Who Was Deborah in the Bible?
Who Was Deborah in the Bible? Deborah was a prophetess, judge, and military leader of Israel — one of the most remarkable women in the Old Testament.
Key verse: Judges 4:4-5 (KJV)
Deborah was a prophetess, judge, and military leader of Israel — one of the most remarkable women in the Old Testament.
Deborah was a prophetess, judge, and military leader of Israel — one of the most remarkable women in the Old Testament.
"And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time. And she dwelt under the palm tree of Deborah." — Judges 4:4-5 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
Judges 4-5 tells Deborah's story. She was a prophetess and the only female judge of Israel, holding court under a palm tree 'between Ramah and Bethel in mount Ephraim: and the children of Israel came up to her for judgment' (Judges 4:5). When Israel was oppressed by Jabin king of Canaan and his commander Sisera with 900 iron chariots, Deborah summoned Barak and delivered God's battle plan. Barak refused to go without her: 'If thou wilt go with me, then I will go: but if thou wilt not go with me, then I will not go' (Judges 4:8). Deborah went, and God gave Israel a decisive victory. Her victory song (Judges 5) is one of the oldest pieces of Hebrew poetry. She is called 'a mother in Israel' (Judges 5:7). Deborah exemplifies that God raises up leaders according to His will, using anyone — male or female — who is faithful and courageous.
Key Scripture References
"And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time. And she dwelt under the palm tree of Deborah."
"The inhabitants of the villages ceased, they ceased in Israel, until that I Deborah arose, that I arose a mother in Israel."
"And Deborah said unto Barak, Up; for this is the day in which the LORD hath delivered Sisera into thine hand."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
Who Was Esther?
Esther was a Jewish orphan who became queen of Persia and courageously saved her people from genocide, showing God's providence even when He works behind the scenes.
Who was Ruth in the Bible?
Ruth was a Moabite woman who showed extraordinary loyalty to her mother-in-law Naomi, converted to the God of Israel, and became an ancestor of King David and Jesus Christ.
Who Was Melchizedek in the Bible?
Melchizedek was a mysterious king of Salem and priest of the Most High God who blessed Abraham and received tithes from him.
Who Was Abraham in the Bible?
Abraham was the father of the Jewish nation, called by God from Ur of the Chaldees, and known as the 'father of faith.'
Who Was Moses?
Moses was the great deliverer and lawgiver of Israel who led the Exodus from Egypt and received the Ten Commandments from God.
Deep Dive Commentary
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Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Judges. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Judges on day 64 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
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