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!!