Deborah

Technical Profile

Name Meaning: Hebrew Dəvôrāh (“bee”), a personal name associated with diligence.
Period/Era: Divided Kingdom (era of the Judges, pre-monarchy)
Main References: Judges 4–5
Key Connections: Lapidoth (identified as her husband); Barak son of Abinoam; Sisera; Jabin king of Hazor; Jael wife of Heber the Kenite

Who was Deborah?

Deborah was a prophetess and judge who led Israel during a time of Canaanite oppression.
She held court under “the palm of Deborah” in the hill country of Ephraim and delivered judgments for Israelites.
She summoned Barak to mobilize forces from Naphtali and Zebulun in response to the LORD’s command.

Key Events & Achievements

Call to battle: She relayed the LORD’s instruction for Barak to gather troops at Mount Tabor against Sisera (Judges 4:6–7).
Deliverance from Sisera: Israel routed Sisera’s army, and Sisera was killed by Jael, ending his threat (Judges 4:14–22).
Song of victory: Deborah and Barak sang a victory song that recounts the conflict and credits the LORD for deliverance (Judges 5:1–31).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Deborah’s life shows how prophetic guidance and judicial leadership functioned in Israel’s covenant community during the era of the Judges.

Key Verse

“Village life in Israel ceased, ceased until I, Deborah, arose, arose a mother in Israel.” — Judges 5:7, ESV

Quizzes

Answer the questions below. When you choose an option, you will see the result and an explanation.

1. Where did Deborah hold court and deliver judgments for Israelites?

2. Who killed Sisera, ending his threat after Israel routed his army?