Deborah
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Deborah in the Bible?
Deborah served as a judge and prophetess for Israel, delivering divine instruction to the military commander Barak to mobilize forces against Jabin, king of Hazor, and his general Sisera. She accompanied Barak to the battlefield at the brook Kishon, where the Israelite forces achieved a decisive victory over the Canaanite army.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Deborah's role as both a spiritual authority and a military strategist provides insight into the complex political and religious leadership structures of the pre-monarchic period in Israel, highlighting the unique position of female authority figures in early biblical narratives.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Deborah in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Deborah clarify?
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Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.