Be Counter Cultural! List, Obey & Serve God

   Deborah, mild manner wife at home, one focused lady leader as a judge of Israel.  Though we do not know whether Deborah was mild-mannered at home, we do know from Judges 4 and 5, that she was one leader who rose to the occasion.  Deborah was a prophet, meaning her main job was to encourage the people of Israel to obey God.  Yet when the opportunity arose to be judge and leader in Israel, she took hold of that challenge.    A judge was either a military or civil leader ruling during the time after Joshua’s death and could either rule part of or all of Israel.  

   Here was one gifted lady, who became the only female judge Israel ever had.  She was able to plan, direct and delegate AND she was a good advisor.  Her gifts were used.  In fact when Israel needed a person to step up and lead Israel to battle their Canaanite enemies led by Sisera, Deborah did.  She told Barak who was to lead the Israelites into battle that God had given them the victory.  Yet Barak was afraid, to the point that he would only go into battle if Deborah would go along (Judges 4:4-9).  
 
   Deborah marched with the army because she had courage and believed God at His word.  Israel routed the enemy and Deborah was very careful to give God the credit and glory for this victory as noted in Judges 5.  She influenced the Israelites to live for God.

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