Difference between revisions of "Deborah" - New World Encyclopedia

From New World Encyclopedia
m (image and submit)
 
(17 intermediate revisions by 8 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
−
{{Submitted}}{{Images OK}}{{Contracted}}{{Started}}{{Claimed}}
+
{{Ebcompleted}}{{Paid}}{{Approved}}{{Submitted}}{{Images OK}}{{copyedited}}{{2Copyedited}}
 
[[Image:Deborah.jpg|thumb|200px|Gustave Dore's interpretation of the prophetess Deborah]]
 
[[Image:Deborah.jpg|thumb|200px|Gustave Dore's interpretation of the prophetess Deborah]]
  
 +
'''Deborah,''' or '''Dəvora''' (literally "Bee" in the Hebrew language), was a prophetess and the only female Judge of pre-monarchic [[Israel]] in the [[TaNaK|Hebrew Bible]] ([[Old Testament]]). Her story is told twice in chapters 4 and 5 of the [[Book of Judges]]. The first account is prose, relating the victory of Israelite forces led by General Barak, whom Deborah called forth but prophesied would not achieve the final victory over the [[Canaan|Canaanite]] general Sisera himself. That honor went to [[Jael]], the wife of Heber, a [[Kenite]] tent maker, who killed the general while he slept.
  
−
'''Deborah''' or '''Dvora''' or '''Dəvora''', (literally "Bee" in the Hebrew language) was a prophetess and the fourth Judge and only female Judge of pre-monarchic [[Israel]] in the [[Old Testament]] ([[Tanakh]]). Her story is told twice in chapters 4 and 5 of [[Book of Judges|Judges]].  The first account is prose, relating the victory of Israelite forces led by General [[Barak]], whom Deborah called forth but prophesied would not achieve the final victory over the [[Canaan|Canaanite]] general [[Sisera]] himself. That honor went to [[Jael]], the wife of [[Heber]], a [[Kenite]] tentmaker. Jael killed Sisera by driving a tent peg through his head as he slept.
+
Judges chapter five renders this same story in [[poetry|poetic form]], and it is thought to have been composed in the second half of the twelfth century B.C.E., shortly after the events it describes. If that is the case, then this passage, often called ''The Song of Deborah,'' is one of the oldest passages of the Bible and the earliest extant sample of [[Hebrew poetry]]. It is also significant because it is one, if not the, oldest extant passages that portrays women in roles other than as victims or as villains. Theologically, the Song of Deborah praises synergy between the heavenly power of God the Divine Warrior and the earthly efforts of the Israelite fighters, who together triumph over superior Canaanite forces. The poem may have been included in the ''Book of the Wars of the Lord'' mentioned in the [[Bible|Biblical]] Book of Numbers, 21:14.
 +
{{toc}}
 +
Little is known about Deborah's personal life. She was apparently married to a man named Lapidoth (meaning "torches"), but this name is not extant outside of the Book of Judges and might simply mean that Deborah herself was a "fiery" spirit. She was a poet and she rendered her judgments beneath a [[palm tree]] in [[Ephraim]]. Some refer to her as the "Mother of Israel." Following Deborah's victory over [[Sisera]] and the [[Canaanite]] army, there was [[peace]] in the land for forty years.
  
−
''Judges'' chapter five gives this same story in [[poetry|poetic form]], and it is thought to have been composed in the second half of the 12th century B.C.E., shortly after the events it describes. If that is the case, then this passage, often called ''The Song of Deborah'', is one of the oldest passages of the Bible and the earliest extant sample of [[Hebrew poetry]]. It is also significant because it is one of the, if not ''the'', oldest extant passages that portrays women in roles other than as victims or as villains. The poem may have been included in the ''Book of the Wars of the Lord'' mentioned in the [[Bible|Biblical]] Book of Numbers, 21:14.
+
==The story of Deborah==
 +
Following the death of [[Joshua]], [[Israel]] lacked strong leadership. This period, known as the ''Period of Judges,'' lasting about four hundred years, had been highlighted [[Bible|Biblically]] by the phrase, "In those days there was no king in Israel; every man did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 17:6). Four centuries of decline occurred after the days of Joshua. These years were marked by decline, disunity and moral compromise. In essence, the Israelites became progressively more ignorant of the God of their Fathers. In order to keep the Israelites correctly following the laws of [[Yahweh]], the Judges were set up in leadership positions.
 +
 +
The story of Deborah is a story of deliverance of the Israelite people. Following eighty years of relative tranquility after [[Ehud]] delivered Israel from the oppression of the [[Moab|Moabites]], new bondage came from within the land from the Canaanites living there. Though God had instructed Moses to destroy or drive these people out, (Exodus 23:33; 34:11-16; Numbers 33:51-56; Deuteronomy 7:1-5), Israel's obedience to this command had not been complete.  
  
−
Little is known about Deborah's personal life. She was apparently married to a man named Lapidoth (meaning "torches"), but this name is not extant outside of the Book of Judges and might simply mean that Deborah herself was a "fiery" spirit. She was a poet and she rendered her judgments beneath a [[palm tree]] in [[Ephraim]]. Some refer to her as the Mother of [[Ancient Israel|Israel]]. After Deborah's victory over Sisera and the Canaanite army, there was peace in the land for forty years.
+
Even though it was forbidden by [[Moses|Mosaic]] Law, [[intermarriage]] had taken place between the Israelites and the local peoples. Customs and cultures of the Canaanites, which seemed more advanced and prosperous, were adopted. Worship of [[Baal]] began to take place. Indulging in sexual immorality and idol worship, this era of Israelites lived in contradiction to the covenant their forefathers had made with God.
−
==The Story of Deborah==
 
−
[[image:Dscf0099.jpg|left|thumb|250px|Mount Tabor]]
 
−
Following the death of [[Joshua]], [[Israel]] lacked strong leadership. This period, known as the ''Period of Judges'', lasting about four hundred years, had been highlighted [[Bible|Biblically]] by the phrase, "In those days there was no king in Israel; every man did what was right in his own eyes." (Judges 17:6)  The generations after Joshua had grown up ignorant of the God of their Fathers; four centuries of decline, disunity and moral compromise filled this period. The Judges were those who sat in position of leadership during this time, in an attempt to keep the Israelites correctly following the laws of [[Yahweh]].
 
  
−
The story of Deborah is a story of deliverance of the Israelite people. Following eighty years of relative tranquility after [[Ehud]] delivered Israel from the oppression of the [[Moab|Moabites]], new bondage came from within the land from the Canaanites living there. God had instructed Moses that these people should be destroyed or driven out, (Exodus 23:33; 34:11-16; Numbers 33:51-56; Deuteronomy 7:1-5) but Israel's obedience to this command had been incomplete.  
+
{{Book of Judges}}
 +
The enemies of the Israelite people, having moved from the tactic of fortified cities in the time of [[Joshua]] had resorted to dividing the Israelites and denying access to good [[agriculture|agricultural]] lands and main highways. The Israelites were forced to hide in the hills for safety.  
  
−
Forbidden by [[Moses|Mosaic]] Law, nonetheless, intermarriage had taken place between the Israeliates and the local peoples. Customs and cultures of the Canaanites, which seemed more advanced and prosperous, were adopted. Worship of Baal began to take place. Indulging in sexual immorality and idol worship, the Israelites lived oblivious of the covenant their forefathers had made with God.
+
Jabin, a [[Canaan|Canaanite]] king, stationed 900 chariots at Harosheth-of-the-Gentiles (modern Tell el-Harbej), on the banks of the Kishon River, at the foot of [[Mount Carmel]]. This central location on the plain of [[Esdraelon]] was ideal for chariot operations, so that Jabin controlled not only the main trade routes but held onto the richest farm land in Israel. The Israelites had been forced into the hill country, leaving the fertile plains in the hands of the Canaanites. In addition to his 900 chariots, Sisera, the commander of Jabin's army, no doubt commanded a large well-armed army of foot soldiers. In contrast, weaponry among the Israelites was scarce.
  
−
The enemies of the Israelite people, having moved from the tactic of fortified cities in the time of [[Joshua]] had resorted to dividing the Israelites and denying access to good agricultural lands and main highways. The Israelites were forced to hide in the hills for safety.  
+
At this point, Deborah, the Prophetess and Judge, emerged to inspire and guide the Israelites. The position of judge in that era carried more the role of a godly counselor and deliverer than the courtroom judges of modern times. In the absence of a King or prominent godly leadership among the people, the judges guided the people according to their wisdom and knowledge of the laws of Moses. Referred to as "a mother in Israel," living in the hills north of [[Jerusalem]], Deborah had become aware of the suffering and hardship of her people who lived in [[Galilee]]. Through her compassion and wisdom the people in the hill country united around her, raising a small standing army.  
  
−
[[Jabin]], a [[Canaan|Canaanite]] king, stationed 900 chariots at Harosheth-of-the-Gentiles (modern Tell el-Harbej), on the banks of the Kishon River, at the foot of [[Mount Carmel]]. This central location on the plain of [[Esdraelon]] was ideal for chariot operations, so that Jabin controlled not only the main trade routes but held onto the richest farm land in Israel. The Israelites had been forced into the hill country, leaving the fertile plains in the hands of the Canaanites. In addition to his 900 chariots, [[Sisera]], the commander of Jabin's army, no doubt commanded a large well-armed army of foot soldiers. In contrast, weaponry among the Israelites was scarce.
+
General [[Barak]] lived in the oppressed territories. Barak had been worn down by twenty years of Canaanite tyranny and strength and had become known as timid, if capable. He had seen the slaughter of innocent Israelites numerous times, weakening the faith needed to mount an attack. He was frightened and unwilling: "Then Barak said to her, ‘If you will go with me, then I will go; but if you will not go with me, I will not go’" (Judges 4:8).<ref>Jennifer Rosania, [http://www.intouch.org/myintouch/mighty/deborah_36098487.html Mighty in Spirit; Song of a Servant.] Retrieved April 2, 2008.</ref>
  
−
Enter Deborah, the Prophetess and Judge. The position of judge in that era carried more the role of a godly counselor and deliverer than the courtroom judges of modern times. In the absence of a King or prominent godly leadership among the people, the judges guided the people according to their wisdom and knowledge of the laws of Moses. Referred to as "a mother in Israel", living in the hills north of [[Jerusalem]], Deborah had become aware of the suffering and hardship of her people who lived in [[Galilee]]. Through her compassion and wisdom the people in the hill country united around her, raising a small standing army.
+
With Deborah's agreement to participate, Barak rallied men in the requisite number to follow the strategy as directed by her, which was to establish himself and 10,000 men on the flanks of [[Mount Tabor]], a prominent peak on the eastern end of the valley of Jezreel (Esdraelon). There they would soon be discovered by [[Sisera]], who would seek to lure them onto the plains where his chariotry would be no match for them. Instead a small diversionary force of [[Ephraim|Ephraimites]] and [[Benjamin|Benjaminites]], led by Deborah coming up from the south, diverted Sisera's attention near Taanach.
−
[[Image:GllSprng_356PAN3.jpg|thumb|400px|[[Safed]], Galille's "Capital", with Yam Kineret and the hilly landscape of the area]]
 
  
−
General [[Barak]], known as a capable but timid man, lived in the oppressed territories. Barak had been worn down by twenty years of Canaanite tyranny and strength. He had seen the slaughter of innocent Israelites too many times to have the faith needed to mount an attack. He was frightened and unwilling: "Then Barak said to her, ‘If you will go with me, then I will go; but if you will not go with me, I will not go’" (Judges 4:8). <ref> Rosania, Jennifer, [http://www.intouch.org/myintouch/mighty/deborah_36098487.html Mighty in Spirit; Song of a Servant] ''In Touch Ministries''</ref>  
+
During this maneuver, a sudden violent rainstorm occurred, which turned the river [[Kishon River|Kishon]] into a torrent and the surrounding plains into a bog. The plain became a quagmire for chariots and armored foot soldiers alike—Barak's troops then rushed down from Mount Tabor to wipe out the bogged–down charioteers and Sisera's encumbered army.<ref>Labert Dolphin, [http://www.ldolphin.org/Deborah.html Deborah the Prophetess.] Retrieved April 2, 2008. </ref>
  
−
With Deborah's agreement to participate, Barak rallied men in the requisite number to follow the strategy as directed by her, which was to establish himself and 10,000 men on the flanks of [[Mount Tabor]], a prominent peak on the eastern end of the valley of Jezreel (Esdraelon). There they would soon be discovered by [[Sisera]] who would seek to lure them onto the plains where his chariotry would be no match for them. Instead a small diversionary force of [[Ephraim|Ephraimites]] and [[Benjamin|Benjaminites]], led by Deborah coming up from the south, diverted Sisera's attention near Taanach.
+
As Deborah had prophesied, it would be a woman who would provide the final downfall of Sisera. Weary in battle, Sisera retreated to the tent of Heber the Kenite for rest and cover. While he slept, Jael, Heber's wife, "took a nail of the tent, and took a hammer in her hand, and went softly unto him, and smote the nail into his temples, and fastened it into the ground: For he was fast asleep and weary. So he died" (Judges 4:21).
  
−
During this manuever, a sudden violent rainstorm ocurred, which turned the river [[Kishon River|Kishon]] into a torrent and the surrounding plains into a bog. The plain became a quagmire for chariots and armored foot soldiers alike — Barak's troops then rushed down from Mount Tabor to wipe out the bogged–down charioteers and Sisera's encumbered army. <ref> Dolphin, Labert, [http://www.ldolphin.org/Deborah.html Deborah the Prophetess], ''Lambert Dolphin's Library'' </ref>
 
  
−
As Deborah had prophesied, it would be a woman who would provide the final downfall of Sisera. Weary in battle, Sisera retreated to the tent of Heber the Kenite for rest and cover. While he slept, Jael, Heber's wife "took a nail of the tent, and took an hammer in her hand, and went softly unto him, and smote the nail into his temples, and fastened it into the ground: for he was fast asleep and weary. So he died." (Judges 4:21)
+
[[Image:GllSprng_356PAN3.jpg|thumb|center|800px|[[Safed]], Galille's "Capital," with Yam Kineret and the hilly landscape of the area]]
  
−
==Deborah's Song==
+
==Deborah's song==
 
After obtaining the decisive victory and the death of [[Jabin]]’s general [[Sisera]], Deborah wrote a victory song much as [[Moses]] and [[Miriam]] did before her following their successful crossing of the [[Red Sea]].  
 
After obtaining the decisive victory and the death of [[Jabin]]’s general [[Sisera]], Deborah wrote a victory song much as [[Moses]] and [[Miriam]] did before her following their successful crossing of the [[Red Sea]].  
  
 
The fifth chapter of the ''Book of Judges'' is entirely composed of the ''Song of Deborah''. It is an ode of triumph over what seemed impossible odds and exults in the breaking of the [[Canaan|Canaanite]] stranglehold over much of the country. The Song of Deborah is beloved by [[Jew]]s as well as [[Christian]]s for the lessons perceived within:
 
The fifth chapter of the ''Book of Judges'' is entirely composed of the ''Song of Deborah''. It is an ode of triumph over what seemed impossible odds and exults in the breaking of the [[Canaan|Canaanite]] stranglehold over much of the country. The Song of Deborah is beloved by [[Jew]]s as well as [[Christian]]s for the lessons perceived within:
  
−
Deborah began her song by praising God and thanking him for the victory. She quickly added her gratitude for the willingness with which ten thousand Jews put their lives on the line to defend the nation. "Praise ye the Lord for the avenging of Israel, when the people willingly offered themselves."
+
Deborah began her song by praising the willingness with which the Israelites put their lives on the line to defend the nation. "Praise ye the Lord for the avenging of Israel, when the people willingly offered themselves." This is the song's main theme: Praising the brave volunteers who went out to battle.
  
−
Next Deborah recognized the unusual methods God used to assist the Israelites. "...the earth trembled, and the heavens dropped, the clouds also dropped water. The mountains melted from before the Lord, even that [[Sinai]] from before the Lord God of Israel."
+
The second theme of the song is the mighty act of God, the divine warrior, to assist the Israelites and defeat their common enemy. Thus, she recounts God's mighty acts in history, specifically the march of the tribes from Sinai to Canaan, when "the earth trembled… the mountains melted from before the Lord."
  
−
The desolation existing at the time was voiced next in her song. "The inhabitants of the villages ceased, they ceased in Israel, until that I Deborah arose, that I arose a mother in Israel." Here Deborah also sings of the concept of the need of protection by a parent–figure.
+
The dire situation of Israel, which lay naked and defenseless against the enemy, is described in the next verses. "The inhabitants of the villages ceased, they ceased in Israel, until that I Deborah arose, that I arose a mother in Israel." Here Deborah also sings of the concept of the need of protection by a parent–figure. Then she returns to her main theme, "My heart is toward the commanders of Israel, that offered themselves willingly among the people." 
  
−
An unusual occurance appeared next: "My heart is toward the governors of Israel, that offered themselves willingly among the people." Governors in Old Testament times generally had military and judicial powers and were responsible to the king. A common responsibility was that of tax collector. Deborah praised their willingness to join in revolt against the oppressive taxation by the Canaanite king.  
+
Then Deborah lists the tribes who took part in the overthrow of the Canaanites and their varying degrees of participation. In the period of Judges, each tribe tended to act separately and cooperated on only selected occasions. First she praises the brave: "From Ephraim they set out thither into the valley; following you, Benjamin, with your kinsmen; from Machir marched down the commanders, and from Zebulun those who bear the marshal's staff; the princes of Issachar came with Deborah; and Issachar, faithful to Barak; into the valley they rushed forth at his heels."
 +
Then she upbraids the timid: "Among the clans of Reuben there were great searchings of heart. Why did you tarry among the sheepfolds, to hear the bleatings of the flocks? … Gilead stayed beyond the Jordan; and Dan, why did he remain with the ships? Asher sat still at the coast of the sea, settling down by his landings."
  
−
Deborah made note of the tribes who took part in the overthrow of the Canaanites and their varying degrees of participation. Differing from the reign of Kings in which the nation was more structured, in the period of Judges, each tribe tended to act separately and cooperated on only selected occasions. "Out of Ephraim was there a root of them against Amalek; after thee, Benjamin, among thy people; out of Machir came down governors, and out of Zebulun they that handle the pen of the writer. And the princes of Issachar were with Deborah; even Issachar, and also Barak: he was sent on foot into the valley. For the divisions of Reuben there were great thoughts of heart. Why abodest thou among the sheepfolds, to hear the bleatings of the flocks? For the divisions of Reuben there were great searchings of heart. Gilead abode beyond Jordan: and why did Dan remain in ships? Asher continued on the seashore, and abode in his breaches. Zebulun and Naphtali were a people that jeoparded their lives unto the death in the high places of the field."
+
Although this was not a war in which the Israelite nobility fought, Deborah referred to all fighters as "kings," recognizing their actions as those of noble standing: "The kings came and fought, then fought the kings of Canaan, at Taanach, by the waters of Megiddo."
  
−
Although this was not necessarily a war in which nobility fought, Deborah referred to all fighters as 'kings', recognizing their actions as those of noble standing: "The kings came and fought, then fought the kings of Canaan in Taanach by the waters of Megiddo."
+
Then Deborah celebrates God's hand in the battle: "From heaven fought the stars, from their courses they fought against Sisera. The torrent Kishon swept them away…." Deliverance was a miracle, with a sudden rainstorm causing a flood which caused the Canaanites to be stuck in the mud and washed away by the sudden flood of water. We can hear the echo of the miracle at the Red Sea, when the Egyptians were similarly drowned.
  
−
"Blessed above women shall Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite be, blessed shall she be above women in the tent."  Here we hear of the fulfillment of the prophecy in the previous chapter of Judges, that Barak would not receive the glory for the victory, but that it would fall to a woman.
+
"Blessed above women shall Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite be, blessed shall she be above women in the tent."  Here is described the fulfillment of the prophecy in the previous chapter of Judges, that Barak would not receive the glory for the victory, but that it would fall to a woman.
  
−
Deborah ended her song as she began it, singing praises to her God: "So let all thine enemies perish, O Lord: but let them that love him be as the sun when he goeth forth in his might." <ref> Hagensick, Carl [http://www.heraldmag.org/2005/05nd_7.htm A Stunning Deliverance: The Song of Deborah], ''Herald Magazine''</ref>
+
Deborah ended her song as she began it, singing praises to her God: "So let all thine enemies perish, O Lord: But let them that love him be as the sun when he goeth forth in his might."<ref>Carl Hagensick, [http://www.heraldmag.org/2005/05nd_7.htm A Stunning Deliverance: The Song of Deborah.] Retrieved April 2, 2008.</ref>
  
−
"So may all Your enemies perish, O Lord," is Deborah's final refrain. However, according to the [[Talmud]], [[Akiba ben Joseph|Rabbi Akiva]], one of the greatest figures in Jewish history, was a direct descendant of Sisera. That a descendant of this great enemy of the Jews became a great Jewish rabbi and scholar represented the Jews' ultimate victory over their ancient Canaanite opponent. The victory went far beyond the immediate destruction of Sisera and his chariots.<ref>[http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/biography/deborah.html Deborah] ''Jewish Virtual Library: American Israeli Cooperative Enterprise,'' </ref>
+
"So may all Your enemies perish, O Lord," is Deborah's final refrain. However, according to the [[Talmud]], [[Akiba ben Joseph|Rabbi Akiva]], one of the greatest figures in Jewish history, was a direct descendant of Sisera. That a descendant of this great enemy of the Jews became a great Jewish rabbi and scholar represented the Jews' ultimate victory over their ancient Canaanite opponent. The victory went far beyond the immediate destruction of Sisera and his chariots.<ref>''Jewish Virtual Library,'' [http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/biography/deborah.html Deborah.] Retrieved April 2, 2008.</ref>
  
−
==Biblical Judges==
 
−
According to the introduction to the Book of Judges (2:10-3:6), after the death of [[Joshua]], a new generation of [[Jews|Israelites]] grew up and rather than worshipping [[Yahweh]], instead worshipped the pagan [[Baal]]s and the [[Asherah]], provoking God to anger. This divine wrath is described as causing the Israelites to be plundered by raiders and was the reason they were never able to defeat their enemies in war. Hence, they fell under the influence of the [[Canaan|Canaanites]], [[Philistines]], [[Amorite]]s and other foreign rulers.
 
−
 
−
However, [[God]] provided assistance, raising up people from time to time to save them from their enemies, referred to as ''judges''. However on many occasions the people did not listen to the judges and refused to obey God's commands. Even though God raised up judges for them several times, each time the judge died they returned to their old ways. Finally (Judges 2:20-23) it is revealed that it was part of God's plan for the Israelites to be unable to drive out the remnant Canaanite tribes; they were left to the test of ''keeping the way of the Lord and walk in it as their forefathers did''.
 
−
 
−
Biblical judges were chief magistrates of the Hebrews, distinct from modern, merely judicial judges. While ''judge'' is the closest literal translation of the [[Hebrew language|Hebrew term]] used in the [[Bible]], the position held the level of respect such as a king. A judge was looked upon as a deliverer, who took charge of the affairs of the tribes in case of war and who assumed leadership of their respective tribes in the succeeding times of peace.
 
−
 
−
==List of Biblical Judges==
 
−
{{Book of Judges}}
 
−
The following (in order) are identified as Judges in the Book of Judges - '''great judge'''s are those deemed worthy of large narratives in the Book:
 
−
*[[Othniel]]
 
−
*[[Ehud]] (''great judge'')
 
−
*[[Shamgar]]
 
−
*[[Deborah]] (''great judge'')
 
−
*[[Gideon (Judges)|Gideon]] (''great judge'')
 
−
*[[Tola (Judge of Israel)|Tola]]
 
−
*[[Jair]]
 
−
*[[Jephthah]] (''great judge'')
 
−
*[[Ibzan]]
 
−
*[[Elon]]
 
−
*[[Abdon (Judges)|Abdon]]
 
−
*[[Samson]] (''great judge'')
 
−
 
−
[[Biblical criticism|Biblical critics]] believe that [[Abimelech (Judges)|Abimelech]] was also originally considered a judge, becoming changed to a "king" owing to his being regarded as evil, at which point [[Shamgar]] was added to the list so that there were still 12 in the Book. Textual criticism also views the minor judges as being added to the list simply to make the total number equal 12, a number of religious significance to the Israelites.
 
−
 
−
The [[1 Samuel|First Book of Samuel]] also mentions:
 
−
*[[Eli (Biblical priest)|Eli]] (''great judge'')
 
−
*[[Samuel]] (''great judge'')
 
−
 
−
According to textual criticism the initial portion of the first book of Samuel, containing these two names, was probably originally the final part of the Book of Judges. Hence the original form of the book, according to textual criticism, listed 8 judges, 7 good and 1 bad, 7 being a religiously significant number.
 
  
 
{{start box}}
 
{{start box}}
Line 89: Line 62:
 
{{end box}}
 
{{end box}}
  
 +
==Notes==
 +
<references/>
  
−
==Footnotes==
+
==References==
−
<References/>
+
* Bond, Stephen Bradley. ''Spiritual Authority: God's Way of Growing Leaders.'' Joplin, Missouri: College Press Pub. Corporation, 1995. ISBN 0899007279  
−
 
+
* Drummond, Lewis A. and Betty. ''Women of Awakenings: The Historic Contribution of Women to Revival Movements.'' Grand Rapids, Michigan: Kregel Publications, 1997. ISBN 0825424747 
−
==Sources and further reading==
+
* Harrison, Eveleen. ''Little-Known Women of the Bible.'' New York: Round Table Press, 1936.
−
*{{Catholic}} [http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08547a.htm Judges]
+
* Moor, Johannes Cornelis de. ''The Elusive Prophet: The Prophet as a Historical Person, Literary Character and Anonymous Artist.'' Oudtestamentisch Werkgezelschap in Nederland en België, and Society for Old Testament Study. Boston: Brill, 2001. ISBN 9004121609
−
* Bond, Stephen Bradley, ''Spiritual authority : God's way of growing leaders'', Joplin, Missouri, College Press Pub. Corrporation, 1995, ISBN 0899007279 OCLC 31606339
+
* Newadvent.org, [http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08547a.htm Judges.] Retrieved June 1, 2020.
−
* Moor, Johannes Cornelis de; Oudtestamentisch Werkgezelschap in Nederland en België.; Society for Old Testament Study, ''The elusive prophet : the prophet as a historical person, literary character and anonymous artist'', Boston, Brill, 2001, ISBN 9004121609 OCLC 48920592
 
−
* Harrison, Eveleen, ''Little-known women of the Bible'', New York, Round Table Press, 1936, OCLC 3029261
 
−
* Drummond, Lewis A; Drummond, Betty, ''Women of awakenings : the historic contribution of women to revival movements'', Grand Rapids, Michigan, Kregel Publications, 1997, ISBN 0825424712 - ISBN 9780825424717 OCLC 35178591
 
  
 +
==External links==
 +
All links retrieved January 28, 2024.
  
 +
* Emil G. Hirsch, Victor Ryssel [http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/view.jsp?artid=689&letter=J&search=Judges Book of Judges], ''Jewish Encyclopedia.''
 +
* [http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/biography/deborah.html Deborah] ''Jewish Virtual Library: American Israeli Cooperative Enterprise.''
 +
* [https://www.thoughtco.com/deborah-israels-only-female-judge-701157 Deborah - Israel's Only Female Judge], ''ThoughtCo.'' 
 +
* Carl Hagensick, [http://www.heraldmag.org/2005/05nd_7.htm  A Stunning Deliverance: The Song of Deborah], ''Herald Magazine''.
 +
* Lambert Dolphin, [http://www.ldolphin.org/Deborah.html Deborah the Prophetess], ''Lambert Dolphin's  Library''.     
 +
* W.S. Reilly, [http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04663a.htm Debbora], ''The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume IV - New Advent''.     
  
 +
{{credit2|Deborah|96845721|Biblical_judges|104043175}}
  
 
[[Category:Philosophy and religion]]
 
[[Category:Philosophy and religion]]
 
[[Category:Religion]]
 
[[Category:Religion]]
−
[[Category:History and biography]]
+
[[Category:History]]
−
[[Category:Judges of ancient Israel]]
 
−
 
 
−
==External links==
 
−
* Emil G. Hirsch, Victor Ryssel [http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/view.jsp?artid=689&letter=J&search=Judges Book of Judges], ''Jewish Encyclopedia'', Retrieved February 6, 2007
 
−
* R .P. BenDedek, [http://www.kingscalendar.com/cgi-bin/index.cgi?action=viewnews&id=164 Israel's Period of the Judges], ''The King's Calendar: The Secret of Qumran'', Retrieved February 6, 2007
 
−
* [http://www.ucgstp.org/bible/brp/jud5.htm The Song of Deborah], ''United Church of God, St. Paul'', Retrieved February 5, 2007
 
−
* [http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/biography/deborah.html Deborah] ''Jewish Virtual Library: American Israeli Cooperative Enterprise,'' Retrieved February 5, 2007
 
−
* [http://judaism.about.com/library/2_history/leaders/bldef-p_deborah.htm?terms=deborah+the+prophetess Judaism: Deborah], ''About, Inc. - The New York Times Co.,''  Retrieved February 5, 2007
 
−
* Carl Hagensick, [http://www.heraldmag.org/2005/05nd_7.htm  A Stunning Deliverance: The Song of Deborah], ''Herald Magazine'', Retrieved February 5, 2007
 
−
* Lisa Stevensen [http://www.torah.org/features/wperspective/greatJewishWomen.html Great Jewish Women], ''Project Genesis'', Retrieved February 5, 2007
 
−
* Lambert Dolphin, [http://www.ldolphin.org/Deborah.html Deborah the Prophetess], ''Lambert Dolphin's  Library'', Retrieved February 5, 2007   
 
−
* Jennifer Rosania, [http://www.intouch.org/myintouch/mighty/deborah_36098487.html Mighty in Spirit; Song of a Servant] ''In Touch Ministries'', Retrieved February 5, 2007   
 
−
* W.S. Reilly, [http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04663a.htm Debbora], ''The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume IV - New Advent'', Retrieved February 5, 2007     
 
−
* Wayne Blank, [http://www.keyway.ca/htm2000/20000514.htm Deborah], ''The Church of God Daily Bible Study'', Retrieved February 5, 2007
 
−
 
−
 
 
−
{{credit2|Deborah|96845721|Biblical_judges|104043175}}
 

Latest revision as of 08:58, 28 January 2024

Gustave Dore's interpretation of the prophetess Deborah

Deborah, or Dəvora (literally "Bee" in the Hebrew language), was a prophetess and the only female Judge of pre-monarchic Israel in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament). Her story is told twice in chapters 4 and 5 of the Book of Judges. The first account is prose, relating the victory of Israelite forces led by General Barak, whom Deborah called forth but prophesied would not achieve the final victory over the Canaanite general Sisera himself. That honor went to Jael, the wife of Heber, a Kenite tent maker, who killed the general while he slept.

Judges chapter five renders this same story in poetic form, and it is thought to have been composed in the second half of the twelfth century B.C.E., shortly after the events it describes. If that is the case, then this passage, often called The Song of Deborah, is one of the oldest passages of the Bible and the earliest extant sample of Hebrew poetry. It is also significant because it is one, if not the, oldest extant passages that portrays women in roles other than as victims or as villains. Theologically, the Song of Deborah praises synergy between the heavenly power of God the Divine Warrior and the earthly efforts of the Israelite fighters, who together triumph over superior Canaanite forces. The poem may have been included in the Book of the Wars of the Lord mentioned in the Biblical Book of Numbers, 21:14.

Little is known about Deborah's personal life. She was apparently married to a man named Lapidoth (meaning "torches"), but this name is not extant outside of the Book of Judges and might simply mean that Deborah herself was a "fiery" spirit. She was a poet and she rendered her judgments beneath a palm tree in Ephraim. Some refer to her as the "Mother of Israel." Following Deborah's victory over Sisera and the Canaanite army, there was peace in the land for forty years.

The story of Deborah

Following the death of Joshua, Israel lacked strong leadership. This period, known as the Period of Judges, lasting about four hundred years, had been highlighted Biblically by the phrase, "In those days there was no king in Israel; every man did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 17:6). Four centuries of decline occurred after the days of Joshua. These years were marked by decline, disunity and moral compromise. In essence, the Israelites became progressively more ignorant of the God of their Fathers. In order to keep the Israelites correctly following the laws of Yahweh, the Judges were set up in leadership positions.

The story of Deborah is a story of deliverance of the Israelite people. Following eighty years of relative tranquility after Ehud delivered Israel from the oppression of the Moabites, new bondage came from within the land from the Canaanites living there. Though God had instructed Moses to destroy or drive these people out, (Exodus 23:33; 34:11-16; Numbers 33:51-56; Deuteronomy 7:1-5), Israel's obedience to this command had not been complete.

Even though it was forbidden by Mosaic Law, intermarriage had taken place between the Israelites and the local peoples. Customs and cultures of the Canaanites, which seemed more advanced and prosperous, were adopted. Worship of Baal began to take place. Indulging in sexual immorality and idol worship, this era of Israelites lived in contradiction to the covenant their forefathers had made with God.

Judges in Bible
In the Book of Judges
Othniel
Ehud
Shamgar
Deborah
Gideon
Abimelech
Tola
Jair
Jephthah
Ibzan
Elon
Abdon
Samson
In the First Book of Samuel
Eli
Samuel

The enemies of the Israelite people, having moved from the tactic of fortified cities in the time of Joshua had resorted to dividing the Israelites and denying access to good agricultural lands and main highways. The Israelites were forced to hide in the hills for safety.

Jabin, a Canaanite king, stationed 900 chariots at Harosheth-of-the-Gentiles (modern Tell el-Harbej), on the banks of the Kishon River, at the foot of Mount Carmel. This central location on the plain of Esdraelon was ideal for chariot operations, so that Jabin controlled not only the main trade routes but held onto the richest farm land in Israel. The Israelites had been forced into the hill country, leaving the fertile plains in the hands of the Canaanites. In addition to his 900 chariots, Sisera, the commander of Jabin's army, no doubt commanded a large well-armed army of foot soldiers. In contrast, weaponry among the Israelites was scarce.

At this point, Deborah, the Prophetess and Judge, emerged to inspire and guide the Israelites. The position of judge in that era carried more the role of a godly counselor and deliverer than the courtroom judges of modern times. In the absence of a King or prominent godly leadership among the people, the judges guided the people according to their wisdom and knowledge of the laws of Moses. Referred to as "a mother in Israel," living in the hills north of Jerusalem, Deborah had become aware of the suffering and hardship of her people who lived in Galilee. Through her compassion and wisdom the people in the hill country united around her, raising a small standing army.

General Barak lived in the oppressed territories. Barak had been worn down by twenty years of Canaanite tyranny and strength and had become known as timid, if capable. He had seen the slaughter of innocent Israelites numerous times, weakening the faith needed to mount an attack. He was frightened and unwilling: "Then Barak said to her, ‘If you will go with me, then I will go; but if you will not go with me, I will not go’" (Judges 4:8).[1]

With Deborah's agreement to participate, Barak rallied men in the requisite number to follow the strategy as directed by her, which was to establish himself and 10,000 men on the flanks of Mount Tabor, a prominent peak on the eastern end of the valley of Jezreel (Esdraelon). There they would soon be discovered by Sisera, who would seek to lure them onto the plains where his chariotry would be no match for them. Instead a small diversionary force of Ephraimites and Benjaminites, led by Deborah coming up from the south, diverted Sisera's attention near Taanach.

During this maneuver, a sudden violent rainstorm occurred, which turned the river Kishon into a torrent and the surrounding plains into a bog. The plain became a quagmire for chariots and armored foot soldiers alike—Barak's troops then rushed down from Mount Tabor to wipe out the bogged–down charioteers and Sisera's encumbered army.[2]

As Deborah had prophesied, it would be a woman who would provide the final downfall of Sisera. Weary in battle, Sisera retreated to the tent of Heber the Kenite for rest and cover. While he slept, Jael, Heber's wife, "took a nail of the tent, and took a hammer in her hand, and went softly unto him, and smote the nail into his temples, and fastened it into the ground: For he was fast asleep and weary. So he died" (Judges 4:21).


Safed, Galille's "Capital," with Yam Kineret and the hilly landscape of the area

Deborah's song

After obtaining the decisive victory and the death of Jabin’s general Sisera, Deborah wrote a victory song much as Moses and Miriam did before her following their successful crossing of the Red Sea.

The fifth chapter of the Book of Judges is entirely composed of the Song of Deborah. It is an ode of triumph over what seemed impossible odds and exults in the breaking of the Canaanite stranglehold over much of the country. The Song of Deborah is beloved by Jews as well as Christians for the lessons perceived within:

Deborah began her song by praising the willingness with which the Israelites put their lives on the line to defend the nation. "Praise ye the Lord for the avenging of Israel, when the people willingly offered themselves." This is the song's main theme: Praising the brave volunteers who went out to battle.

The second theme of the song is the mighty act of God, the divine warrior, to assist the Israelites and defeat their common enemy. Thus, she recounts God's mighty acts in history, specifically the march of the tribes from Sinai to Canaan, when "the earth trembled… the mountains melted from before the Lord."

The dire situation of Israel, which lay naked and defenseless against the enemy, is described in the next verses. "The inhabitants of the villages ceased, they ceased in Israel, until that I Deborah arose, that I arose a mother in Israel." Here Deborah also sings of the concept of the need of protection by a parent–figure. Then she returns to her main theme, "My heart is toward the commanders of Israel, that offered themselves willingly among the people."

Then Deborah lists the tribes who took part in the overthrow of the Canaanites and their varying degrees of participation. In the period of Judges, each tribe tended to act separately and cooperated on only selected occasions. First she praises the brave: "From Ephraim they set out thither into the valley; following you, Benjamin, with your kinsmen; from Machir marched down the commanders, and from Zebulun those who bear the marshal's staff; the princes of Issachar came with Deborah; and Issachar, faithful to Barak; into the valley they rushed forth at his heels." Then she upbraids the timid: "Among the clans of Reuben there were great searchings of heart. Why did you tarry among the sheepfolds, to hear the bleatings of the flocks? … Gilead stayed beyond the Jordan; and Dan, why did he remain with the ships? Asher sat still at the coast of the sea, settling down by his landings."

Although this was not a war in which the Israelite nobility fought, Deborah referred to all fighters as "kings," recognizing their actions as those of noble standing: "The kings came and fought, then fought the kings of Canaan, at Taanach, by the waters of Megiddo."

Then Deborah celebrates God's hand in the battle: "From heaven fought the stars, from their courses they fought against Sisera. The torrent Kishon swept them away…." Deliverance was a miracle, with a sudden rainstorm causing a flood which caused the Canaanites to be stuck in the mud and washed away by the sudden flood of water. We can hear the echo of the miracle at the Red Sea, when the Egyptians were similarly drowned.

"Blessed above women shall Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite be, blessed shall she be above women in the tent." Here is described the fulfillment of the prophecy in the previous chapter of Judges, that Barak would not receive the glory for the victory, but that it would fall to a woman.

Deborah ended her song as she began it, singing praises to her God: "So let all thine enemies perish, O Lord: But let them that love him be as the sun when he goeth forth in his might."[3]

"So may all Your enemies perish, O Lord," is Deborah's final refrain. However, according to the Talmud, Rabbi Akiva, one of the greatest figures in Jewish history, was a direct descendant of Sisera. That a descendant of this great enemy of the Jews became a great Jewish rabbi and scholar represented the Jews' ultimate victory over their ancient Canaanite opponent. The victory went far beyond the immediate destruction of Sisera and his chariots.[4]


Preceded by:
Shamgar 		Judge of Israel
 Succeeded by:
Gideon

Notes

  1. ↑ Jennifer Rosania, Mighty in Spirit; Song of a Servant. Retrieved April 2, 2008.
  2. ↑ Labert Dolphin, Deborah the Prophetess. Retrieved April 2, 2008.
  3. ↑ Carl Hagensick, A Stunning Deliverance: The Song of Deborah. Retrieved April 2, 2008.
  4. ↑ Jewish Virtual Library, Deborah. Retrieved April 2, 2008.

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Bond, Stephen Bradley. Spiritual Authority: God's Way of Growing Leaders. Joplin, Missouri: College Press Pub. Corporation, 1995. ISBN 0899007279
  • Drummond, Lewis A. and Betty. Women of Awakenings: The Historic Contribution of Women to Revival Movements. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Kregel Publications, 1997. ISBN 0825424747
  • Harrison, Eveleen. Little-Known Women of the Bible. New York: Round Table Press, 1936.
  • Moor, Johannes Cornelis de. The Elusive Prophet: The Prophet as a Historical Person, Literary Character and Anonymous Artist. Oudtestamentisch Werkgezelschap in Nederland en België, and Society for Old Testament Study. Boston: Brill, 2001. ISBN 9004121609
  • Newadvent.org, Judges. Retrieved June 1, 2020.

External links

All links retrieved January 28, 2024.

Credits

New World Encyclopedia writers and editors rewrote and completed the Wikipedia article in accordance with New World Encyclopedia standards. This article abides by terms of the Creative Commons CC-by-sa 3.0 License (CC-by-sa), which may be used and disseminated with proper attribution. Credit is due under the terms of this license that can reference both the New World Encyclopedia contributors and the selfless volunteer contributors of the Wikimedia Foundation. To cite this article click here for a list of acceptable citing formats.The history of earlier contributions by wikipedians is accessible to researchers here:

The history of this article since it was imported to New World Encyclopedia:

Note: Some restrictions may apply to use of individual images which are separately licensed.

Retrieved from https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/p/index.php?title=Deborah&oldid=1134540

Content is available under Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License; additional terms may apply. See Terms of Use for details.
Copyright Logo
Powered by MediaWiki