Deborah’s walk with God is marvellous. She is unique as the only female judge ruling Israel during the times of the Judges in pre-Jesus times. Deborah stands out as a virtuous woman, not only because she was a prophetess but also because she was the sole woman whom God called to be a judge. This indicates that leaders can be women. The right leader can guide you to great victory, as Deborah and Barak did for Israel.
Judges 5:2 (NKJV) 2 “When leaders lead in Israel, When the people willingly offer themselves, Bless the LORD!
We have learned about many admirable leaders, but being a fearless woman in leadership requires a calling from God.
Faith
The majority of the judges were men; however, God chose a woman to fulfill His purpose as well. This woman had a personal relationship with God and a calling for His purpose in her life: that woman was Deborah, a prophetess, wife of Lapidoth, and a judge in Israel during her generation (Judg. 4:4). As stated in Romans 12:3 (KJV), “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” In Deborah’s time, most judges were male, yet God called her to be a judge and to use her prophetic gift to lead.
When you truly walk with God, you will not only discern your purpose or calling but also be effective in fulfilling it. Judges 4:4 (KJV) describes her: “And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time.” When Barak asked her to accompany him to the battlefield, she wasn’t afraid. She knew the God within her, and God was with her, as stated in 1 John 4:4 (KJV): “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world.” This faith gave her the courage to go with Barak, knowing that God had already gone ahead and given victory to Barak over Sisera, as shown in Judges 4:9 (KJV): “And she said, I will surely go with thee: notwithstanding the journey that thou takest shall not be for thine honour; for the LORD shall sell Sisera into the hand of a woman. And Deborah arose, and went with Barak to Kedesh.”
This leads us to Proverbs 31:30 (KJV): “Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.” Deborah’s reverence for the Lord exemplifies that God can entrust women with His plans and work, demonstrating that women can hold leadership positions.
Family
Beside every great woman stands a man. The Bible introduces Deborah not only as a prophet with a spiritual calling and a judge in society, but also emphasizes her role as the wife of Lapidoth. In the patriarchal society of the ancient world, Deborah, despite being a prominent and influential figure, is mentioned in relation to her husband, indicating her position under his headship within the family.
While Scripture does not provide much detail about her husband or family life, we know that Deborah was a wife under her husband’s headship and covering. Despite her public leadership role, at home she remains under her husband’s headship and covering, highlighting the dynamic of her dual roles as a leader among God’s people and as a wife.
Also, family is not always defined by blood relationships; it can also be understood in the context of leadership, being responsible for and caring for those under your influence. When God places you in a position of authority, those you oversee become your family. Since God has entrusted His children to you, listening to His guidance will enable you to lead effectively. However, if you dismiss God’s voice, you risk leading God’s children toward destruction.
God entrusted Deborah with His children (the Israelites) and appointed her to be a judge over them. In Judges 4:5 (KJV), it is stated, “And she dwelt under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Beth-el in mount Ephraim: and the children of Israel came up to her for judgment.” Since God had called her to be both a judge and His prophetess, especially during a time when typically, males are appointed as judges, this shows God’s anointing over her. God endowed Deborah with strength and honour to lead the Children of Israel as Proverbs 31:25 (KJV): “Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.” The Israelites respected her because of the calling God placed on her life. God was able to use Deborah to lead the Israelites to victory, preserving the continuation of His children, Israel. Under her leadership, they triumphed over Sisera, as noted in Judges 4:24 (KJV): “And the hand of the children of Israel prospered, and prevailed against Jabin the king of Canaan, until they had destroyed Jabin, king of Canaan.”.
Formation
One of God’s attributes is humility. When someone is humble, God can use them powerfully. As stated in James 4:10 (KJV), “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” Deborah exemplified humility; she never once took God out of the equation. In fact, she emphasized God’s importance and impact in Barak’s mission. Judges 4:14 (KJV) says, “And Deborah said unto Barak, Up; for this is the day in which the LORD hath delivered Sisera into thine hand: is not the LORD gone out before thee? So Barak went down from mount Tabor, and ten thousand men after him.” She never once claimed credit for God’s work, and when it was all over, she and Barak both gave God the glory and sang praise to Him, as noted in Judges 5:1 (KJV): “Then sang Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam on that day, saying…”
In today’s society, rather than praising God and giving Him all the glory, we often keep the glory for ourselves. When we are truly walking with God, we must give Him all the praise and honour He deserves; without Him, we would not achieve the victories we experience. Deborah’s humility is also reflected in Proverbs 31:10 (KJV), which states, “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.” A humble woman holds great value, and a woman who genuinely fears, respects, and acknowledges God in all her ways, ascribes all her successes and victories to God, is hard to find. That is why God can depend on Deborah, as she leans on Him rather than on her own understanding, will, or position of influence.
Function
Deborah is recognized as a prophetess, fulfilling her spiritual calling and standing out as one of only five such women in the Old Testament. The others include Miriam (Exodus 15:20), Huldah (2 Kings 22:14), Isaiah’s wife (Isaiah 8:3), and Noadiah (a false prophetess mentioned in Nehemiah 6:14). Deborah served as a civil leader in her community (Judges 4:6–10; 5:7) and acted as a judge handling legal cases (Judges 4:4–5). Additionally, she fulfilled her role as a wife, carrying out her responsibilities within her family (Judges 4:4).
Deborah played a crucial role in fulfilling God’s purpose through her three significant positions: prophetess, judge, and wife. As stated in Judges 4:4 (KJV), “And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time.” These roles highlight her as a fearless leader and define her greatness. Her role as a wife acknowledges God’s natural plan for family, while her positions as prophetess and judge demonstrate how God’s grace and gifts manifest through her for the benefit of others. Ultimately, her service in these capacities brings glory to God as she fulfills His plan and purpose, not only for herself but also for the children of Israel.
In Summary
Deborah is an inspiring example for every woman in leadership who seeks to serve God. She embodies fearlessness and allows God to work through her to accomplish His purpose. By walking boldly and letting God’s gifts shine within her, she serves as a light to others. Deborah truly exemplifies the characteristics of a Proverbs 31 woman, demonstrating a deep personal relationship with God, fulfilling her role as a wife, and displaying humility and courage in her character. Additionally, she fulfills her spiritual calling as a prophetess and her social calling as a judge.
Contributor: Min. Adama George
