Deborah was a Biblical prophetess of Israel in the period of the Judges, the 1100’s B.C. She was the wife of Lapidoth. She acted as an adviser to her people and was a judge in their disputes. Deborah was admired for her wisdom, and she rose to a position of leadership among her people.
When she heard of the cruel treatment her people had received from the Canaanites, Deborah summoned Barak, the Israelite leader. Together they worked out a plan of action for the army of Israel. They hoped to defeat the Canaanite army under Sisera. They fought near Mount Tabor, on the plain of Esdraelon. A rainstorm aided Israel, turning the plain into mud and trapping the enemy chariots. Sisera fled on foot and was later murdered in his sleep. The victory was important in Israel’s struggle with the Canaanites. One of the most notable victory odes of the Bible is the Song of Deborah in Judges 5.
