4 Hallmark Traits that Helped Deborah Defy Patriarchy with Faith and Courage

Deborah was a woman of great wisdom. Her people benefited from the words and instructions she gave them when they “came up to her for judgment” (4:5). But that is only because her wisdom came from God.

In the same way, our opinions, thoughts, and feelings about life and other peoples’ problems need to come from Scripture and the Holy Spirit. If not, we will lead people to ourselves and not God. We must lead people to the truth of God’s Word if we want to make a lasting difference.

In the song that she and Barak sang in chapter five, we discover that Deborah was known as a “mother” figure for Israel for how she led and counseled (5:7). She was a trusted leader with a great reputation because of her faithfulness and wisdom that others could see in her words, actions, and attitudes.

For us today, our reputation is one of the most important parts of us. Our integrity is who we really are and our reputation is how others perceive us. A good reputation is never built overnight (it often takes years). However, a good reputation can be destroyed overnight.

We cannot be sure of how difficult it was for Deborah, a woman, to take the position of judge and prophetess for her people. We do know that she at least recognized the tension that one of her leaders, Barak, faced when he asked her to go into battle with him. She explained in chapter four, verse nine: “The road on which you are going will not lead to your glory, for the LORD will sell Sisera into the hand of a woman.”

It must have been equally or more difficult to be a godly woman at the time she lived and led. Nevertheless, despite the difficulties, she did it! She did not just tell Barak what to do; she went with him (4:9) and encouraged him to be bold in the face of danger (4:14). Deborah was willing and bold. After their victory, she even helped lead everyone in singing a long song in Judges 5!

For us today, the most important ability we can have is availability. If we are not willing to do what is necessary and important, then we will not make the kind of difference that God wants us to make. 

Deborah was a consistent, good, and strong example for her people. She led her people to God and not away from God. And because of her great leadership (especially compared to some of the other leaders in the Old Testament), we read that “the land had rest for forty years” (5:31)

All of us — men and women alike — have much to learn from Deborah. Let’s seek God’s help to be faithful, wise, reputable, and willing.

Photo Credit: Image created using AI technology and subsequently edited and reviewed by our editorial team.

Robert Hampshire is a pastor, teacher, writer, and leader. He has been married to Rebecca since 2008 and has four children: Brooklyn, Bryson, Abram, and Aubrey. Robert attended North Greenville University in South Carolina for his undergraduate and Liberty University in Virginia for his Masters. He has served as a worship pastor, youth pastor, family pastor, church planter, and Pastor of Worship and Discipleship. He now serves at  Calvary Baptist Church in Florence, South Carolina. He furthers his ministry through his blog site, Faithful Thinking, and YouTube channel. His life goal is to serve God and His Church by reaching the lost with the gospel, making devoted disciples, equipping and empowering others to go further in their faith and calling, and leading a culture of multiplication for the glory of God. Find out more about him here.