Deborah – A Woman with Many Hats
4 Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel at that time. 5 She used to sit under the palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the people of Israel came up to her for judgment.
Judges 4:4-5
1 Then sang Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam on that day: 2 “That the leaders took the lead in Israel, that the people offered themselves willingly, bless the Lord!
Judges 5:1-2
31 “So may all your enemies perish, O Lord! But your friends be like the sun as he rises in his might.” And the land had rest for forty years.
Judges 5:31
A Woman with Many Hats
The story I am sharing here is the story of Deborah (there are two Deborahs in the Bible, do you know who’s the other Deborah?)
Even though she lived more than three thousand years ago, this Deborah was very much like a woman in the modern era. She wore many hats and was successful in all of them.
She was a prophetess. You do not just stumble on the chance to become a prophet/prophetess. You have to have a particular personality and be close to God. People usually find it challenging to balance their spiritual and physical life. Seek, and you shall find. Ask God, and He will guide you to the right balance.
She was the wife of Lappidoth. Do you know who Lappidoth was? I don’t. If it were not for Deborah, we’d not have even heard of the name. Husbands, encourage your wife to be godly and to serve God. She will bring much honor to your family.
She judged Israel. Who wants to be a judge and a leader of a nation? But, as demonstrated by Solomon in 1 Kings 3:16-28, it requires wisdom. It also requires a clear value in life. And Deborah was such a great judge that people came to her.
She was a psalmist. I am not a psalmist, and I used to look down on the value of psalms. I thought they bought nothing for people. But as I grow older and hopefully wiser, I see and appreciate its value more because I understand people more.
She was a team builder. She brought the people together, all of them willing to sacrifice.
She was a peacemaker. For forty years, Israel enjoyed peace. Peace is a fragile thing. As you can see in this world, there are conflicts around the world daily. Deborah was able to bring peace to Israel for an extended period.
She did all these while having limited resources and had to overcome a culture dominated by men.
To all the modern Christian women, I salute you for the many good and fabulous things you have done. Sometimes, with so many hats, it may seem even difficult to breathe, but there were good examples before. Trust God, take one step at a time. Then, you’ll be able to wear all the hats properly.
To all the Christian men, think about the Christian women around you. Think about the hats they have to wear and say thank you to them for what they have done and will continue doing.
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