Author: Arkeshia Brown

This week, we turn our hearts and attention to Women in the Bible, women whose faith, obedience, and courage reveal God’s intentional design and purpose.

Herbert Lockyer reminds us that “Women appeared as the counterpart and helper of man, and being part of his inmost being holds an intimate relationship to him.” From the very beginning, God demonstrated that humanity was not meant to function alone. After creating man, God declared that it was not good for him to be alone. He caused Adam to fall into a deep sleep, took one of his ribs, and formed woman—crafted not as an afterthought, but as a divine companion and partner in purpose.

The first woman we will reflect on in this series is Deborah.

Who Was Deborah?

Deborah is introduced to us in Judges chapters 4 and 5, and she is later referenced among the faithful in Hebrews 11:32–34. While we will explore her leadership and military role more deeply in a future devotional, this week we focus on who she was and how God used her.

Deborah’s name means “Bee,” a fitting symbol of diligence, wisdom, and productivity. She was the wife of Lapidoth, and Scripture tells us that she held court beneath the Palm Tree of Deborah, a significant landmark in Israel. As Herbert Lockyer notes, “The palm tree under which Deborah ruled and possibly lived was a landmark, as palms were then rare in Palestine.”

Deborah was known as a “Mother of Israel.” Though Scripture does not record that she had biological children, her maternal role was spiritual and national. She nurtured, guided, and led God’s people during a critical season.

Deborah’s God-Given Roles

Deborah was many things—each role revealing a different aspect of her calling:

• She was a Prophetess, hearing from God and delivering His word faithfully.
• She was an Agitator, stirring the hearts of the people toward obedience and action.
• She was a Ruler, serving as one of the judges God raised up to deliver Israel from bondage.
• She was a Leader, guiding the nation for forty years under God’s direction.
• She was a Warrior, standing boldly in faith during times of conflict.
• She was a Poetess, whose victory song remains preserved in Scripture.

Her song, recorded in Judges 5, reflects a life wholly surrendered to God. As Lockyer beautifully states, “Her song is immortal because her life was dedicated to God and her deeds heroic and sublime.”

A Life Surrendered to God

Above all, Deborah was a woman of faith. She exemplified courage, confidence, and unwavering trust in God’s promises. She did not rely on her own strength or position but fully surrendered her life to the Lord.

As Herbert Lockyer concludes, “She is seen as full of faith, courage, and confidence in God’s power and promises. Deborah surrendered her life to God, making herself available to Him and trusting Him for the outcome.”

Reflection

Deborah’s story reminds us that God calls and equips women to lead, serve, speak, and stand boldly for Him. Her life challenges us to ask:
Am I fully available to God? Am I willing to trust Him with the outcome?

May Deborah’s faith inspire us to walk courageously in the purpose God has ordained for our lives.