Who Was Deborah in the Bible — Meaning Explained

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.