Deborah, a Prophetess

2022-04-10

Canaanite king Jabin was a very fierce adversary of Israel. He had 900 iron chariots, which gave him advantage, and for “twenty years he mightily oppressed the children of Israel” (Judges 4:3). This would have been a miserable time for Israel, all because of their wickedness after Ehud had died.

Deborah judged Israel in those days. She had regular revelation from the Lord and judged the matters of the people. She heard directly from the Lord to send her general Barak to defeat Jabin and his captain Sisera. The general Barak refused to go alone; consequently, a woman would get the glory for destroying Sisera.

Barak’s initial lack of faith turned out to be unwarranted; the battle unfolded just as the prophetess had said.

Sisera escaped, went into Heber the Kenites’ tent, and while resting, Heber’s wife Jael slew him, fulfilling the prophecy. Jael would have been going against Heber’s friendship with Jabin, so her act of valor for the Lord should be noted.

Deborah with her general Barak gave glory to God after the battle in song. One thing we should recognize is that once God delivers us through our trial, we also must give glory to God, as they did. “Praise ye the LORD for the avenging of Israel, when the people willingly offered themselves” (Judges 5:2).

Another interesting aspect is that Barak, not Deborah, was mentioned in the famous “faith chapter” (Hebrews 11:32). I believe this is to encourage us, because we see no lack of faith or weakness recorded about Deborah. On the other hand, we see that Barak wavered at first. Even if we do fail, we see God’s grace at work, just like it was in Barak’s life.

He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went. (Matthew 21:29)

This is a part of the Judges of Israel series. To go back to the table of contents, proceed here.