Jeanie Martin Ministries

In HONOR of All MOTHERS on this extraordinary “MOTHER’S DAY” week, I present Prophetess Deborah, the First Female Judge.

From the Female Promise Seekers Series: “Woman Thou Art Chosen”

I’m spotlighting the only female judge recorded in the Bible, Deborah, Israel’s fifth judge. In the Book of Judges, Deborah is described as a powerful combination of judge, intercessor, prophetess, mother of Israel, and military strategist. Deborah broke outside of her culture, not out of rebellion, but in obedience to God to set her people free.

Her name means “honeybee or bee,” and bees are known to sting when an enemy tries to attack them. In the biblical record, we can see the sting that Deborah delivered to Israel’s enemy by God’s hand.

“Never Underestimate the Power of God Behind a Woman”

Israel had an enemy, Sisera, the commander of the army of Jabin, king of Canaan, who had terrorized Israel for 20 years. Deborah summoned Barak and told him it was God’s will that he lead her forces against the mighty warrior and terrorist, Sisera; (Judges 4; 5:1; Hebrews 11:32). Barak accepted on one condition that Deborah accompanied him, and if not, he wouldn’t go. Like Israel, Barak feared Sisera, and many of the townspeople feared leaving their homes.

In light of the matter, Deborah accepted Barak’s request and prophesied that the victory belonged to a woman. She told Barak that God would give Sisera into the hands of a female; (Judges 4:9).

Deborah and Barak’s army consisted of only 10,000, while Sisera had a multitude of fighters and 900 chariots of iron which were formidable weapons against Israel’s foot soldiers. But God was with Israel, which made all the difference in the battle.

The message is clear, regardless of the instruments that God chooses to use, He makes them strong and enables them to accomplish His will by His Spirit. God can and will use anyone available to Him. He made it known through Prophetess Deborah that a woman can fight and win against any enemy regardless of the size or quantity of those who oppose God. The enemy may seem to be fighting against people (flesh and blood), but the battle is spiritual. Therefore the battle belongs to the Lord.

God made it clear to Sisera through Deborah’s prophecy that the battle would be given to a woman. This decision did not depend on whether Sisera agreed to fight or not. Jehovah God revealed the battle’s outcome to Deborah. It was a fixed fight, which means the battle was already won! Jesus won at the cross, and we, too, have the victory in His Name. The Name of Jesus is above every name. The name of Jesus is a strong tower, an ever-present help in the time of trouble. Every knee shall bow, and every tongue shall confess, that Jesus is LORD to the glory of God. All power and authority belong to Him.

Mission Completed!

Deborah’s prophecy was fulfilled, Sisera was killed by a woman, and Israel was forever freed from their enemy’s threats. God subdued Jabin, king of Canaan, before the Israelites. Mission completed! The victory belongs to Jesus!

Sometimes the shoes just don’t fit the man. But in Deborah’s case, the position was fulfilled when Jesus gave his life on the Cross of Calvary. It was written before the foundations of the world. What God has ordained, no man can change.

HAVE A HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

From: Jeanie Martin Ministries

Photographs: Noire 3000 Bible, by James C. Lewis