Topical Encyclopedia Deborah stands as a remarkable figure in the biblical narrative, not only for her role as a judge and prophetess but also for her contribution to Hebrew poetry. Her account is primarily found in the Book of Judges, chapters 4 and 5, where she emerges as a leader during a tumultuous period in Israel's history.Deborah's Role and Context Deborah was a prophetess and the only female judge mentioned in the Bible. She held court under the Palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, where the Israelites came to her for judgment (Judges 4:4-5). Her leadership was pivotal during a time when Israel was oppressed by Jabin, the king of Canaan, and his commander, Sisera. The Song of Deborah Deborah's poetic contribution is encapsulated in Judges 5, often referred to as "The Song of Deborah." This song is one of the oldest passages in the Bible and is a victory hymn celebrating the defeat of the Canaanite forces. It is a rich tapestry of poetic imagery, historical recounting, and theological reflection. The song begins with a call to praise: "When the princes in Israel take the lead, when the people willingly offer themselves—bless the LORD!" (Judges 5:2). This sets the tone for a narrative that intertwines divine intervention with human action. Deborah's poetry highlights the collaboration between God and His people, emphasizing that victory is achieved through divine guidance and human courage. Themes and Imagery Deborah's song is notable for its vivid imagery and thematic depth. It portrays the natural world as participating in the divine battle: "The earth trembled, the heavens poured, the clouds poured down water" (Judges 5:4). This cosmic involvement underscores the belief that God is actively engaged in the affairs of His people. The song also celebrates the bravery of key figures, such as Barak, who led the Israelite forces, and Jael, who killed Sisera. Deborah's words honor those who rose to the occasion: "Most blessed among women is Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite; most blessed is she among women in tents" (Judges 5:24). Deborah's Legacy as a Poet Deborah's contribution as a poet is significant not only for its literary quality but also for its theological insights. Her song is a testament to the power of faith and the importance of righteous leadership. It serves as a reminder of the role women have played in the spiritual and cultural life of Israel. Through her poetry, Deborah provides a model of female leadership that is both strong and faithful. Her words continue to inspire and challenge readers to recognize the hand of God in history and to respond with courage and devotion. Nave's Topical Index Judges 5:1Then sang Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam on that day, saying, Nave's Topical Index Library Introduction. Letter Liv. To Furia. The Jewish Institutions and Laws of Far Higher Antiquity than the ... The City of God. Index of Subjects. Against Jovinianus. The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. ) The Prophet Joel. The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... Resources Why do women have such a small role in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about women leaders in government? Should a woman be President? | GotQuestions.org What roles can women fill in ministry? | GotQuestions.org Women: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Women are Courteous to Strangers Women are Tender to Her offspring Women of the Body (Ekklesia) of Christ Women: A Persian Queen Sat on a Throne Beside Her King Women: Active in Instigating to Iniquity Women: As Prophets: Philip's Four Unmarried Daughters Women: Athaliah, in Destroying the Royal Household and Usurping the Throne Women: Bath-Sheba, in Her Adultery, in Becoming the Wife of Her Husband's Murderer Women: Consecrated Jewels to Tabernacle Women: Converted by Preaching of Paul Women: Could not Marry Without the Consent of Parents Women: Deborah, a Judge, Prophetess, and Military Leader Women: Delilah, in Her Conspiracy Against Samson Women: Difference in Ceremonies Made Between Male and Female Children Women: Dinah, in Her Fornication Women: Eve, in Yielding to Temptation and Seducing Her Husband Women: Fall of, and Curse Upon Women: First to Whom the Risen Lord Appeared Women: Fond of Self-Indulgence Women: Forbidden to Wear Men's Costume Women: Gomer, the Adulterous Wife of Hosea Women: had Separate Apartments in Dwellings Women: Haman's Wife, in Advising Him to Hang Mordecai Women: Hannah, the Mother of Samuel Women: Help in Defensive Operations Women: Herodias, in Her Incestuous Marriage With Herod Antipas Women: Herodius, by Indirectly Causing John the Baptist to be Decapitated Women: Jezebel, in Her Conspiracy Against Naboth, to Cheat Him out of his Vineyard Women: Jezebel, in Her Evil Counsels To, and Influence Over, Ahab Women: Jezebel, in Her Persecution and Destruction of the Prophets of the Lord Women: Jezebel, in Her Persecution of Elijah Women: Job's Wife, in Suggesting to Him That he Curse God and Die Women: Leah, in Her Imitation of Rachel in the Matter of Children Women: Lot's Wife, in Her Rebellion Against Her Situation, and Against the Destruction of Sodom Women: Michal, in Her Derision of David's Religious Zeal Women: Miriam, in Her Sedition With Aaron Against Moses Women: Not to be Given in Marriage Was Considered a Calamity Women: Patriotic: The Women of Israel Women: Patriotic: The Women of the Philistines Women: Peninnah, the Wife of Elkanah, in Her Jealous Taunting of Hannah Women: Potiphar's Wife, in Her Lascivious Lust and Slander Against Joseph Women: Property Rights of in Inheritance Women: Property Rights of To Sell Real Estate Women: Punishment for Seducing, when not Betrothed Women: Punishment to be Inflicted Upon Men for Seducing, when Betrothed Women: Purifications of After Childbirth Women: Purifications of After Menstruation Women: Rachel, in Her Jealousy of Leah Women: Rachel, in Stealing Images Women: Religious Privileges of, Among Early Christians Women: Required to Attend to the Reading of the Law of Moses Women: Rules for Dress of Christian Women: Sapphira, in Her Blasphemous Falsehood Women: Sarah, in Her Jealousy and Malice Toward Hagar Women: Silly, and Easily Led Into Error Women: Social Status of in Persia Women: Social Status of in Roman Customs Women: Sold for Husband's Debts Women: Solomon's Wives, in Their Idolatrous and Wicked Influence Over Solomon Women: Symbolical of Wickedness Women: Tended Flocks and Herds Women: The Cannibalistic Mothers of Samaria Women: The Daughters of Lot, in Their Incestuous Lust Women: The Midianite Woman in the Camp of Israel, Taken in Adultery Women: The Philippian Christians Women: The Shunammite Woman, Who Gave Hospitality to Elisha Women: The Sodomites of the Southern Kingdom (Judah) Women: The Widow Who Put Her Two Mite (Small Coins, Greek: Leptas) Into the Treasury Women: The Woman Caught in the Act of Adultery and Brought to Jesus in the Temple Women: Took Part in Ancient Worship Women: Treated With Cruelty in War Women: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Women: Virtuous, Held in High Estimation Women: Wicked: Commits Forgery Women: Wicked: Full of Deceit and Licentiousness Women: Wicked: Silly and Wayward Women: Wicked: Zeal of, in Licentious Practices of Idolatry Women: Widow of Zarephath, Who Fed Elijah During the Famine Women: Worshiped in Separate Compartments Women: Zealous in Promoting Superstition and Idolatry Women: Zipporah, in Her Persecution of Moses on Account of his Religious Obligations Related Terms Women-servants (21 Occurrences) |
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