In the book of Judges, God used certain Bible greats to guide the nation of Israel. Samson was so strong that he slew 1,000 enemies with the jawbone of a donkey. Gideon exhibited incredible bravery and faith as he defeated the entire Midianite army with just 300 men. Judges 11:1 describes Jephthah as “a mighty man of valor.”

Yet among this burly and brawny crew was someone who may come as a surprise: Deborah. While not powerful in the bodybuilder sense, she had such good judgment and character that the entire nation came to her for advice. She remained close to God, who guided her decisions.

Here is how Judges 4 introduces this incredible woman: “And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time. And she dwelt under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in mount Ephraim: and the children of Israel came up to her for judgment” (vs. 4-5).

As a prophetess, God used her to deliver His messages to His people. As a judge, God gave her the authority to render civil court decisions.

Throughout the Bible, God usually chose men as leaders. So what made Deborah different? Clearly, she was not bucking the gender roles laid out by God—else He would not have blessed her or worked through her.

Taking a closer look at the story of Deborah in Judges 4 and 5 reveals an incredible story of womanhood and how God can use the “fairer sex.”

Why Deborah?

What made God choose Deborah? Instead of seeking power, she allowed the people to come to her. With all righteous leaders, God chooses them and places them in the positions He selects—they do not seek power out for themselves. God looks for those who are yielded to Him with a humble and sincere heart whom He can trust to fulfill His purpose (Isa. 66:2).

Yet humble and meek does not mean weak! Great women ask God for boldness when they need it—and the wisdom for when to show it. Deborah was no exception.

During the time of Judges 4, an army led by the dreaded Sisera, a chief lieutenant of the king of Canaan, harassed and dominated the nation of Israel for some 20 years. Israel cried out for mercy, and God was ready to answer those prayers.

God commanded Deborah to call Barak, a man who was also a judge as well as a military leader. God planned to use Barak for a special mission. When Barak came before her, Deborah said to him, “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, commands you: Call out 10,000 warriors from the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun at Mount Tabor. And I will call out Sisera, commander of Jabin’s army, along with his chariots and warriors, to the Kishon River. There I will give you victory over him” (vs. 6-7, New Living Translation).

When Deborah finished delivering God’s message, she expected Barak to rush out to do God’s will. But Barak instead said this: “If you will go with me, then I will go: but if you will not go with me, then I will not go” (vs. 8).

While this was a lapse in faith for Barak—he lacked complete confidence in God—his request speaks volumes about the character of Deborah. One way to read this statement would be that Barak saw the lady judge as such a trusted adviser that he did not want to leave her behind. It could also be that the military leader thought Deborah’s presence on the battlefield might inspire the Israelites to fight more valiantly.

How would you respond if you were asked to accompany an army to battle?

Here is what Deborah did: “I will surely go with you: notwithstanding the journey that you take shall not be for your honor; for the Lord shall sell Sisera into the hand of a woman” (vs. 9).

From this exchange, we can see that Deborah was unafraid and did not hesitate to accompany him. She had complete faith and confidence in God. She recognized the Creator of the universe was more than able to deliver Israel from Sisera’s army. Even though she was going to a dangerous location, probably at the rear of the army with the generals, she completely trusted Him to keep her safe.

Also, we can see that whatever Deborah would ask of others to do, she was also willing to do herself. Just like the righteous woman described in Proverbs 31, she was strong and capable, willing to work hard to accomplish what needed to be done (vs. 13-17). She was not timid or reluctant, but responded to Barak’s request swiftly, knowing God would give her the power and wisdom she needed.

She and Barak were supposed to work together as a team. Barak was to lead the military into battle; Deborah was to provide wise counsel, support and express God’s will to the leader of the army.

Israel Prospers

The rest of Judges 4 shows how Israel defeated Canaan and that Sisera was indeed slain by a woman just as Deborah prophesied. Take time to read the entire chapter.

In Judges 4:24 and 5:31, the account describes that Israel prospered and had peace for 40 years. When you are diligent to seek God and keep all His commandments, He will bless you and bring you lasting success.

Deborah believed and heeded God’s exhortation to Joshua: “Only be you strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law, which Moses My servant commanded you: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wheresoever you go. This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth; but you shall meditate therein day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall have good success. Have not I commanded you? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be you dismayed: for the Lord your God is with you wheresoever you go” (Josh. 1:7-9).

This instruction applies to every one of us, male or female. God can do anything through you and is not limited in the incredible experiences and responsibilities He can place you in—both in this life and in the Kingdom. Yet we each must do our part. We have to choose to do what is right.

Deborah recognized that victory comes from God, and that He delivered Israel from their affliction when they sought Him. Immediately after the people triumphed over the Canaanites, she and Barak sang praises to God in honor and thanks to Him (Judges 5:1-31).

A Woman of Courage

Deborah stood for courage in a time of fear. She stood for godly wisdom in a time of human reasoning, when “every man did that which was right in his own eyes” (Judges 17:6; 21:25). She stood out as an exceptional woman who boldly followed God’s instruction, and He chose to use her as a leader and to honor her in His Word.

How can you be a bold example in this world? How can you be strong and courageous to face any situation in your life, to excel in all your endeavors and to earn the honor and praise of others?

There are many strong and successful women in the world today, but the difference between their strength and that of Deborah is that theirs often comes from self—by being self-confident or self-assertive in seeking positions of power and influence. It is important to be confident and bold, but that boldness must come from the right source.

The Proverbs show where Deborah’s confidence and courage came from: “In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence” (14:26). And, “The wicked flee when no man pursues: but the righteous are bold as a lion” (28:1).

The Hebrew word translated “bold” in this verse means to trust, be confident and sure. Godly boldness comes from seeking God and trusting completely in His guidance. He will give you the understanding and wisdom to know right from wrong, when and how to act or speak, and when to keep silent. This will provide the confidence you need to confront any situation, just as Deborah did when faced with the request to accompany Barak to the battlefield.

When you fully rely on and trust in God to guide you, He will bless and prosper you. The same Hebrew word translated “bold” is also used here: “Trust [same word] in the Lord, and do good; so shall you dwell in the land, and verily you shall be fed…Commit your way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass” (Psa. 37:3, 5). Proverbs adds, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding” (3:5).

Like Deborah, when you have godly confidence, boldness and courage, you will inspire it in others. The husband of the virtuous woman described in Proverbs 31 safely trusted in her (vs. 11)—again, same Hebrew word. He had complete confidence in her abilities. The husband knew he could depend on his wife to diligently care for the needs of their family and neighbors, and to do what was right.

The praise and honor that came to Deborah and other righteous women through history typified by Proverbs 31 was the result of choices they made in their lives. These women followed God’s Word and lived a selfless way of life. Similar achievements can be produced by any confident person who is willing and able to jump in wherever life affords opportunities.

If you are shy, put yourself in situations that will help you develop social and conversational skills. Look people in the eye. Be a good listener. Do not worry about sounding awkward from time to time—it happens to everyone.

One does not simply wake up having blossomed into a virtuous man or woman overnight. To develop those qualities takes diligent effort over years—it is a lifelong pattern of growth and development.

Ultimately, a virtuous person is one whose concern is focused on others. Whether you are a boy or a girl, study all of Proverbs 31 to learn all that the chapter can teach you. The chapter outlines character attributes of both the wife and the husband, but you may have to read carefully to catch them all.

You will see how this woman cared about her husband, her children, her brethren, and her neighbors. As selfishness decreases, virtue increases!

The rewards of a virtuous woman are the appreciation of those around her, a fine reputation, and God’s approval:

• “A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband…” (Prov. 12:4).
• “Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates” (31:31).
• “Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her” (vs. 28).
• “Many daughters have done virtuously, but you excel them all” (vs. 29).

God can use anyone in His Plan—as long as that person is yielded to Him. In Deborah’s case, Israel lacked leadership, courage, wisdom, faith and zeal. God knew that His people needed a wise judge who would render just decisions—someone who would reject the folly of human reasoning and place their trust in Him. God used Deborah to judge Israel. This was an exceptional honor for an exceptional person.

God has a plan for you too! Are you ready to allow Him to use you to boldly inspire others to live His Way? Start your journey to excellence now—trust in God, pursue virtuous character, and fulfill your awesome potential!