### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Dᵉbôwrâh** `{{H1683}}`, or **Deborah**, appears **10 times** in **10 unique verses** of the Bible. The name is used to identify two distinct Hebrewesses in the scriptural narrative. The first is Rebekah's nurse, mentioned in Genesis, while the second, and more prominent figure, is the prophetess and judge who led Israel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name **Dᵉbôwrâh** first appears in the account of **Rebekah's** `{{H7259}}` **nurse** `{{H3243}}`, whose death and burial beneath an **oak** `{{H437}}` at **Bethel** `{{H1008}}` are recorded [[Genesis 35:8]]. The more prominent use of the name refers to **Deborah** the **prophetess** `{{H5031}}`, who **judged** `{{H8199}}` Israel [[Judges 4:4]]. She summoned **Barak** `{{H1301}}` to lead the fight against **Sisera** `{{H5516}}` as commanded by the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` [[Judges 4:14]], and she accompanied him into battle [[Judges 4:10]]. Following the victory, she is described as a **mother** `{{H517}}` who **arose** `{{H6965}}` in Israel, and she and Barak **sang** `{{H7891}}` a song of praise ([[Judges 5:1]], [[Judges 5:7]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several words are central to the narrative of **Dᵉbôwrâh**:
* `{{H5031}}` **nᵉbîyʼâh** (a prophetess or (generally) inspired woman): This title defines her primary role and authority. Scripture introduces her as "**Deborah**, a **prophetess**" [[Judges 4:4]].
* `{{H8199}}` **shâphaṭ** (to judge...to govern): This describes her function as a leader in Israel. The text states that "she **judged** `{{H8199}}` Israel at that **time** `{{H6256}}`" [[Judges 4:4]], and the people came to her for **judgment** `{{H4941}}` [[Judges 4:5]].
* `{{H1301}}` **Bârâq** (Barak, an Israelite): The military commander she commissions and accompanies. Their partnership is crucial to the victory, as they **sang** `{{H7891}}` together and he is identified with her in battle ([[Judges 5:1]], [[Judges 5:15]]).
* `{{H517}}` **ʼêm** (a mother): In her victory song, Deborah describes her own rising as that of "a **mother** `{{H517}}` in Israel" [[Judges 5:7]], highlighting her figurative role as a nurturer and protector of the nation.
### Theological Significance
The accounts of **Dᵉbôwrâh** carry significant weight, illustrating several key themes:
* **Divine Authority through a Prophetess:** As a **prophetess** `{{H5031}}`, Deborah's authority comes directly from the **LORD** `{{H3068}}`. She relays God's commands to Barak [[Judges 4:14]] and proclaims that the victory is an act of the LORD delivering Sisera into Israel's **hand** `{{H3027}}`.
* **Leadership in a Time of Crisis:** The text portrays a time when leadership was lacking, stating that the "villages **ceased** `{{H2308}}`... until that I **Deborah** **arose** `{{H6965}}`" [[Judges 5:7]]. Her decisive action and summons to Barak demonstrate her role in restoring order and leading the nation.
* **God's Use of a Woman for Deliverance:** The narrative emphasizes that the **honour** `{{H8597}}` for the victory would not go to Barak, for the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` would **sell** `{{H4376}}` Sisera into the **hand** `{{H3027}}` of a **woman** `{{H802}}` [[Judges 4:9]]. Deborah's role as prophetess and judge highlights her position as a chosen instrument for Israel's deliverance.
### Summary
In summary, the name **Dᵉbôwrâh** `{{H1683}}` refers to two biblical figures, most notably the prophetess and judge of Israel. The scriptural accounts detail her role as a divinely appointed leader who **judged** `{{H8199}}` the people, called them to battle through **Barak** `{{H1301}}`, and led them in worship after their victory [[Judges 5:1]]. Her story is one of faith, courage, and leadership, where she rises as a **mother** `{{H517}}` in Israel [[Judges 5:7]] to deliver her people in a time of need, demonstrating how God works through chosen individuals to accomplish His purposes.
TRV