Step into the exciting story of Deborah. In the ancient pages of the Bible, Deborah emerges as a beacon of strength, breaking molds as the only woman among Israel’s revered judges. But her story isn’t just ancient history – it’s a guide for women today.
Deborah’s story resonates with the challenges and triumphs that echo through time, beckoning the modern woman to draw inspiration from her bravery and wisdom.
As we learn about Deborah’s journey, we discover a compelling testament to the limitless possibilities for courage, leadership, and divine purpose in women’s lives today. Join us as we uncover her story to see how it can encourage and empower us today.
This is part one of a ten-week Bible study on Women in the Bible. Learn more about our study here.
Who Is Deborah In The Bible?
Deborah is a prominent Bible figure recognized for her role as a prophetess and judge in Israel. Her story is featured in the Book of Judges, mainly in chapters 4 and 5.
Deborah listened to God’s voice as a prophet and conveyed His message. Although she didn’t perform sacrifices like the men, she was crucial in leading worship services and delivering sermons as a priestess.
Numerous biblical scholars think Deborah was married; however, in Hebrew, the words “woman” and “wife” are the same. Therefore, it’s uncertain whether Deborah was a “woman from Lappidoth” (a place) or the “wife of Lappidoth” (a person).
A Brief Summary Of Judges
When God led the children of Israel into the Promised Land around 1405 BC under Joshua’s guidance, He didn’t appoint a human king. Instead, He chose to be their King. This era in Jewish history is known as the Age of the Judges.
Judges were individuals chosen by God at different times to rescue the people from their enemies and uphold justice. Deborah held the fourth position among these judges, and scholars estimate the events we are about to explore regarding her took place around 1237 BC, roughly 168 years after the Jews settled in their land.
Why Was Deborah Important In The Bible?
Deborah had a unique role as a prophetess, speaking on behalf of God, and this took precedence over everything else she did. She holds a special place in Israel’s history as the only woman who served as both a prophet and a judge alongside notable men like Moses and Samuel.
Despite being the only woman among the twelve judges in the Old Testament, her role demonstrates that women were not always considered inferior, as God chose her to deliver Israel.
How Deborah Relates To Women In 2024?
War is an uncomfortable topic, and the idea of participating or leading one is not something we typically embrace. However, in the context of Israel, there were moments when they had to engage in battle to defend God’s kingdom.
In our present reality, we find ourselves in a different kind of battle – one against an unseen adversary. “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Eph. 6:12 NIV).
Like soldiers in a war, we can take lessons from those who fought for God during the days of the judges. We can apply their example of faithfully following the Lord when He called them to move forward in faith.
Day One of Deborah’s Bible Study
To grasp the story’s context, read Judges Chapter 4, verses 1-24. Even if you’re already familiar with the tale, approach it as if you’re encountering it for the first time. Then take a moment and reflect below:
1. Write your initial thoughts and feelings about these events. Practical Bible study begins with careful observation, so read the text thoroughly and understand exactly what it says.
2. Imagine you’re a reporter and answer the “5 W’s and an H” questions for the story: who, what, where, when, why, and how. This helps ensure you observe the text. Take notes as you explore these questions.
3. Write what stood out to you about Deborah or the events in this story. Share any surprises or noteworthy points that caught your attention.
4. Write about a challenging time in your life, similar to the difficult circumstances faced by the Jews in this story. Describe how you coped with adversity or overcame challenges.
5. Prayer: Pray for Deborah’s courage as you navigate challenging moments or confront the enemies in your life. Consider putting your prayers into writing; it helps you articulate your thoughts and records your pleas over time. This written record becomes a powerful testament to God’s faithfulness, allowing you to revisit and recognize how He has consistently answered your prayers, even those you may have forgotten.
Day Two of Deborah’s Bible Study
Start today by reading Judges 4:1-5. Then, read Judges 4:6-10 and Exodus 3:7-4:17 to explore the background of Israel’s adversaries, exploring their culture and history. Finally, take a moment to reflect on the passages and jot down your thoughts below:
6. Who were the adversaries of the sons of Israel, and what was their treatment of God’s people, as indicated in Judges 4:3? Additionally, how did the children of Israel react to this mistreatment?
7. Reflect on a moment in your life when God utilized a challenging person or situation to redirect your focus toward Him. Write the details of this experience and explain what you learned from it or how it changed you.
8. In examining the passages where God called Barak and Moses to specific tasks, evaluate God’s words and responses to them. Consider both positive and negative aspects of their interactions. What lessons can be drawn from how they received and acted upon God’s calling?
9. Reflect on your current life situation and identify areas where you might struggle to trust God to fulfill His responsibilities and promises to you. Consider what steps you can take to address these concerns and strengthen your trust in Him.
10. Can you recount a personal experience when you witnessed God leading the way and granting you victory in a situation?
11. Take a moment to express gratitude and praise to God for His guidance and victory in the situation you mentioned earlier. As you do, cultivate trust in God for any challenges you currently face. Reflect on whether God has revealed Himself unexpectedly in this problem. Consider the lessons He might be teaching you, and evaluate if a shift in perspective is needed to recognize His presence in this scenario.
Day Three of Deborah’s Bible Study
Start today by reading Judges 4:10-16. Then, take a minute to reflect on the passages and jot down your thoughts below:
12. In what specific ways did God keep His promises to Barak?
13. Research the following scriptures: Psalm 33:4, 1 Thessalonians 5:24, 2 Timothy 1:7, and Hebrews 10:23. Reflect on how these verses relate to the story of Barak and consider how they can offer support when you are called to fulfill a task for God.
14. Take a few minutes to find additional verses highlighting God’s faithfulness. Write the verses on notecards (or anywhere you can see them) and commit to memorizing one that resonates most with you.
15. In Judges 4:6-7, 14, observe Deborah’s actions. What insights do her actions show her character, and how can you apply lessons from Deborah’s example to your own life?
16. Do you find yourself in a current situation where you must advocate for God to a friend who professes faith but is straying from God’s path? Alternatively, are you the one hesitating to obey? Jot down the necessary steps you need to take. Seek the support of your group and partner, asking for their prayers in navigating this circumstance.
17. Prayer: Write a prayer, seeking faith and courage to guide you as you move forward with God in the situation described in the previous question.
Day Four of Deborah’s Bible Study
Start today by reading Judges 4:9-11, 17-24. Then, take a minute to reflect on the passages and jot down your thoughts below:
18. Identify Jael and explain the reason Sisera placed his trust in her.
19. Write (in your own words) the events that unfolded, fulfilling the prophecy mentioned in Judges 4:9.
20. Is there any aspect of your life exerting control, similar to how the enemy dominated Israel in this story? It could be a habit, a sin, or even a lack of discipline in prayer and life prioritization. If God unveils something to you, what steps can you take to dismantle it, mirroring Jael’s actions?
21. Prayer: Write a prayer for the bravery and faith to take the necessary steps to overcome this challenge.
Day Five of Deborah’s Bible Study
Start today by reading Judges 5:1-31. (As you read this section, remember it’s a song, so there’s some figurative language, as is common in poetry. Take your time and read it carefully, focusing on the overall message. Don’t stress about grasping every line; we’ll concentrate on the parts that help in our lesson). Then, take a minute to reflect on the passages and jot down your thoughts below:
22. What is the central theme of the first stanza (5:2-5)? You can identify the main point by observing what the text reiterates.
23. How can you apply the insights from the previous answer to your own life?
24. Consider the areas where God has positioned you as a leader—whether in your home, workplace, or His church. Reflect on the lessons about godly leadership that you can glean from Deborah.
25. How do you see God use Deborah for His purpose and in His timing??
26. How do you see God use Jael for His purpose and in His timing?
27. Prayer: Write a prayer asking God to utilize you, an ordinary woman akin to Deborah and Jael, for His timing and purposes.
Conclusion
In wrapping up our study on Deborah, we’ve learned that ordinary people, like Deborah and Jael, can play crucial roles in God’s plan. Deborah’s leadership and Jael’s unexpected yet important contribution teach us valuable lessons.
As we think about our own lives, let’s consider the leadership roles God has placed us in—at home, work, or church. Like Deborah, we can lead with faith and courage.
Looking ahead, think about how God might use you, just as He did with Deborah and Jael. Join us next week for more stories and lessons from the Bible. Stay encouraged, and remember that God can use each of us for His purposes, no matter how ordinary we may feel.
Related Reading: Week 2 A Study On Ruth
