Topical Encyclopedia Deborah is a prominent figure in the Old Testament, known for her role as a prophetess and judge of Israel. Her account is primarily found in the Book of Judges, chapters 4 and 5. Deborah stands out as a unique leader during a tumultuous period in Israel's history, when the nation was oppressed by the Canaanite king Jabin and his commander Sisera.Role as a Judge and Prophetess Deborah is introduced in Judges 4:4-5: "Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel at that time. She would sit under the Palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites went up to her for judgment." As a judge, Deborah held a position of authority and was sought after for her wisdom and guidance. Her role as a prophetess indicates that she was a spokesperson for God, delivering His messages to the people of Israel. Military Leadership and Victory Deborah's leadership is most notably demonstrated in her involvement in the battle against the Canaanites. She summoned Barak, the son of Abinoam, and conveyed God's command to him: "Go, deploy the troops at Mount Tabor, taking ten thousand men from Naphtali and Zebulun. And I will draw out Sisera the commander of Jabin’s army, his chariots, and his multitude at the River Kishon; and I will deliver him into your hand" (Judges 4:6-7). Barak agreed to go to battle only if Deborah accompanied him, to which she consented, but prophesied that the honor of victory would go to a woman. The battle unfolded as Deborah had foretold. The Lord routed Sisera and his chariots, and Sisera fled on foot. He sought refuge in the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, who ultimately killed him, fulfilling Deborah's prophecy that a woman would claim the victory (Judges 4:21). The Song of Deborah Judges 5 records the Song of Deborah, a poetic retelling of the victory over the Canaanites. This song is one of the oldest passages in the Bible and is attributed to both Deborah and Barak. It praises the Lord for His deliverance and highlights the bravery of the tribes that joined the battle. The song also serves as a reminder of the consequences of failing to heed God's call, as it rebukes the tribes that did not participate in the fight. Legacy Deborah's legacy is that of a courageous and faithful leader who trusted in God's promises and acted decisively in obedience to His commands. Her account is a testament to the power of faith and the importance of righteous leadership. As a woman in a patriarchal society, Deborah's role as a judge and prophetess is particularly significant, demonstrating that God can use anyone, regardless of gender, to fulfill His purposes. Her life and leadership continue to inspire believers to seek God's guidance and to act with courage and conviction. Concordance Deb'orah (10 Occurrences)Genesis 35:8 Judges 4:4 Judges 4:5 Judges 4:9 Judges 4:10 Judges 4:14 Judges 5:1 Judges 5:7 Judges 5:12 Judges 5:15 Thesaurus Deb'orah (10 Occurrences)Deb'orah. Deborah, Deb'orah. Debris . Multi-Version Concordance Deb'orah (10 Occurrences). Genesis 35:8 And Deborah Rebekah's nurse ... /d/deb'orah.htm - 9k Abin'o-am (3 Occurrences) Sis'era (19 Occurrences) Heels (11 Occurrences) Deborah (10 Occurrences) Zeb'ulun (41 Occurrences) Lapp'idoth (1 Occurrence) Is'sachar (40 Occurrences) Debris (2 Occurrences) Peasantry (3 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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