“‘So may all your enemies perish, LORD! But may all who
love you be like the sun when it rises in its strength.’
Then the land had peace for forty years.” Judges 5:31
Insight
Deborah was Israel’s only female judge, but she was also a wife,
mom, prophetess, leader, warrior and even a songwriter. She
might have felt like an ordinary person, but Deborah was a wise
and extraordinary leader because she loved the Lord, listened to
His call and obeyed Him. She showed good character and was a
light in a time of adversity. She exhibited strength and courage
during the conflict between the Israelites and the Canaanites.
In Judges 4, she instructs Barak to take on Sisera and his
army. She even agreed to go with him when he asked her to
accompany them. In their bravery and obedience to God’s
calling, the Israelites were victorious against the Canaanites. In
Deborah’s victory song, she sang praises and thanksgiving for
God’s divine intervention. “Wake up, wake up, Deborah! Wake
up, wake up, break out in song! Arise, Barak! Take your captives,
son of Abinoam.” (Judges 5:12)
Deborah was given unique leadership abilities to serve the
Israelites, and God gave her significant victory and favor in the
land. For those who love God, He will show them His plans, He
will guide them to direct others, and He will give them courage.
Prayer
Dear Lord, we thank you for the story of Deborah as a servant-hearted prophetess, judge, and military leader. You raised her
up in a difficult time when Israel was under much oppression
from the strong military nation of Canaan. Thank you for her
example to listen and obey the instructions of the Lord and to
lead others to do the same. We ask that You raise up a leader
in our country who is servant-hearted, fears the Lord, and is
courageous. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
