At that time Deborah, a prophetess, wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel. She used to sit under the palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim; and the Israelites came up to her for judgment. She sent and summoned Barak son of Abinoam from Kedesh in Naphtali, and said to him, “The Lord, the God of Israel, commands you, ‘Go, take position at Mount Tabor, bringing ten thousand from the tribe of Naphtali and the tribe of Zebulun. I will draw out Sisera, the general of Jabin’s army, to meet you by the Wadi Kishon with his chariots and his troops; and I will give him into your hand.’ ” 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.” And she said, “I will surely go with you; nevertheless, 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.” Then Deborah got up and went with Barak to Kedesh.
Deborah
A woman of her people
Among her people
Making herself available
to those who sought her wisdom
Using her power
and her vulnerability
to raise up her sisters
and her brothers
Lending her presence
to instil confidence in others
Making room for all to share
in the joys
and the sorrows
Drawing attention to
the corporate activity
the unique roles
each would play
united against
a common enemy
Encouraging others to shine
Ruling by facilitating
Negotiating peace
in her land
and in her people
Deborah
Prophet
Judge
Peace maker
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