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Deborah’s Story
by Major Gayle Langford
USA East, Territorial Lay Leader Development
Director
The story of
the Old Testament prophetess Deborah intrigues me. She was a
woman used by God in an extraordinary way. She did not fit
into the normal categories assigned to women in her society.
The traditional historical role for women was that of a
predominantly private figure, while men were seen as public.
Women were caring rather than aggressive; men caused war
because they dominated while women were dominated. The figure
of Deborah as juridical, political, religious and military
leader did not exactly fit.
Yet Deborah was used by God to lead the people of Israel
during a crucial time in their history. She came to her
position at a time of anarchy. Every Israelite “did what was
right in his own eyes,” rather than following the laws of God.
Deborah functioned as judge, political leader, and religious
teacher. Through wisdom, initiative and strong leadership, she
saved the nation of Israel from conquest. The Israelites,
having done evil in God’s sight, had been oppressed by the
Canaanites for 20 years when Deborah assumed the role of
leadership in the fourth chapter of Judges.
Without doubt, Deborah was a successful leader. Her leadership
would have been commendable if exhibited by a man in her
society, and its status is elevated to that of remarkable for
the simple reason that she was a woman. Her success, however,
can be attributed to qualities that are found in spiritual
leaders of either gender and in every era.
First of all, Deborah exhibited confidence. Deborah was
confident that God had called and would equip her to fulfill
the leadership roles that he had given her. As her story
begins in Joshua, chapter four, we see that her judicial
function is clearly established and she performs it with
confidence. Although God raised up “judges,” she is the only
character in the book of Judges to function in a truly
judicial role: hearing and deciding cases for those who choose
to consult her. It is recorded in Judges 4:5 that she would
“sit under the Palm Tree of Deborah … and the people of Israel
would come to her to settle their arguments.”
Deborah also exhibits confidence in her role as prophet. Her
status as a prophet as well as a judge is displayed in her
summoning of the military leader, Barak, advising him to move
in battle against Sisera and this army (Judges 4:6-7). The
scene is very similar to that found in Deuteronomy 31:7 where
Moses, in his prophetic office, summons Joshua and delivers
God’s message of encouragement in battle to come. Throughout
the scriptural account, Deborah speaks as the Lord directs her
to do so. And her messages are more than just yes or no
counsel; they are directives that, if followed, will ensure a
successful campaign. It is a situation unlike any found in Old
Testament history.
In the days of the Old Testament, the function of judge was an
integrative leadership function. So, in combination with
prophecy, which confers religious leadership as well, the
function of judge which Deborah undertook was very
influential. She was the only judge who was also a prophetess,
and this combination is strikingly powerful. While chaos
reigned about her, she had been raised to establish order.
People were willing to follow her because she exuded
confidence.
Secondly, it is evident that Deborah had a vision of God’s
providential plan for the Israelite people. It is upon her
authority as judge and her role as a prophet that she summoned
Barak, a military leader, to take action against the
Canaanites. It is apparent that the Israelites were willing to
accept Deborah’s leadership, as indicated by Barak’s response.
He replied that he would obey only on the condition that she
will accompany him into battle.
It is amazing to think that Barak would make this request of a
woman. What motivated him to do so? He senses not only
Deborah’s confidence, but also her vision of what God could do
for the Israelites. When the Israelites had mustered out,
Deborah said to Barak, “Up! For this is the day in which the
Lord has given Sisera into your hand. Does not the Lord go out
before you?” (Judges 4:14). We see Deborah here, and
throughout chapters four and five of Judges, as the initiator
and the inspiration for Barak and the Israelites.
While it is vital to her leadership that she is a woman of
vision and confidence, most important is the reality that
Deborah was chosen and appointed to her unique position by God
himself. The Israelites were willing to follow her, not
chiefly because of her charisma, but because of her role as
God’s chosen vessel for that time in history. They were able
to overcome the fear of the enemy and follow a woman into
battle because they sensed the powerful Spirit of God resting
upon her.
The story of Deborah still speaks to us as women leaders of
the 21st century. God will use women who are filled with his
Spirit, chosen vessels for his time. We cannot force or
finagle the blessing from his hand. Our charisma alone will
not carry us; we must be chosen and appointed. And as his
chosen vessels, he will impart a vision to inspire his
followers. With this divine appointment and God’s vision for
ministry, we can lead with confidence. Let us pray toward this
end.
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