DEBORAH

            We read very little about Deborah, the fourth and the only woman judge of Israel in the early Old Testament History. Yet, her achievement was marvelous and praise worthy. I wish to share with you 3 important aspects of her life that stand to prove that she was an extraordinary person. You can read her achievements in Chapters 4 & 5 of Book of Judges in the Old Testament.

Point No.1

            When she was leading Israel as a Judge, she saw the sufferings of Iaraelites at the hands of Jabin, King of Canaan and his Commander Sisera. She wanted to do something to relieve the Israelites. She summoned Barak, a warrior and asked him to mobilise an army of 10,000 men to attack Sisera's men. But, Barak hesitated initially. He replied Deborah, "I will go (to the war) if you go with me, but if you don't go with me, I won't go either" (Judges 4/8). Barak was not only a military warrior but also a great warrior of faith (Heb 11/32). But, he refused to lead the war without Deborah, the simple woman administrative head. Deborah had no reservations. She readily said "All right, I will go with you" (Judges 4/9). What a display of courage! These incidents happened about 3500 years ago. Even, today, utilising the services of women in the forefront of the battle fields is done in a very limited way. Women mostly work in the back end of the war zones. But Deborah, was willing to lead the war along with Bank without any fear. Certainly, Deborah was a towering personality. Her very presence infused great courage among the warriors of Israel.

Point 2

            When she expressed her readiness to join the war operations, she also said Barak, "You won't get any credit for the victory, because the Lord will hand Sisera over to a woman". Even before the war started, Deborah knew that credit for the victory in the war would not come to her or Barak either, but to a different woman. Deborah was the chief of the jews. She was the anchor person. She only organised the army. She had a deep desire to relieve Israelites from the clutches of the King of Canaan. She deserved recognition and appreciation for all the initiatives taken at her end. But it was made clear to her through prophecy that credit for the victory would not go to her. Yet, she prepared herself for the war willingly and joined with Barak. She was more concerned about the relief of her countrymen. She did not, therefore, care about credit, recognition, reward, etc. Today, we look for prominence, importance, recognition and rewards. We avoid functions and skip spiritual meetings if there is no participation or involvement for us. Deborah was never worried about all these things. This "not crazy for fame" attitude simply thrills us.

Point 3

            Finally Israelites won the war. Sisero ran away from scene fearing his life. When he met Jael, an another woman from a village, she killed him with a tent peg. Thereupon, Deborah sang a victory song. First, she thanked the Lord (Judges 5/15). Next, she expressed her gratitude to the commanders of Israel who helped her in the war. Then she expressed her displeasure over the inaction of tribes of Reuben, Gad, Dan & Asher who failed to help the affected Israelites in the war. She was critical of Reuben who spent lot of time in reaching a final decision as to join the war in support of affected Israelites or not. Meanwhile, the war ended (Judges 5/15-16). We too think too much and waste lot of time in making decisions to support a good cause. A Christian is supposed to support all right moves and there is no question of taking a neutral stand. Finally, Deborah praised Jael for her assault on Sisero. Deborah was a leader. Jael was an unknown woman. Yet, Deborah lauded her efforts. A woman praising another woman is an uncommon thing. But Deborah did. Even today, performers and achievers are not honoured and their efforts go unrecognised by their bosses.

            Wise and brave leaders like Deborah are very rare. In USA, good judges in the judiciary are fondly called "Deborah Judge". Such was the legacy left behind by her.

Joseph Stephen

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