The story of Deborah, a prophetess and leader of Israel, is about bravery and faith. It’s found in the Bible in the Book of Judges, chapters 4 and 5. Deborah is known for her wisdom and courage in guiding Israel to victory.
Deborah, the Prophetess and Judge
Bible Verse: Judges 4:4-5
“Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time. She held court under the Palm of Deborah… and the Israelites went up to her to have their disputes decided.”
Deborah was a respected leader and judge. People came to her for advice and help with their problems. She was known for being wise and fair.
Israel’s Oppression and God’s Command
Bible Verse: Judges 4:3
“Because he had nine hundred chariots fitted with iron and had cruelly oppressed the Israelites for twenty years, they cried to the Lord for help.”
The Israelites were being oppressed by Jabin, a Canaanite king, and his commander Sisera. They prayed to God for help.
Bible Verse: Judges 4:6-7
“She sent for Barak son of Abinoam from Kedesh in Naphtali and said to him, ‘The Lord, the God of Israel, commands you: “Go, take with you ten thousand men of Naphtali and Zebulun and lead them up to Mount Tabor. I will lead Sisera, the commander of Jabin’s army, with his chariots and his troops to the Kishon River and give him into your hands.”‘”
Deborah sent for Barak, a military leader, and told him that God commanded him to gather an army and fight against Sisera. She promised that God would give them victory.
The Battle
Bible Verse: Judges 4:14-15
“Then Deborah said to Barak, ‘Go! This is the day the Lord has given Sisera into your hands. Has not the Lord gone ahead of you?’ So Barak went down Mount Tabor, with ten thousand men following him. At Barak’s advance, the Lord routed Sisera and all his chariots and army by the sword.”
On the day of the battle, Deborah encouraged Barak to attack. God helped them, and Barak’s army defeated Sisera’s forces.
Sisera’s Defeat and Jael’s Bravery
Bible Verse: Judges 4:21
“But Jael, Heber’s wife, picked up a tent peg and a hammer and went quietly to him while he lay fast asleep, exhausted. She drove the peg through his temple into the ground, and he died.”
Sisera fled the battlefield and went to the tent of Jael, who was not an Israelite. While he was sleeping, Jael killed Sisera, ensuring the victory for Israel.
Deborah’s Song of Victory
Bible Verse: Judges 5:1
“On that day Deborah and Barak son of Abinoam sang this song.”
After the victory, Deborah and Barak sang a song praising God for the triumph over their enemies and celebrating the bravery of Jael.