Why is Deborah so important?

Wise leaders are rare. They accomplish great amounts of work without direct involvement because they know how to work through other people. They are able to see the big picture that often escapes those directly involved, so they make good mediators, advisers, and planners. Deborah fit this description perfectly. She had all these leadership skills, and she had a remarkable relationship with God. The insight and confidence God gave this woman placed her in a unique position in the Old Testament. Deborah is among the outstanding women of history.

Her story shows that she was not power hungry. She wanted to serve God. Whenever praise came her way, she gave God the credit. She didnt deny or resist her position in the culture as a woman and wife, but she never allowed herself to be hindered by it either. Her story shows that God can accomplish great things through people who are willing to be led by him.

Deborahs life challenges us in several ways. She reminds us of the need to be available both to God and to others. She encourages us to spend our efforts on what we can do rather than on worrying about what we cant do. Deborah challenges us to be wise leaders. She demonstrates what a person can accomplish when God is in control.

Strengths and accomplishments:

Fourth and only female judge of Israel

Special abilities as a mediator, adviser, and counselor

When called on to lead, was able to plan, direct, and delegate

She is the example of Female leadership in religious matters, and proof God does not deny women leadership roles in  spiritual affairs

A writer of songs

Lessons from her life:

God chooses leaders by his standards, not ours

Wise leaders choose good helpers

Vital statistics:

Where: Canaan

Occupations: Prophetess and judge

Relative: Husband: Lappidoth

Contemporaries: Barak, Jael, Jabin of Hazor, Sisera

Key verse:

"Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time" (Judges 4:4).

Her story is told in Judges 4 and Judges 5.