Deborah was the fourth Judge of Israel, first prophetess and the first female leader of Israel. She followed after the leadership tradition of Moses and perhaps Judges before her, hearing cases under a prominent palm tree known by her name.[1] She was raised by YHWH, when the Canaanite king Jabin of Hazor oppressed Israel for twenty years.[2]
Deborah sent Barak, Israel's commander, to fight against Jabin's forces lead by Sisera. However, when Barak refused to go unless she accompanied him, Deborah agreed to accompany him, but prophesied that because of this, YHWH would take away from him the honor of killing Sisera and give it to a woman.[3]
Biograph[]
Early life[]
Deborah's early family circumstances including birth are relatively unknown. The only thing that is known about Deborah's birth is that was she was a member of the Tribe of Ephraim and lived in the countryside of Ephraim, between Ramah and Bethel.[4][5]
Deborah was a prophetess and perhaps because of her prophetic gifts YHWH raised her to become the leader of Israel, a Judge.[6] She became Judge while Canaan (as an alliance of city-states, being dominated by Hazor) had rule over Israel. She would rule judicial cases under a palm tree called the "palm of Deborah".[4]
Battle with Canaan[]
Main article: Battle of Mount Tabor
After Israel had been subjugated under Canaan's rule for twenty years, God commanded Barak, possibly through Deborah, to assembly Israel's army. Deborah confronts Barak about this, when he had not gone through with preparing the military. It is likely that Deborah was the one who relayed the original order from God to Barak because Barak is never described as a prophet. This could explain Deborah's familiarity with God's command.[7]
In response, Barak said he would not go into battle unless Deborah accompanied him. Deborah reluctantly agreed, but predicted the glory of battle would belong to a woman.[8]
Deborah is mentioned once more in the battle account leading Barak to begin the battle against the army of Sisera.[9] Deborah also led the leaders of the forces of Issachar to the battle site.[10]
Battle Celebration[]
After Israel defeated the Canaanites Deborah broke out into song.
'Verses[]
| Preceded by Shamgar |
Judge of Israel | Succeeded by Gideon |