hebrew tradition, judges were seen as deliverers raised by God to lead and rescue Israel from oppression. Deborah's position as a judge signifies her authority and responsibility in guiding the nation according to God's will, making decisions that affected the entire community.

at that time
This phrase situates Deborah's judgeship within a specific historical context. The period of the judges was marked by a cyclical pattern of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. Deborah's leadership occurred during a time of Canaanite oppression, highlighting the need for strong, divinely appointed leadership to guide Israel back to faithfulness and freedom. Her judgeship represents a pivotal moment in Israel's history, where God used an unexpected leader to bring about deliverance and restoration.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Deborah
A prophetess and judge of Israel, Deborah is a unique figure in the Old Testament. She is one of the few female leaders mentioned in the Bible, known for her wisdom and courage. Her role as a judge indicates her leadership and spiritual authority in Israel during a time of oppression.

2. Lappidoth
Mentioned as Deborah's husband, little is known about Lappidoth. His mention highlights Deborah's marital status, which was significant in the cultural context of the time.

3. Israel
The nation of Israel was under oppression by the Canaanite king Jabin during this period. Deborah's leadership was crucial in rallying the Israelites to seek deliverance from their enemies.

4. Prophetess
Deborah's role as a prophetess signifies her ability to receive and communicate God's messages. This role was vital in guiding Israel according to God's will.

5. Judging
Deborah's position as a judge involved settling disputes and providing leadership. This role was both judicial and military, as judges often led Israel in battles against their oppressors.
Teaching Points
God's Use of Women in Leadership
Deborah's role as a judge and prophetess demonstrates that God can and does use women in significant leadership positions. This challenges cultural norms and encourages the church to recognize and support the gifts of women in ministry.

Courage and Faith in Leadership
Deborah's account is a testament to the courage and faith required to lead God's people. Her reliance on God's guidance serves as a model for leaders today to seek divine wisdom and strength.

The Importance of Spiritual Discernment
As a prophetess, Deborah's ability to discern God's will was crucial. Believers are encouraged to cultivate a deep relationship with God to discern His guidance in their lives.

Unity and Cooperation in God's Work
Deborah's collaboration with Barak in leading Israel to victory illustrates the importance of unity and cooperation among God's people. Working together in obedience to God brings about His purposes.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Deborah's role as a prophetess and judge challenge or affirm your understanding of leadership in the church today?

2. In what ways can we cultivate spiritual discernment like Deborah to better understand God's will for our lives?

3. How does the account of Deborah encourage you to step into roles or tasks that may seem daunting or unconventional?

4. What can we learn from Deborah's collaboration with Barak about the importance of teamwork in fulfilling God's mission?

5. How do other biblical examples of women in leadership, such as Miriam and Hannah, enhance our understanding of Deborah's significance in the Bible?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 15:20
Miriam, like Deborah, is described as a prophetess, highlighting the presence of female spiritual leaders in Israel's history.

1 Samuel 2:1-10
Hannah's prayer reflects the strength and faith of women in the Bible, similar to Deborah's leadership and trust in God.

Proverbs 31:10-31
The description of a virtuous woman aligns with Deborah's character as a wise and capable leader.

Hebrews 11:32-34
The faith of the judges, including Deborah, is celebrated, emphasizing their reliance on God for victory and justice.
Temporary Influences and a Permanent TendencyA.F. Muir Judges 4:1-11
A Sermon for the New YearHomilistJudges 4:4-11
Deborah: Woman's AttributeE. Monro, M. A.Judges 4:4-11
InfluenceA. Crummell.Judges 4:4-11
Lessons from an Old StoryDean Vaughan.Judges 4:4-11
Self-RelianceBp. Boyd Carpenter.Judges 4:4-11
The Duty of Woman to WomenBp. H. C. Potter.Judges 4:4-11
People
Abinoam, Barak, Deborah, Ehud, Heber, Hobab, Israelites, Jabin, Jael, Kenites, Lapidoth, Naphtali, Sisera, Zebulun
Places
Bethel, Canaan, Harosheth-hagoyim, Hazor, Kedesh, Kedesh-naphtali, Kishon River, Moab, Mount Tabor, Ramah, Zaanannim
Topics
Deborah, Deb'orah, Inspired, Judge, Judged, Judging, Lapidoth, Lappidoth, Lapp'idoth, Leading, Prophet, Prophetess, Wife
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Judges 4:4

     5489   rank
     7735   leaders, political

Judges 4:1-6

     5208   armies

Judges 4:1-10

     6634   deliverance

Judges 4:4-5

     5270   court
     5745   women

Judges 4:4-7

     5266   conscription

Judges 4:4-10

     5091   Deborah
     5358   judges
     7266   tribes of Israel

Library
Sin Slain
I want to picture to you to-night, if I can, three acts in a great history--three different pictures illustrating one subject. I trust we have passed through all three of them, many of us; and as we shall look upon them, whilst I paint them upon the wall, I think there will be many here who will be able to say, I was in that state once;" and when we come to the last, I hope we shall be able to clap our hands, and rejoice to feel that the last is our case also, and that we are in the plight of the
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 6: 1860

Whether the Grace of the Word of Wisdom and Knowledge is Becoming to Women?
Objection 1: It would seem that the grace of the word of wisdom and knowledge is becoming even to women. For teaching is pertinent to this grace, as stated in the foregoing Article. Now it is becoming to a woman to teach; for it is written (Prov. 4:3,4): "I was an only son in the sight of my mother, and she taught me [*Vulg.: 'I was my father's son, tender, and as an only son in the sight of my mother. And he taught me.']." Therefore this grace is becoming to women. Objection 2: Further, the grace
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

The First Blast of the Trumpet
The English Scholar's Library etc. No. 2. The First Blast of the Trumpet &c. 1558. The English Scholar's Library of Old and Modern Works. No. 2. The First Blast of the Trumpet &c. 1558. Edited by EDWARD ARBER, F.S.A., etc., LECTURER IN ENGLISH LITERATURE, ETC., UNIVERSITY COLLEGE, LONDON. SOUTHGATE, LONDON, N. 15 August 1878. No. 2. (All rights reserved.) CONTENTS. Bibliography vii-viii Introduction
John Knox—The First Blast of the Trumpet

A Nation's Struggle for a Home and Freedom.
ISRAEL'S VICTORIES OVER THE CANAANITES.--Josh. 2-9; Judg. 1, 4, 5. Parallel Readings. Hist. Bible II,1-4.1. Prin. of Politics X. That the leaders took the lead in Israel, That the people volunteered readily, Bless Jehovah! Zebulun was a people who exposed themselves to deadly peril, And Naphtali on the heights of the open field. Kings came, they fought; They fought, the kings of Canaan, At Taanach by the Waters of Megiddo, They took no booty of silver. Prom heaven fought the stars, From their
Charles Foster Kent—The Making of a Nation

Gamala. Chorazin.
These things determine the situation of Gamala:--1. It was "in lower Gaulon," in which, as we have seen, Bethsaida was. 2. It was "upon the lake [of Gennesaret]." 3. It was "over-against Tarichee." Compare the maps, whether in their placing of it they agree with these passages. Here was Judas born, commonly called 'Gaulanites,' and as commonly also, the 'Galilean.' So Peter and Andrew and Philip were Gaulanites; of Bethsaida, John 1:44; and yet they were called 'Galileans.' While we are speaking
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

The Blessings of Noah Upon Shem and Japheth. (Gen. Ix. 18-27. )
Ver. 20. "And Noah began and became an husbandman, and planted vineyards."--This does not imply that Noah was the first who began to till the ground, and, more especially, to cultivate the vine; for Cain, too, was a tiller of the ground, Gen. iv. 2. The sense rather is, that Noah, after the flood, again took up this calling. Moreover, the remark has not an independent import; it serves only to prepare the way for the communication of the subsequent account of Noah's drunkenness. By this remark,
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Beth-El. Beth-Aven.
Josephus thus describes the land of Benjamin; "The Benjamites' portion of land was from the river Jordan to the sea, in length: in breadth, it was bounded by Jerusalem and Beth-el." Let these last words be marked, "The breadth of the land of Benjamin was bounded by Jerusalem and Beth-el." May we not justly conclude, from these words, that Jerusalem and Beth-el were opposite, as it were, in a right line? But if you look upon the maps, there are some that separate these by a very large tract of land,
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

A Cloud of Witnesses.
"By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was a-dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when his end was nigh, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.... By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been compassed about for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot perished not with them that were disobedient,
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews

The Mountainous Country of Judea.
"What is the mountainous country of Judea? It is the king's mountain." However Judea, here and there, doth swell out much with mountains, yet its chief swelling appears in that broad back of mountains, that runs from the utmost southern cost as far as Hebron, and almost as Jerusalem itself. Which the Holy Scripture called "The hill-country of Judah," Joshua 21:11; Luke 1:39. Unless I am very much mistaken,--the maps of Adricomus, Tirinius, and others, ought to be corrected, which have feigned to
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

The Country of Jericho, and the Situation of the City.
Here we will borrow Josephus' pencil, "Jericho is seated in a plain, yet a certain barren mountain hangs over it, narrow, indeed, but long; for it runs out northward to the country of Scythopolis,--and southward, to the country of Sodom, and the utmost coast of the Asphaltites." Of this mountain mention is made, Joshua 2:22, where the two spies, sent by Joshua, and received by Rahab, are said to "conceal themselves." "Opposite against this, lies a mountain on the other side Jordan, beginning from
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

He Does Battle for the Faith; He Restores Peace among those who were at Variance; He Takes in Hand to Build a Stone Church.
57. (32). There was a certain clerk in Lismore whose life, as it is said, was good, but his faith not so. He was a man of some knowledge in his own eyes, and dared to say that in the Eucharist there is only a sacrament and not the fact[718] of the sacrament, that is, mere sanctification and not the truth of the Body. On this subject he was often addressed by Malachy in secret, but in vain; and finally he was called before a public assembly, the laity however being excluded, in order that if it were
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh

Miscellaneous Subjects.
Woman's Freedom. The Scriptural right for women to labor in the gospel as exhorters, teachers, preachers, etc., is questioned by many. To deny women such a privilege is contrary to the Christian spirit of equality, and a serious obstruction to pure gospel light. We (male and female) are all one in Christ Jesus. Gal. 3:28. In the kingdom of grace man and woman are on an equal footing so far as concerns the work of God. To explain some texts that seem to prohibit women from laboring in the gospel
Charles Ebert Orr—The Gospel Day

Judges
For the understanding of the early history and religion of Israel, the book of Judges, which covers the period from the death of Joshua to the beginning of the struggle with the Philistines, is of inestimable importance; and it is very fortunate that the elements contributed by the later editors are so easily separated from the ancient stories whose moral they seek to point. That moral is most elaborately stated in ii. 6-iii. 6, which is a sort of programme or preface to iii. 7-xvi. 31, which constitutes
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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