DEBORAH

2 Kings 13-14 | John 2

“Now Deborah, a prophet, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time. She held court under the Palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites went up to her to have their disputes decided.” Judges 4:4-5

The book of Judges records the period in Israel’s history after Joshua led the Israelites into the Promised Land and before the first king of Israel. In total, there were 12 judges mentioned in the book of Judges. Some of us are familiar with the concept of a judge wearing a long white wig sitting in a courtroom making decisions. A judge, however, during Old Testament times had three main functions. Firstly, they were military leaders that defended the nation. Secondly, they were spiritual leaders that were to bring God into the heart of the nation. Lastly, they were judicial leaders, where they administered justice throughout the nation.

Among the judges of Israel, there was one woman—Deborah. What do we know about her? Judges 4:4 tells us, “Now Deborah, a prophet, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time.” In one simple verse we are able to gather three main roles that Deborah had. Firstly, Deborah was a prophetess, which had to do with her spiritual gifting and calling. Secondly, Deborah was the wife of Lappidoth, which had to do with her domestic role in marriage and family. Thirdly, Deborah was called the leader of Israel, which was her professional responsibility. Interestingly, in the more than 400-year period when judges ruled in Israel, only Samuel—the last judge—was a prophet as well as a judge. Not only was Deborah a judge and a prophet, she was also a poet and a singer, as Judges 5 records a duet that she sang with her military leader, Barak, as they celebrated the victory that God had given them.

The three main areas of Deborah’s life as prophetess, wife and judge culminate in a beautiful phrase in Judges 5:7 where she is described as “a mother in Israel.” Although Scripture does not reveal whether Deborah and Lappiodoth had biological children, Deborah acted as a mother in Israel as she did these three roles.

What could we learn from Deborah? For women, live confidently in God’s strength, knowing that God is going to bless you as you obey Him and respond to His direction. His plan is different for all of us, of course, but trust in God and depend on Him to fulfill what He calls you to do. For men, where it is in your power to do so, release, encourage and open doors for your wife and for women. Do not be threatened by them.

As women and men work together, may we bring glory to God in all that we do.