Originally Posted by Sister Alvear
(Post 860047)
She knew how to use both pen and sword; however, her greatest force was not human force, it was a God -given force. In everything she did, she depended upon God. Deborah’s song of victory belongs to some of the oldest, most beautiful poems of Hebrew history.
As Solomon said, Deborah’s life was impressive. Even though God had placed her first in a song, she reserved space for others. Barak and Jael were carefully mentioned. She only considered herself a mother in Israel. Deborah is one of the most distinguished women of Bible history because of her character, her leadership abilities and her poems. Certainly she lived an interesting life; the secret of her life was in Jehovah God.
She showed what a woman could do when God takes over and is in full control. Can you imagine a woman governing the people of God? See Judges 4:8; here is a woman governing (ruling) Israel in the time of the Judges. Even though the devil was fighting against her each step of the way, here is a woman that rises above her disadvantages. A notable fact that a man was happy to follow the leadership of woman!
Under her capable leadership, Israel experienced forty years of peace and prosperity. I think one of the reasons we have stories such as Deborah’s governing Israel is that God wants us to understand the opportunities of women in the New Testament and especially in the millennium.
What did it mean for Deborah to judge the nation of Israel? The concept of a judge to the Hebrews was one that governed. It means vindicate, judge, punish, govern, litigate, defend, plead, reason and rule (Strong's #8199). It also meant a bringer of justice.
Deborah is considered one of the wisest women in the Old Testament. All her activities didn’t hinder her from being a good wife. As judge, she exercised authority in legal matters. As prophetess, she proclaimed the Word of God under divine inspiration. As poet, she wrote poems; she was a gifted woman. She exercised political leadership, military leadership and religious leadership. It would not be an exaggeration to suggest that many men filled the post Deborah occupied with fewer results. A woman that occupied such a great official position could not be inferior to man.
Some have said there is a difference between a prophetess and a preacher. Young’s Analytical Concordance on page 71, tells us that the Hebrew word "Nibah" is a female preacher. So at the death of wicked Ehud, God raised up a woman, a nibah to lead His people.
Deborah was like Joan of Arc, who twenty-seven centuries later rode in front of the French Army and led them to victory. Both women came from nowhere, and led armies of ten thousands of men to victory over their oppressors-Joan of Arc at Orleans and Deborah at Mt. Tabor in Northern Israel. England will never forget the bold deeds of Margaret of Anjov, who was at the head of the northern forces that swept over that country like a wind, destroying armies and tearing down thrones.
If we were to give ears to some "modern day" teaching, Deborah would have never ruled Israel. With or without "modern day approval," God used Deborah as His mouthpiece. Since when does God need someone to counsel Him and tell Him whom to call to do His work?
Deborah was the one God chose. She through obedience brought victory. Deborah had forty years of peace even though her only human allies were two tribal groups of soldiers and one cowardly general.
In Deborah, we find the leadership skills of Moses, the military powers of Joshua, the God of Abraham and the poetic ability of David all combined in one lowly woman in whom the mouth of God rested. Beneath the gore, the story of Deborah and Jael demonstrates that courage and genius knows no gender. Jewish tradition says that Deborah was keeper of the tabernacle lamp.
Her name means "a bee". Surely she was a bee to the enemies of God. This story illustrates the Hebrew belief that God could communicate messages of vital importance through either men or women. No character in the Old Testament stands out in bolder relief than Deborah-prophetess, ruler, warrior, and proctor.
Meroz was cursed because they came not to the aid of the Lord - not helping Deborah was not helping the Lord. Helping Deborah was helping the Lord!
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