Who was Deborah?

Deborah was a prophetess and wife of Lappidoth and a judge of Israel who sat under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in Ephriam (Judges 4:4). She's one of the lesser-known women in the Bible, yet she displays genuine faith and adoration for her Lord.

What Deborah did

She summoned Barak and reminded him that the Lord commanded him to deploy the troops of Mount Tabor and take 10,000 men from the Naphtalies and Zebulunites with him. In addition, the Lord said that Barak would lure Sisera — the commander of Jabin's forces, chariots and army — and give Barak victory over the king.

Barak asked Deborah to join him, but she said a woman would receive honor for the victory instead of him. Deborah went with Barak and helped him face Sisera's army. After the army defeated the king, Deborah and Barak sang a song that describes how creation testifies to the Lord's power, Yahweh's righteous acts, and his faithfulness to Israel through its victory over their enemies (Judges 5).

Why her actions matter

Deborah judged Israel for their idolatry. As a result, she called them to live obedient lives and worship God during a time when the nation did not faithfully follow God. As a prophetess, she delivered God's message to other people.

Deborah also exemplifies a worshipful lifestyle, remembers what God has done for Israel, and displays genuine gratitude. She gives God all the glory for the peace Israel enjoys and the nation's victory over the Canaanites.

"I will sing to the Lord;
I will sing praise to the Lord God of Israel." - Judges 5:3

She also calls the people to the same lifestyle she lives.

"My heart is with the leaders of Israel, with the volunteers of the people. Praise the Lord!" - Judges 5:9

Furthermore, Deborah reminded Balak about God's faithfulness when Balak became afraid of Sisera's army. She clearly knows the Lord's character well and trusts in him.

“Move on, for this is the day the Lord has handed Sisera over to you. Hasn’t the Lord gone before you?”

Her story shows that God can use women in power and not just noble men. Lastly, she reminds her people that God gives strength to people who love him.

"But may those who love Him
be like the rising of the sun in its strength." - Judges 5:31