Deborah: an example of Godly leadership

Two hundred years after the fall of Jericho and after the death of Joshua, the Israelites began to lose its hold on the land. Canaanite rulers held the Israelites oppressed for twenty years. Sisera was the chief warrior among the Canaanites and his force of 900 iron plated chariots terrified the people and kept them in line for many years. Sisera was so assured that no one could challenge him and he felt even more smugly secure as Israel had a new leader: a woman. Deborah was an extraordinary woman. A wife, a mother and a leader of the Israelites. Judges in Israel were unelected and uninherited. They were chosen by God to serve as military leaders when the people needed to be rescued from their enemies and establish justice. Deborah was the only woman to serve as judge. 

Deborah was a prophetess who held court under a palm tree. She refused to lose heart as Israel became more and more divided and dispirited. The people had sunk deeper into idolatry and forgot God’s promises and the faith of their ancestors. Her vision of the world was not shaped by the political situation but her relationship with God. Even though it was uncommon for a woman to be a leader in the ancient world, Deborah was the leader Israel needed. She heard God and believed in Him. By her example, courage began to arise in the people which enabled them to throw off their oppressors. Sisera thought he was invincible but he failed to take into account Deborah’s strong faith. Deborah summoned Barak, a Jew from the North, and told him that God would deliver Sisera’s army into his hands. But Barak was terrified and only agreed to go if Deborah also went into battle. She tells him the honor of defeating Sisera would not be his but hers. When Sisera heard of the plan to defeat his army, he felt so confident that he went ahead to the Kishon River. Unfortunately, his chariots became stuck and became easy targets for Barak’s troops. After the battle, there would be peace in Israel for 40 years (Judges 5:31). 

Deborah’s story speaks volumes for us today. Deborah is an example of strong leadership. She was not power hungry. She only wanted to serve God and when praise came her way, she gave credit to God. She is a person who demonstrated what can be done when God is in control. First, we need to be available to God and others. Deborah was known as a mediator, advisor and counselor (Judges 4:5). She led Israel peacefully for 40 years. Second, how to be a wise leader. Wise leaders are rare. Leaders who know how to work with and through others. They are good mediators, advisors, planners and delegators. When God revealed his plans for Sisera’s defeat, Deborah didn’t try to do it all herself. She called Barak to help. And when Barak’s faith was shaken at the prospect of facing Sisera, he asked Deborah to be at his side (Judges 4:8). She was the type of person who understood the spiritual needs of the people she led. While she believed that God would lead them to victory, her presence helped build the confidence of the troops. She understood the needs of the people and not just worried about success. She didn’t downplay Barak’s role in the victory, despite his reluctance to go into battle without her (Judges 5:12). 

Imagery is important in Deborah’s story. The palm trees are often heralds of peace and hope. Deborah meeting with people under the palm tree. The palm branch is a symbol of victory, triumph, peace and eternal life. Jesus’s entrance into Jerusalem before his crucifixion and death (Matthew 21:8, Mark 11:8, John 12:13) is another example of the palm inclusion bringing a deeper meaning. Deborah’s name means “bee” (Devorah or D’vorah in Hebrew). The imagery of the bee is interesting as the Midrash, a collection of teachings on the Torah, explain that the Hebrew people were like bees (Nelson, 2019). First, bees follow their leader in a swarm. The Jewish people would follow prophets to teach them. Judges 4:5 says Deborah held court where the Israelites came to her to settle their disputes. Second, the bee demonstrates the consequences of not following God’s commands, as a bee sting is quite painful. But as the bee’s honey is sweet, those who follow His commands will be blessed with a sweet life. Third, bees are a lowly insect and serve as a reminder to be humble. Colossians 3:12 says “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” 

In conclusion, judges in Israel were unelected and uninherited, chosen by God to serve as military leaders when the people needed to be rescued from their enemies and establish justice. Deborah was a humble leader who used wisdom and God’s guidance to usher in forty years of peace. At a time when the Israelites desperately needed a strong leader, God gave them Deborah. With her faith, she was able to be an example of strength and confidence in God. At a time when women leaders were uncommon, Deborah was an example to all who sought her. Through Deborah’s example, we can be wide leaders who seek God’s guidance. We can be leaders in our homes, our families, our workplaces, and our schools. Men, women, boys, girls, young and old, we all can be wise leaders for God. 

References

Nelson, Susan J. (July 10, 2019). Who Was Deborah in the Bible? Christianity.com. www.https://www.christianity.com/wiki/people/who-was-deborah-in-the-bible.html. Retrieved January 21, 2021.