Deborah

FACTS... Name: Deborah (meaning "bee" or "wasp") Source: Judges 4-5 Date: unknown Nationality: Israelite Talents/Interests: leading armies in war, writing song lyrics Status: wife of Lappidoth Claim to fame: the only female judge of Israel

BACKGROUND...

The Canaanites were attempting to restore their power in the northern part of their country. The Israelites were not willing to let this happen, but they were unable to unite themselves together for battle. There was a terrible lack of men willing to lead the country, so God raised up a woman. Her name was Deborah and she was the only female judge of Israel. Together with a cowardly man named Barak, Deborah led Israel to victory over the Canaanites. The leader of the Canaanite army was named Sisera and Deborah played a major part in defeating him. Deborah writes of her victory in Judges 5.

IN DEBORAH'S OWN WORDS...

I am a woman. I am also the judge of Israel. We have been in a sad, sad state for the past twenty years. My people were very disobedient to our God and He delivered us into the hands of our enemies, the Canaanites. We have been in slavery to Sisera, a very wicked man. But the Lord has raised me up to defeat him.

I asked my friend Barak to assist me in leading the Israelite army, but he was afraid. He insisted that I go with him. What could I say? There is no man to take charge, therefore I must do it. The men in Israel do not have a strong faith in our Lord and they are cowards. I, however, believe that the Lord is mighty and that He can do great things. I am prepared to lead this army and I am prepared to come out victorious. The Lord has His purposes and He can accomplish them through a woman, just like He can through a man.

written by: Deborah Theobald