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Judges 4:4

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¶ And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time.

And Deborah {H1683}, a prophetess {H5031}, the wife {H802} of Lapidoth {H3941}, she judged {H8199} Israel {H3478} at that time {H6256}.

Now D'vorah, a woman and a prophet, the wife of Lapidot, was judging Isra'el at that time.

Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel at that time.

Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, she judged Israel at that time.

Commentary

Judges 4:4 introduces one of the most remarkable figures in the Old Testament, Deborah, unique as both a prophetess and a judge of Israel. This verse sets the stage for her pivotal role in delivering Israel from Canaanite oppression.

Context

The Book of Judges chronicles a tumultuous period in Israel's history following the death of Joshua, characterized by a recurring cycle: Israel would fall into idolatry and disobedience, God would allow them to be oppressed by surrounding nations, they would cry out to Him, and He would raise up a "judge" to deliver them. Prior to Deborah, Israel had been under the severe hand of Jabin, king of Canaan, and his formidable army captain, Sisera, for twenty years (Judges 4:3). It is in this desperate context that God raises up Deborah, highlighting His faithfulness even when His people stray.

Key Themes

  • Divine Appointment and Leadership: Deborah's rise to power demonstrates that God chooses His leaders based on His divine will, not solely on societal norms or gender. Her dual role as a prophetess and judge signified direct divine authority.
  • Women in Leadership: This verse presents a powerful biblical example of a woman in a position of supreme national leadership and spiritual authority. Deborah was not merely a spiritual advisor but actively governed, arbitrated disputes, and led military strategy. Other notable women of faith in the Old Testament, like Miriam the prophetess, also played significant roles.
  • God's Provision: Despite Israel's repeated backsliding, God consistently provided deliverance through various individuals, such as Gideon and Samson, affirming His enduring covenant with His people.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "prophetess" is nevi'ah (נְבִיאָה), the feminine form of navi (prophet). This term emphasizes Deborah's direct communication with God and her role in conveying His will. The word "judged" comes from the Hebrew root shaphat (שָׁפַט), which encompasses more than just legal arbitration; it also means to govern, to deliver, and to rule. Thus, Deborah's role was comprehensive, combining spiritual insight with practical governance and military leadership.

Significance and Application

Deborah's story in Judges 4:4 offers profound insights for believers today:

  • God Uses Diverse People: God is not limited by human conventions or expectations. He calls and equips individuals from all backgrounds, genders, and statuses to fulfill His purposes.
  • Responding to God's Call: Deborah's willingness to step into a challenging leadership role during a time of national crisis serves as an example of obedience to divine calling, even when it requires courage and unconventional action.
  • Integrity in Leadership: As a prophetess and judge, Deborah embodied both spiritual discernment and just governance, reminding us that true leadership in God's kingdom integrates spiritual wisdom with practical righteousness. Her example continues to inspire discussions on women in ministry and leadership within the church and society.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 15:20 (3 votes)

    And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.

  • Luke 2:36 (3 votes)

    And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;

  • 2 Kings 22:14 (3 votes)

    So Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam, and Achbor, and Shaphan, and Asahiah, went unto Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe; (now she dwelt in Jerusalem in the college;) and they communed with her.

  • Galatians 3:28 (2 votes)

    There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

  • Nehemiah 6:14 (2 votes)

    My God, think thou upon Tobiah and Sanballat according to these their works, and on the prophetess Noadiah, and the rest of the prophets, that would have put me in fear.

  • Joel 2:28 (2 votes)

    ¶ And it shall come to pass afterward, [that] I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:

  • Joel 2:29 (2 votes)

    And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.