Deborah – Mother of a nation
By: Oge Austin-Chukwu
Introduction
Even though they were not perfect, God mightily used 12 judges to bring deliverance for Israel from
their oppressors. The leadership vacuum after Joshua’s death led to six successive cycles of
disobedience spanning 325 years, causing God to lift his protection from them. When the Israelites cried
out to God for deliverance, He would raise up a judge to lead and deliver them. Deborah was one of
those judges.
Deborah
was the only female of the 12 judges mentioned in the book of judges
was the only female ruler (apart from Athaliah) of the Jews mentioned in the Old Testament
was a prophetess and the only one of the 12 judges to be attributed with that title.
her name means ‘bee’.
Is referred to as ‘the wife of Lapidoth’. This could mean her husband’s name was Lapidoth, but
some commentators say this phrase was ‘she was a woman of Lapidoth’, meaning she came from
Lapidoth. The name Lapidoth means ‘lamps’ or ‘flames’ and one commentator, Rashi, says she
was called ‘a woman of lamps’ because it was thought that she made the wicks for the lamps in
the sanctuary. If this latter interpretation is correct, she went from making lamps to leading a
nation!
Six things we can learn from Deborah’s leadership;
1. She was not afraid to say ‘yes’ to the call of God
Deborah led Israel at a time when they were experiencing great oppression from Jabin, King of
Canaan. Unlike other enemies who had oppressed Israel, this enemy was close by. Israel had
themselves to blame for this oppression, because they had not totally destroyed the Canaanites
as God had instructed them. Sisera, the commander of the army, had nine hundred chariots fitted
with iron. Compare this to Israel’s 10,000 foot soldiers. Jabin had been oppressing the Israelites
for twenty years, causing fear and anarchy. Judges 5:6 says: ‘the highways were abandoned and
travellers took to winding paths’ to avoid being robbed or ambushed. This was the setting in
which Deborah submitted herself to God, answering His call to lead.
Have there been times you have said ‘no’ to God because you were afraid of the consequences of
saying ‘yes’? Leaders say yes to God even when they feel inadequate.
2. At a time when no one else was willing to fight, she took initiative
Deborah was able to lead well because she knew who she was and what God had called her to
accomplish. In Judges 6:7 she refers to herself as ‘a mother of Israel who arose’ when everyone
else was holding back, refusing to fight the oppression the nation faced. Leaders take initiative
when they see a problem that needs solving.
3. She was a person of integrity who could be trusted.
Israelites came to have their disputes settled, meeting with her under the Palm of Deborah. This
shows the degree of trust the Israelites had in her as they willingly accepted the justice she
administered. That they named the palm tree she sat under after her was a sign of the great
esteem in which they held her. Leaders constantly work on their character because they
understand the importance of good character in fulfilling their call.
4. She heard God’s voice clearly and was quick to obey
Deborah relied on hearing from God regarding the disputes the Israelites brought to her. This
ability to hear God enabled her to proclaim His instructions to Barak, and prophesy the
subsequent victory. Barak esteemed Deborah so highly that he prevailed upon her to accompany
the army to the battle. Leaders listen for God’s voice and are quick to obey Him.
5. She knew her role in the defeat of Sisera
Deborah knew she was not an army general. This was Barak’s role and although he needed some
persuading, he did eventually play his part. His skill as a soldier was necessary to win the battle.
When he asked for her support, she gave it. Deborah’s song (Judges 5:9) proclaimed that her
heart was always with the ‘rulers of Israel’. Good leaders are clear about their strengths and
their role, and delegate accordingly, continuing to provide support for their followers.
6. She gave praise where it was due
In her duet with Barak, Deborah was careful to give honour to Jael, whose courage and wisdom
enabled her to kill the mighty General Sisera, giving glory to God. A good leader is quick to
give praise where it is due, and resists the temptation to take any glory that is God’s.
Deborah and Barak did such a good job that the land had peace for 40 years after Sisera and his army
were defeated. Note that in spite of Barak’s initial hesitation to go to battle, he is mentioned in the
Hebrew 12 hall of fame. His delayed obedience did not stop him from gaining a place as one of God’s
faith generals!
As you read through the six aspects of Deborah’s leadership, ask yourself what areas in your leadership
you might need to work on. It might be helpful to discuss this with your mentor or within your
leadership group.