Deborah

A wife to Lippidoth and well-known as the Mother of the Israelites. Her name means Honey Bee, portraying a new era of leadership where forgiveness is wrapped in the sweetness of honey. She prophesied words of healing and justice with great reverence.

After King Ehud died, Israel sinned against the Lord, for they chose new gods for themselves. Then the Lord sends King Jabin, a Canaanite, and his commander Sisera to reign over His nation. For 20 years the Israelites were weighed down under harsh conditions of cruelty and violence.

When they eventually cried out to God, He answered them with an anointed Prophet – a trusted influencer, Deborah, to set His people free! She spends time in the presence of the Lord to gain strategies and insight on how to empower the generations with wisdom and counsel.

What stands out in Scripture is her strong leadership traits that speak of a warrior woman with integrity and a humble spirit saying “Yes!” to the call of God.

What can we learn from Deborah?

  • Be courageous under God’s authority.
  • Serve the people by listening in love.
  • Trust in God’s power and do not lean on our agenda and understanding.
  • Be directional – praying and discerning, speaking the word of God with confidence.
  • Operate as a flint – causing a spark for revival.
  • Give God the Glory because the victory belongs to Him.
  • Persevere – confront the enemy with a lifestyle of prayer and worship, spreading the Good News of God.

After Deborah spoke to Barak (meaning: kneeling and being blessed) and told him to arise and get ready for battle, she also stated the truth that the Lord has gone before him. We learn that Barak believed but still needed guidance from Deborah. She went with him and his army. There was great confusion amongst Sisera, his chariots, and men. He fled on foot to the tent of Jael and she gave him milk to drink. As Sisera was asleep she pierced a tent pen through his scull and crushed it. King Jabin stepped down and therefore Victory was once again with the Israelites. Then there was peace in the land for forty years.

Let’s proclaim Judges 5:31 for ourselves: “May all Your enemies be driven away O Lord, but may all Your friends shine like the rising sun!”

Written by Willemien for Women of the Word

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