Old Testament · The Judges

Deborah

Who was Deborah?

Deborah was a prophetess and the only female judge of Israel, who led the nation to victory over a powerful oppressor.

RoleProphetess and judge of Israel
EraThe Judges
RoleProphetess and judge
AllyBarak
Known forVictory over Sisera
LegacyThe Song of Deborah

Deborah held court under a palm tree, settling disputes and speaking for God in a time when “there was no king in Israel.” She summoned the commander Barak to lead Israel against the army of Sisera.

When Barak would only go if she came along, Deborah agreed but foretold that the honor of victory would go to a woman. Israel won, and the enemy commander fell.

Her triumphant song is one of the oldest poems in the Bible, celebrating God’s deliverance through unlikely hands.

Key verses BSB · Public Domain (CC0)
Judges 4:4 “Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel at that time.” Judges 5:1 “On that day Deborah and Barak son of Abinoam sang this song:”
Related people
GideonSamson
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Original BibleDawn profile. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy. Scripture quoted from the public-domain Berean Standard Bible.