Deborah the Prophetess and Only Female Judge in the History of Christianity
Out of all the Biblical women in history, Deborah emerged as an exceptional military leader. Fearless and obedient to God, She led the Israelites to victory and out of bondage. She was a prophetess and the fourth judge of pre-monarchic Israel. The only other person referred to as both a prophet and a judge in the Bible is Samuel. That places Deborah amongst the great people mentioned in the Bible.
A powerful woman in history with a similar position to Deborah’s was queen Zenobia of Palmyra c.a240-274A.D. She was a powerful woman, like Deborah. An intellectual who was fluent in Aramaic, Egyptian, Greek, and Latin, she took over the reins after her husband’s death. Robert C.L. Holmes (2020) portrays her as a figure who promoted and encouraged intellectualism.
Traditional Jewish chronology tells us Deborah lived in the 12th century. Robin Gallaher (2021) estimates Deborah’s leadership as lasting 60 years; quite a long time to hold onto power. Her leadership was accepted and appreciated both by men of all ranks and women. A female ruler such as Deborah was groundbreaking at the time.
Deborah’s story is described by Andrew Curry 2008 as, “…a radical departure from the standard biblical themes which rarely place women in roles as warriors and generals.” She is an oddity whom the Israelites trusted to lead and judge.
After suffering brutal oppression under King Jabin of Canaan for 20 years, the Israelites’ prayers for freedom were heard by the Lord. Deborah summoned Barak, the Israel army commander, and urged him to do as the Lord had instructed him, summoning 10 000 soldiers to fight against king Jabin’s general Sisera.
Knowing that he would not be credited for the victory, Barak insisted that Deborah go with him to war. They won the battle and Deborah was credited for this success. Because of this, Deborah is one woman in history acclaimed as a Christian military leader. Throughout Christianity, she is an example of bravery, strength, and the epitome of female power.
Coming from a history that has been associated with the origins of female subordination [Katie Brown 2021], Deborah broke all barriers set against women. As they were linked to Eve’s sin that brought a curse on humanity, women had been regarded as holding secondary status. It takes extraordinary will, power, strength, and God’s favour to defy the odds.
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