Topical Bible: Servants: Good: Deborah

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Deborah stands as a remarkable figure in the biblical narrative, exemplifying the qualities of a good servant of God. Her account is primarily found in the Book of Judges, chapters 4 and 5, where she emerges as a prophetess and judge over Israel during a tumultuous period. Her leadership and faithfulness to God's calling highlight her as an exemplary servant.

Role and Leadership

Deborah's role as a judge and prophetess is unique, as she is one of the few women in the Bible to hold such a position of authority. Judges 4:4-5 states, "Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel at that time. She would sit under the Palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites went up to her for judgment." Her position underlines her wisdom and the respect she commanded among the Israelites.

Prophetic Insight and Obedience

Deborah's prophetic insight is evident when she summons Barak, the son of Abinoam, and delivers God's command to him. Judges 4:6-7 records her words: "She sent for Barak son of Abinoam from Kedesh in Naphtali and said to him, 'Has not the LORD, the God of Israel, commanded you: Go, deploy the troops at Mount Tabor, and take with you ten thousand men from Naphtali and Zebulun? And I will draw out Sisera the commander of Jabin’s army, his chariots, and his troops to the Kishon River, and I will deliver him into your hand.'" Deborah's obedience to God's directive and her courage to speak His word demonstrate her unwavering faith and dedication.

Encouragement and Support

Deborah's support and encouragement to Barak further illustrate her role as a good servant. When Barak expresses hesitation, insisting that Deborah accompany him, she agrees, showing her willingness to support and guide him. Judges 4:8-9 recounts, "Barak said to her, 'If you will go with me, I will go; but if you will not go with me, I will not go.' 'I will certainly go with you,' Deborah replied, 'but the road you are taking will bring you no honor, because the LORD will sell Sisera into the hand of a woman.'" Her presence and assurance bolster Barak's resolve, leading to a significant victory for Israel.

Song of Victory

Deborah's song in Judges 5 is a testament to her leadership and gratitude to God. The song celebrates the triumph over Sisera and praises the Lord for His deliverance. Judges 5:1-2 begins, "On that day Deborah and Barak son of Abinoam sang this song: 'When the princes in Israel take the lead, when the people willingly offer themselves—praise the LORD!'" The song reflects her acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and her role in inspiring the people to follow His will.

Legacy

Deborah's legacy as a good servant is marked by her faith, leadership, and commitment to God's purposes. Her account serves as an enduring example of how God can use individuals, regardless of gender, to fulfill His plans and lead His people. Her life and actions continue to inspire believers to serve God faithfully and courageously.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 24:59
And they sent away Rebekah their sister, and her nurse, and Abraham's servant, and his men.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 35:8
But Deborah Rebekah's nurse died, and she was buried beneath Bethel under an oak: and the name of it was called Allonbachuth.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Way to Honor
... I believe that every Abraham will be likely to find an Eleazar, and every Rebekah
a Deborah. Good masters make good servants. Good servants make good masters. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the way to honor.htm

The Plagues
... is secure from much visiting and only my trusted servants are there. ... up the line
of her talk before Deborah could answer, "I may as well work good out of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxix the plagues.htm

'All Things are Yours'
... The first of them comes from Deborah's triumphant chant ... which we know nothing, all
God's servants shall, even ... host, then all weathers will be good; 'stormy winds ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/all things are yours.htm

Esther's Venture
... in carrying out His great designs of good to our ... are stewards, and God gives His
servants their 'talents ... same stock as a Miriam, a Deborah, Jephthah's daughter ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/esthers venture.htm

The Treasure Cave
... at the hands of Har-hat's servants and deserted not ... her service, she bade him a soft
good-night and disappeared into the inner crypt, where Deborah had gone ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xx the treasure cave.htm

At Masaarah
... When she looked again the retinue of servants had passed ... "Thou good Atsu," she ... Lose
no time." He turned away and, signing to Deborah to follow him, left the tent ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xviii at masaarah.htm

Salvation Published from the Mountains
... 1 Samuel 18:6, 7) . Thus likewise, Deborah, in her ... the opposition and ill-treatment
which the servants of God ... But, O thou that bringest good tidings, lift up ...
/.../newton/messiah vol 1/sermon vi salvation published from.htm

From Dawn to Noon
... of the oldest parts of the Old Testament, Deborah's triumphal song ... we have Christ's
comparison of His servants to light ... on earth is the character of a good man. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/from dawn to noon.htm

Chapter xxxv
... Then it is highly probable that the servants acquired in ... tree between Ramah and Bethel."
Our Deborah "died" and ... at this place, God deems it good and necessary ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxv.htm

Joash
... who might worthily stand by the side of Deborah and other ... once forsake the path of
what is good and right ... end soon comes, for two of his servants, neither of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/joash.htm