“She held court under the Palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites went up to her to have their disputes decided.” Deborah was a woman of great wisdom, revelation, and discernment. Judges 4:5
Deborah, also spelled Debbora, is mentioned in the Old Testament (Judg. 4 and 5). She was a Prophetess from the Tribe of Ephraim and of Jehovah God. According to the Book of Judges, Deborah was the fourth Judge of Israel pre-monarchical Israel and the only female judge mentioned in the Bible. Her Hebrew name goes back to the times of the Bible where she was known as “the honey bee”, or a mother in Israel. Deborah’s spiritual meaning once instilled a sense of pride in the people of Israel when morale was at an all-time low.
Deborah was renowned for her wisdom. The people knew that if she was consulted for guidance or judgment, that she would meditate on scripture and seek God in prayer before giving her answer. She was not only well-known for her wisdom, but for the place she chose to give court as well. Those who sought her could find Deborah under a palm tree between Ramah and Beth-el known as, “Deborah’s Palm.”
Deborah was obedient and didn’t question God’s voice or wonder what others would say or think, she simply had the faith to do what God told her. Whether people followed or not was not her concern. Her only concern was doing what the Lord called her to, and not letting anything get in the way of that. She inspired the Israelites to a mighty victory over their Canaanite oppressors (the people who lived in the Promised Land, later known as Palestine).
For those unfamiliar with Deborah’s story, we can sum it up as follows:
Deborah was chosen by God to serve as the Mother of Israel and lead His people to victory. Deborah’s success was due to her faith in God. She served God by utilizing her values and Spiritual gifts. Due to her faith, God called her, a woman, to lead His people to victory.
God’s people were living in Canaan, which was ruled by a cruel king known as Jabin of Hazor. His second in command was an equally cruel general known as Sisera. Often, in their desperation, the people would come to Deborah’s Palm to hear her words of encouragement and wisdom. Deborah, a God-fearing prophetess was told by God how to deliver His people from the grip of Jabin and Sisera. Deborah then called for Barak, a military commander who would lead the charge against Sisera. Barak agreed to follow Deborah’s plan, but with one condition, that she went with him into battle. Deborah agreed, but told Barak because of his fear, the credit for the defeat of Sisera would go to a woman. Deborah then went into battle with Barak, and their enemy was destroyed.
Some Scholars saw this as Barak being spineless while others saw it as Barak making a smart decision since Deborah was a mediator between God and man. Either way, they were successful in the mission God sent them to accomplish.
When we answer the call of God, we too can be successful in the battles that we face. Don’t be afraid, if He brought you to it, He will see you through!! Believe in the one who can do anything but fail.
PRAYER: Dear Lord, thank you that, unlike man, you do not discriminate between who you choose to use for your service. You God are not a respecter of men, you provide every person with the opportunity to receive the blessings available through your plan for their life. Help us to see this and move forward knowing that you are always with us. It’s in Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!
