Judges 4:4 Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time.

If we look at Deborah through the lens of the 21^st Century, we see a thoroughly “liberated” woman. Those of us who came of age in the 70’s and 80’s know that high positions held by women in industry, politics, medicine or almost any field for that matter, were attained by very strenuous effort, and sometimes even through litigation against gender discrimination.

However, here in the Book of Judges, we see a married woman who is also an accomplished military leader of Israel. In addition she was a prophetess, meaning she spoke and acted on the basis of divine inspiration. She is not the only woman mentioned in the Bible as having this title but she is the only one called to lead her people into battle. She was of the tribe of Ephraim and a judge and woman of authority. Judges 4:5 states in part: “….the Israelites came to her to have their disputes decided.”

Because Deborah is hearing from God, she is able to appoint Barak to lead Israel’s army against Jabin, a King of Canaan. “The Lord, the God of Israel commands you: ‘Go, take with you ten thousand men of Napthali and Zebulun and lead the way to Mount Tabor.’” She even outlined her strategy to lure Jabin’s army to a position which will guarantee their defeat. Such was Barak’s confidence in her that he said “If you go with me, I will go; but if you don’t go with me, I won’t go.” Imagine that!

I believe Deborah’s strength flowed from her relationship with God. She not only agreed to go into battle with Barak but she shared with him what God had already revealed to her, namely that the honor of victory in the battle will go to someone else, another woman. Don’t you get the feeling that God does not discriminate based on gender? You should. God calls both men and women and assigns them tasks which will bring glory to his name. Consider your life and circumstances. Can you hear God’s voice letting you know that you are not where you are by accident? Cherish what you do as if you know it is God’s assignment for you.