Deborah is introduced in Judges 4:4 as a prophetess and judge of Israel. The text states, “And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time.” She held court under the palm tree of Deborah, where the children of Israel came to her for judgment (Judges 4:5). She is the only female judge mentioned in the book and is noted for both her spiritual insight and civil leadership.
During her time, Israel was oppressed by Jabin king of Canaan and his captain Sisera. Deborah summoned Barak and instructed him with a word from the Lord to gather ten thousand men and lead them against Sisera’s army (Judges 4:6–7). Barak agreed but only on the condition that Deborah would accompany him. Deborah agreed but prophesied that the honor of victory would not go to Barak, but that the Lord would deliver Sisera into the hand of a woman (Judges 4:9).
Sisera’s army was defeated, and he fled on foot. He was later killed by Jael, a woman who drove a tent peg through his head while he slept (Judges 4:21). The victory song of Deborah and Barak in Judges 5 recounts the Lord’s mighty deliverance and praises Jael’s courage. The chapter ends stating that the land had rest for forty years (Judges 5:31).
Deborah’s account reveals the power of faithfulness to God’s Word, the influence of godly leadership, and how the Lord can use both men and women to fulfill His purposes. Her legacy stands as a model of courage, obedience, and devotion to God in a time of national apostasy.
