The story of Debora, the female
judge of the Israel is a fascinating account of courage, leadership during difficult
times in a mail dominating world Debora stood out
not only like a political leader but also as a profit's respected by all the
people. Her story helps us to rethink about leadership and shows how God can
use anyone regardless of gender and social status to accomplish his purposes
After the life of Joshua, Israel
entered into the period, called the period of the Judges, this was a time of
great political and spiritual instability for god’s people. The absence of a
strong leadership lead to a downfall of moral and social lifestyle. The people
who turn away from God, worship the idles of nabouring natation’s and suffer in
the hands of their enemies. In their suffering they would cry up to god who
then rise up a judge to deliver them.
Deborah is introduced in the
book of Judges in chapter 4 vers 4 “ And
Deborah , a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, ,she judged Israel at that time”
Vers 5 : says that “she dwelt
under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in mount Ephraim and
the children of Israel came up to her for judgment “
Through Deborah, god was establishing a direct communication with god with his people and back to the covenant they have neglected . As a judge Deborah resolved disputes and made very important dissections, this combined legal, administrative and often military aspects .
In ver 6:- we see Deborah call
Barak the son of Abinoam as a warrior leader to fight against the enemies of Israel
Barak was supposed to gather then
thousand men from the tribe of Naphtali and Zebulun
The confrontation between
Deborah and the Canonists under the leadership by Sisera began
Sisera gathered his 900 chariots.
The 900 chariots were the pride of the Canionites army
In vers 14 Deborah, speaks to
Barak today into you have god has given sierra .
The phrase stating that
” has
not the Lord God gone ahead of you”-> , reassured that they were not
fighting along but God was leading the battle
God right had gave victory to Israel. The bible verse states that “not a man was
left “. This battle put an end to Canaanite’s oppression against the Israelites.
The victory came from God and not from human strength or strategy
The victory over the Canaanite’s
put an end to the 20 years of oppression. It was a demonstration of God power
and faithfulness .
After the victory, Debora and
Barak sang a song of Triumph. This song recorded in Judges Chapter 5 praising
God
After the song the bible
states there was peace in the land for 40 years
The life of Debora was an example for future
generation as a model of faith, courage and wise leadership . Her success as a
leader, demonstrated that effective leadership comes not from physical strength
or military power but from wisdom, faith and from the wisdom to unit and
inspire the people.
The story of Debora teacher us
many things
1; God uses unexpected leaders
to accomplish his purpose
2: it reminds us that true strength
come from faith and obedience to God not from military or political power
3: it helps us to rise up with
courage when faced with challenges trusting that God will be with us
