Research Paper On Deborah

The present study of Deborah examines the dichotomy of a female balancing power with submission. The purpose of this thesis is to show that you can have power and be submitted. Deborah's story is found in the Old Testament in the book of Judges in chapters 4 and 5. The book of Judges takes place during a time when the Israelites subjected themselves to idols and gave themselves to other gods. The book itself defines the text written therein: it contains the history of Biblical judges, divinely inspired leaders whose direct knowledge of God allows them to act as advocates for the children of Israel from the oppression of their enemies, and models of wise and faithful behavior required of them by God following the Exodus from egypt, conquest of Canaan and the death of Joshua, Moses' minister. There is a consistent pattern seen in the stories throughout the book of Judges: (1) the people are unfaithful to God, they turn from the ways of their forefathers
Befor God raised Deborah up as a judge in Israel, every judge that preceded her was a man – Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar. This is interesting because in those days, a woman's focus and role was solely directed toward maintaining the household and child rearing. In today's society and generation, that paradigm has shifted immensely. Woman are taught something totally different. Deborah was both a prophetess and a judge and she represents a woman of versatility. In Judges 4, Deborah is instructed by God to tell Barak, commander of Israel's army to go and fight the Canaanites. Barak hesitates and refuses to go unless Deborah accompanies him. She agrees and tells Barak that she would go, but that he would not receive the honor for victory over the Canaanites, a woman would. In today's society people tend to think that in order to have power, they have to be arrogant and aggressive. In actuality, you can be submitted and have power at the same time. Being meek is not a sign of being weak, it is a sign of power and