One of the most interesting people in the Bible was a woman called Deborah. It captures our attention because of the times — and how women were looked upon. This Bible study lesson comes from Judges 4:1-24 and teaches us about a strong woman. And yes, the Scripture had women leaders too.
Deborah the prophetess led the people for a period in Judges. Basically, this story of Deborah and Barak shows not only were there female leaders in the Bible, but ones who could truly command when needed.
It’s truly remarkable how a woman could come to power at this time in history. Most women were treated as possessions. And, they certainly did not assume leadership roles. But, Deborah broke all the rules for that school of thought. The lesson today gives compelling evidence of women leaders in the Old Testament.
And then there was Barak! Let’s read the story.
Woman as Leader – Deborah and Barak
Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel at that time.
She used to sit under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim; and the sons of Israel came up to her for judgment.
Now she sent and summoned Barak the son of Abinoam from Kedesh-naphtali, and said to him, “Behold, the Lord, the God of Israel, has commanded, ‘Go and march to Mount Tabor, and take with you ten thousand men from the sons of Naphtali and from the sons of Zebulun.
I will draw out to you Sisera, the commander of Jabin’s army, with his chariots and his many troops to the river Kishon, and I will give him into your hand.’”
Then Barak said to her, “If you will go with me, then I will go; but if you will not go with me, I will not go.”
She said, “I will surely go with you; nevertheless, the honor shall not be yours on the journey that you are about to take, for the Lord will sell Sisera into the hands of a woman.”
Then Deborah arose and went with Barak to Kedesh. – Judges 4:1-9 NASB
Faith in Who?
Barak was a general and capable of leading an army. But, he lacked faith that God was behind this mission. So, he needed encouragement from Deborah instead. Deborah demonstrated unwavering faith in God’s command, confidently assuring Barak of their victory.
In contrast, Barak’s faith wavered, as he required Deborah’s presence to feel assured of success. This difference highlights Deborah’s steadfast trust in God’s promise and Barak’s need for reassurance. Ultimately, it was Deborah’s unwavering faith that enabled Barak to confidently lead his soldiers to victory.
When a Woman Prophet Speaks ..
As stated in the verses above, Deborah was a prophetess so her instructions from God should have been enough for Barak — it wasn’t.
His faith was more embedded in military might, not what God could do. For instance, Barak was reluctant to enter the battle until Deborah agreed to lead him. This showed that his faith was in her strength and not in the Lord’s.
Are We More Like Deborah, or Barak?
When we are asked by God to do something, do we step out completely on faith, or do we need to consult with someone else to justify our actions?
I have been in that second group many times so my thought (for us) today is that we make an effort to trust in God’s ability — Not our own, not that of someone else.
A little faith goes a long way as Jesus has said many times. Pentecost led 3,000 people to Christ. But then, that faith had to be grown. So does ours.
Love in Christ
– Bob
If you would like to discover how to receive the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ, please take a moment to read John 3:16 here.
Read Today’s Passage Here..