Topical Encyclopedia Deborah stands as one of the most remarkable figures in the Book of Judges, a prophetess and judge who led Israel during a time of oppression. Her account is primarily found in Judges chapters 4 and 5, where she is depicted as a leader, warrior, and poet. Deborah's name, meaning "bee" in Hebrew, symbolizes her industrious and purposeful nature, as well as her role in bringing sweetness and order to a chaotic period in Israel's history.Prophetess and Judge Deborah is introduced in Judges 4:4 as a prophetess and the wife of Lappidoth. Her role as a prophetess indicates that she was a spokesperson for God, receiving divine revelations and guidance for the people of Israel. As a judge, she held court under the Palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, where the Israelites came to her to have their disputes decided (Judges 4:5). Military Leader Deborah's leadership extended beyond judicial matters; she was instrumental in delivering Israel from Canaanite oppression. In Judges 4:6-7, she summons Barak, the son of Abinoam, and commands him, by the word of the LORD, to take ten thousand men from the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun to Mount Tabor. Deborah assures Barak of God's promise to deliver Sisera, the commander of Jabin's army, into his hands. Barak, however, insists that Deborah accompany him, to which she agrees, but prophesies that the honor of victory will go to a woman (Judges 4:8-9). Victory and Song The subsequent battle, as narrated in Judges 4:12-24, results in a decisive victory for Israel, with Sisera's army being routed and Sisera himself being killed by Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite. This fulfillment of Deborah's prophecy highlights her role as a divinely inspired leader. Following the victory, Deborah and Barak sing a song of triumph, recorded in Judges 5. This song, often referred to as the "Song of Deborah," is one of the oldest passages in the Bible and celebrates God's deliverance of Israel. It praises the bravery of the tribes that joined the battle and condemns those that did not. The song also extols Jael's courageous act, further emphasizing the theme of women playing pivotal roles in God's plan. Legacy Deborah's leadership and faithfulness to God's call left a lasting impact on Israel. Her account is a testament to the power of obedience to God and the significant roles women can play in His divine purposes. As a judge, prophetess, and military leader, Deborah exemplifies the qualities of wisdom, courage, and faith, serving as an extraordinary judge in Israel's history. Torrey's Topical Textbook Judges 4:4And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Hebrew Prophecies. The Jewish Institutions and Laws of Far Higher Antiquity than the ... The Prophet Joel. The Greater Prophets. The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Against Jovinianus. Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... Solomon's Temple Spiritualized Resources What should we learn from the account of Samson and Delilah? | GotQuestions.orgQuestions about Judges | GotQuestions.org Who was Gideon in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Extraordinary Judges: During Four Hundred and Fifty Years Extraordinary Judges: Israel not Permanently or Spiritually Benefitted By Extraordinary Judges: Names of Abdon Extraordinary Judges: Names of Abimelech Extraordinary Judges: Names of Deborah Extraordinary Judges: Names of Ehud Extraordinary Judges: Names of Eli Extraordinary Judges: Names of Elon Extraordinary Judges: Names of Gideon Extraordinary Judges: Names of Ibzan Extraordinary Judges: Names of Jair Extraordinary Judges: Names of Jephthah Extraordinary Judges: Names of Othniel Extraordinary Judges: Names of Samson Extraordinary Judges: Names of Samuel Extraordinary Judges: Names of Shamgar Extraordinary Judges: Names of Tola Extraordinary Judges: Not Without Intermission Extraordinary Judges: Raised up to Deliver Israel Extraordinary Judges: Remarkable for Their Faith Extraordinary Judges: The office of, not Always for Life, or Hereditary Extraordinary Judges: Upheld and Strengthened by God Related Terms |
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