Old Testament · character
Deborah
A prophet and judge of the era of the judges — a leader who led by faith.
Deborah was the only female judge and prophet to lead Israel in the era of the judges, guiding an oppressed people to victory with faith and wisdom.
Timeline at a glance
- JudgingA prophet under the palm tree (Judges 4)
- The CallOrdering Barak to march out (Judges 4)
- VictoryThe rout of Sisera's army (Judges 4)
- The SongGiving the victory to God (Judges 5)
The Judge under the Palm Tree
Deborah was a prophet who judged the people's disputes under a palm tree (Judges 4). When they groaned under the oppression of the Canaanite king Jabin, she delivered God's command.
Going Out with Barak
Deborah summoned the commander Barak and ordered him to march out, but Barak said, "I will go only if you go with me." Deborah went along, foretelling that the glory of victory would fall to a woman's hand.
Victory and the Song of Deborah
God scattered Sisera's army and Israel won. Deborah and Barak sang a song giving the victory to God (Judges 5), and forty years of peace followed.
Related verses
- Judges 4:14"Go! This is the day the Lord has given Sisera into your hands."
- Judges 5:31"May those who love you be like the sun when it rises in its strength."
Frequently asked questions
Why is Deborah special?
She is the only woman in Judges recorded as both a judge and a prophet, and a model of a leader who, in a chaotic age, led the people with faith and wisdom and brought peace.
Who were the judges (the "shophetim")?
The judges were leaders God raised up before the time of kings, to deliver and govern the people in each crisis. Deborah was one of them, holding the roles of both judge and prophet.
Who actually struck down Sisera?
Just as Deborah had foretold, the glory of victory fell to a woman. The fleeing enemy commander Sisera was finished off by a woman named Jael (Judges 4).