Bibledoorajar for Deborah (con't)

We said that we would pick up with Deborah's role on today's blog. Deborah was married to Lapidoth which means "lamps". She wanted "lamps" in her life and considered herself a "mother in Israel". While Lapidoth is an "off stage" character in the biblical recording, clearly Deborah considered him important to her growth as a wife and mother. But the amazing thing about Lapidoth is that he apparently was totally comfortable with his wife's role as the fourth judge of Israel. Women performing outside the role of wife and mother were a minority part of the culture. But the story records no animosity on the part of "Lamps" with his wife reflecting light on the problems and disputes of others. Further, she performed this role for many years. Perhaps "lamps" could not argue with the sovereign call and equipping of his wife. She was an anointed prophetess and her fruitful mindset revealed the will of God with clarity. She was an oracle who counseled and gave commands from God as well as carrying out her role of judge. But she is best remembered for being the only female judge mentioned in the book of Judges. Five things that stand out to me about her tenure are 1)settling civil disputes in times of peace and dispensing wise counsel, 2)rallying, organizing, and gathering the tribes to action during a time of war, 3) the law of fruitfulness that was at work in her life, 4) that she arose as a mother in Israel to take action, and, 5) her song of victory with her general, Barak (which means "lightning").
Before we flesh out her story, let's look at the background of how God had formed the nation for which she judged. We will do this in the next blog.  God bless you!!

Bible Door Ajar for Deborah, Israel's Moral and Spiritual Compass

Let me start by acknowledging the biblically dressed ladies in the photo with me. Seated is Ruth Farley who worships with the Palisades Church of Christ in Birmingham, Alabama. She is dressed as Deborah, a judge of Israel. Beside her, dressed as Jael, is Gayle Browning. She is not only a good friend, but is responsible for planning for and dressing the participants in our Bible classes. This class took place at Palisades on March 4, 2010. Ms. Farley has been a faithful servant of the Lord for 88 years having accepted Him at the age of 13. We had a great time sharing the Lord with each other.

DEBORAH

Name: Deborah's name means "bee" or "woman of fire or spirit".  She had the capacity to speak sweetly or share a little fire from the belly. This reminds me of her Creator who also shares these traits. Deborah was a member of the tribe of Ephraim which means "doubly fruitful". As you may recall, Ephraim was a child of Joseph, son of the patriarch Jacob. Joseph means "fruitful bow".  When the Israelites moved out from Egypt under their tribal standard according to their armies, the man leading the hosts of Ephraim was Elishama which means "God is hearer". Elishama was the grandfather of Joshua which means "Jah saves" and the father of Nun (Joshua's father) which means "faithfulness; continuation". More can be found about this in Num. 10:22.
     Thus, we see that Deborah was a member of a line of fruitfulness. Within this family tree, there was a fruit bearing law---a function of the DIVINE LIFE that was always acting in the line. Many of this tribe (line) will be used mightily by God to deal with the enemies who calculated to destroy Israel. They would obey and bravely do valiant things in the fray of battle. God loves this.
                "Blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful, but his DELIGHT is in the law of the Lord, and in his law doth he meditate day and night; and he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth HIS FRUIT IN HIS SEASON....Ps. 1:1-3a.
     The mindset of this fruitful line was that God was Sovereign and Infinite. He was the one that called, equipped and appointed for service. He was recognized as the Faithful One who rewarded and punished.
This, of course, is still true today. Jesus did not glorify Himself but waited for God to do this. Likewise Christians are called by God and await his empowering and judgement of our service. In our next post we will look at Deborah's role. God Bless You!