Before the Israelites requested for a king, God sent to them “judges,” military leaders who commanded the Israelite armies in battle and delivered them from their enemies. Gideon and Samson are probably the most well known judges of Israel as of then.
As fascinating as it maybe, Deborah was among the military leaders who led Israel to victory.
And her unique role is briefly described in the book of Judges. (Judges 4:4-5) Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel at that time. She used to sit under the palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim; and the people of Israel came up to her for judgment.
In Accordance with biblical scholars , “During the 12th Century B. C, Deborah judged and led Israel for 60 years in the 12th. Her oversight culminated approximately 20 years of national hardship before the Canaanite war and then a peaceful aftermath of 40 years.”
Furthermore, “Deborah was first known as a prophet, as a judge/leader, next in a military role, and then as a songstress. She used to judge under a palm tree a setting, rabbinic tradition maintains, that validated her fairness, openness, and refusal to show partiality.”
Still, the people of Israel recognized her amidst of all as a “mother in Israel,” which is one of the highest honors of the Israelite people (Judges 5:7).
Even though the life of Deborah is restricted to only two chapters in the book of Judges, her legacy still endures to this day and she remains an inspiration, always recognized for her fairness and courage to do what was right during a time of national crisis.
