Transcendental Role Of Deborah

Military leader, judge, and prophetess: Deborah filled male-dominated roles in a period when this feat was virtually impossible. Today, her role is often overlooked as she is grouped with other female prophets of her time; however, Deborah’s influence exceeds far beyond the transmission of God’s word. In order to fully grasp this injustice, it is important not only to reflect on her erasure, but to admire her accomplishments. These accomplishments were not only revolutionary for her time, but, rather, transcend her time into our own. In order to understand her transcendental role, the Biblical text along with a comparison of her role to that of other Biblical figures and an analysis of the undermining of her legacy must be taken into consideration.
When she is mentioned, it is noted that she is leader of Israel. This, in and of itself, should be a testament to her authority. In chapter 4, Deborah sends for Barak, a military commander, and she says to him, “The Lord, the God of Israel, commands you: ‘Go, take with you ten thousand men of Naphtali and Zebulun and lead them up to Mount Tabor. I will lead Sisera, the commander of Jabin’s army, with his chariots and his troops to the Kishon River and give him into your hands.’” It is important to note the power in her opening words and the strength in this command. Barak responds, “If you go with me, I will go; but if you don’t go with me, I won’t go.” She agrees, stating that the victory will be delivered into the hands of a woman. Deborah’s advice would go on to lead Israel in victory against Canaan.
Only more so is this true within the historical narratives and cultural traditions handed down from the ancient world.” Daniel and Cathy Skidmore-Hess believe that this is due to an emphasis on “disrupters in the lives of male heroes” rather than strong virtuous women. This can be seen through the stories of other Old Testament women such as Delilah, Bathsheba, and Eve. The Skidmore-Hess’ go on to comment on the diminishing of Deborah by both Jewish and Christian commentators as well as the negative light placed on both Deborah and Huldah in the Talmud. A few scholars go as far as to assert that Deborah was never a judge at all; however, this is to erase the pivotal role that she played in Jewish history.