Deborah

Deborah, דְּבוֹרָה
Deborah Praises Jael by Gustave Doré, 1866
Period	Era of Judges around 12th century B.C.
Family	Husband: Lappidoth
Occupation(Features)	Judge of Israel
Reign	40 years
Major achievements	Destroyed the Canaanite army

Deborah (Hebrew: דְּבוֹרָה) was the fourth judge mentioned in the book of Judges in the Old Testament. She holds the distinction of being the only female judge among the twelve recorded in the Bible. Under her leadership, the Israelites defeated the Canaanite army that had been oppressing them, and she led her people to freedom.

Historical Background

After wandering in the wilderness for 40 years, the Israelites finally entered the land of Canaan. However, instead of fully obeying God’s command to drive out the foreign nations, they settled among the Canaanites and adopted their gods and idols. This disobedience provoked God’s anger, and Israel fell under the control of surrounding nations. Each time the Israelites cried out to God in their suffering, He raised up judges to deliver them. Despite these acts of mercy, the people repeatedly returned to sin, leading to a recurring cycle of oppression and deliverance.

Judge Deborah

Deborah, the wife of Lappidoth, was appointed as a judge during a time when Israel was under Canaanite oppression following the death of Judge Ehud. She held court under the Palm of Deborah, located between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim. During her 40-year leadership, Israel experienced peace and stability.

The Acts of Deborah

The Defeat of Sisera by Luca Giordano (1634–1705)

King Jabin of Canaan harshly oppressed the Israelites for twenty years. In response to their cries for help, God spoke through Deborah, who summoned Barak from the tribe of Naphtali. She instructed him to gather warriors from the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun and lead them to Mount Tabor to confront Sisera, the commander of Jabin’s army.

Barak hesitated and declared he would only go if Deborah accompanied him. Deborah agreed but delivered a prophetic message from God: “Barak will not receive the glory for this victory, for the LORD will deliver Sisera into the hands of a woman.”

As the Israelite forces mobilized, Sisera positioned his army near the Kishon River, close to Mount Tabor. The Canaanites had a formidable military advantage, including iron chariots and a vast number of soldiers. In contrast, the Israelites had only 10,000 men from Naphtali and Zebulun. Despite the odds, Deborah urged Barak forward, proclaiming, “The LORD has gone before you and has given Sisera into your hands.” With God’s guidance, Barak led the charge down Mount Tabor and overwhelmed the Canaanite forces. The Israelites pursued the fleeing enemy and completely destroyed them, securing a decisive victory.

Sisera, however, escaped on foot and sought refuge in the tent of Heber the Kenite, who was on peaceful terms with King Jabin. Heber’s wife, Jael, welcomed Sisera and hid him. But when he fell asleep, she killed him with a tent peg and a hammer. After Sisera’s death, Israel grew stronger and eventually subdued King Jabin, breaking free from Canaanite oppression (Judges 4).

The Song of Deborah

After the defeat of the Canaanite army, Deborah and Barak composed a triumphant song of praise, glorifying God for leading Israel to victory. This song, recorded in its entirety in Judges 5, is considered one of the oldest poems in the Old Testament.

• The Kishon River Overflowed

“Kings came, they fought; the kings of Canaan fought at Taanach by the waters of Megiddo,

but they carried off no silver, no plunder. From the heavens the stars fought, from their courses they fought against Sisera. The river Kishon swept them away, the age-old river, the river Kishon.

March on, my soul; be strong!”

Judges 5:19–21

In the Revised New Korean Bible, Judges 5:21 is translated as: “The Kishon River swept them away; the ancient river, the Kishon River, carried them off.” Biblical scholars believe the terrain near the Kishon River played a key role in the Israelite victory. The region around Taanach is known for its many wadis—dry streambeds that can flood suddenly during heavy rains. It is widely speculated that a sudden downpour occurred during the battle, causing the Kishon River to overflow. As the water flooded the wadis, the ground became marshy, and the Canaanite army’s iron chariots became stuck in the mud. This neutralized their military advantage and allowed the Israelites to overpower them.

• Meroz, the City That Did Not Help

“ ‘Curse Meroz,’ said the angel of the LORD. ‘Curse its people bitterly, because they did not come to help the LORD, to help the LORD against the mighty.’ ”

Judges 5:23

In her song, Deborah pronounced a curse on Meroz, an Israelite city that failed to respond to the call to arms. Their refusal to join the battle against Canaan was seen as a betrayal, not only of their fellow Israelites but of God Himself.

• Love Your God

“So may all your enemies perish, O LORD! But may they who love you be like the sun when it rises in its strength.”

Judges 5:31

Deborah concluded her song with a prayer: that those who love God would shine like the rising sun. Her words reveal that her courage and leadership were rooted in a deep love for God. Just as He granted victory to Deborah, the Bible assures us that God pours out grace upon those who love Him.

Lesson

Deborah’s victory was not won through military might, but through unwavering trust in God. The Canaanite army, equipped with powerful iron chariots, far outmatched the Israelites in strength and resources. Yet, the Israelites moved forward in faith, and God gave them the victory.

This story reminds us that nothing is impossible with God. When we put our trust in Him, the Holy Spirit works powerfully on our behalf.

See also

• Judges
• Judge
• Gideon
• Samson