INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF THE BIBLE – PART 2

Female Judge Deborah
Deborah was the name of two Old Testament women. The word in Hebrew means [honeybee] -- Psalm 118:12; Isaiah 7:18. The Deborah I refer to was also a prophetess and judge -- Judges 4-5. Deborah’s position as a prophetess shows that her message was from YHVH. That was not unique in the Bible, but it was unusual. Other prophetesses included Miriam -- Exodus 15:20, Huldah -- 2 Kings 22:14 -- and Anna -- Luke 2:36. Deborah, however, was unique. Only she is said to have [judged Israel] before the major event that marks her story -- Judges 4:4. Her husband, Lappidoth, is otherwise unknown. Deborah, known as a [mother in Israel] -- Judges 5:7 -- remained in one location and the people came to her for guidance. Evidently over two hundred years later, when the book of Judges was compiled, a giant palm tree still marked the spot. Though she lived within the boundary of Benjamin -- 4:5; compare Joshua 16:2; 18:13 -- Deborah was probably from the tribe of Ephraim. That was the most prominent tribe of northern Israel. Some feel she came from the tribe of Issachar -- Judges 5:14-15. Under Deborah’s inspired leadership, the poorly equipped Israelites defeated the Canaanites in the plain of Esdraelon -- Judges 4:15. The flooding of the Kishon River evidently interfered with the enemy’s impressive chariots --5:21-22. The Canaanites retreated to the north, perhaps to Taanach near Megiddo -- 5:19. They never reappeared as an enemy within Israel. The Song of Deborah -- chapter 5 -- is a poetic version of the account recorded in Judges 4.

Song of Deborah:
The Song of Deborah is an ancient poem found in Judges 5, celebrating an Israelite victory over the Canaanites. Similar to Moses’ song -- Exodus 15:1-18 -- and paralleling a prose account in Judges 4, the Song of Deborah describes the miraculous defeat of a powerful Canaanite king, Jabin of Hazor, and of Sisera, his general. The song’s poetic style and occasional use of archaic Hebrew forms are reflected in slightly differing translations in modern versions of the Bible. The poem’s vigorous language suggests that it was composed by an eyewitness of the battle, probably Deborah herself. Judges 5:2 -- urges Israel to praise Adonai. The next verse exhorts foreign kings to learn of Israel’s YHVH and His exploits. It is not clear whether verses 4-5 describe the present battle or refer to YHVH’s previous appearance to Moses at Mount Sinai. Verse 5 could be translated, [The mountains quaked at the presence of the One of Sinai.] Deborah is first introduced in verse 7. Verse 8 could mean either that Canaanite oppression prevented open displays of Israelite weaponry or, more likely, that the Canaanites had wiped out all weapon-making industry in Israel -- 1 Samuel 13:19. In an atmosphere of fear, indecision, and isolationism, Deborah, a judge, urged the Israelite tribes to battle. When Deborah appealed to the whole nation for help, some tribes were apathetic, but others gave assistance. The battle took place at Taanach, fifteen miles southwest of Mount Tabor. The Canaanites had mobilized in that vicinity -- Judges 4:13 -- so the Israelites lost whatever advantage their mountain position would have afforded. Deborah’s song, however, implies Adonai’s intervention, perhaps through a severe storm. Divine aid is also alluded to in -- 4:14 [for the ADONAI is marching ahead of you]. The stars that fought Sisera and the flooding of the river Kishon represent the forces of nature helping Israel -- 5:20-21. In addition, any advantage of the Canaanites’ chariotry was nullified after Jael, a heroic Hebrew woman, killed Sisera, the chariot leader -- 5:24-27. Sisera’s death fulfilled Deborah’s prophecy to the Israelite commander, Barak, that a woman, not he, would receive glory for that feat -- 4:9. Sisera’s mother is seen pathetically awaiting his return. In contrast to the sarcastic portrayal of that Canaanite woman, the last words of Deborah’s song are a fervent prayer for future safety. Although Jael was blessed -- Judges 5:24 -- and Deborah acclaimed, YHVH of Israel -- 5:1-3 received the glory.

Huldah
Huldah was a prophetess living in Jerusalem; a contemporary of the prophets Jeremiah and Zephaniah. Huldah is introduced as the wife of Shullam, the wardrobe keeper in King Josiah’s court -- 2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 34:22. Josiah sent his officers to ask Huldah’s counsel concerning the book of the Mosaic Law that had been found during the temple repair. She prophesied that disaster would strike the nation -- 2 Kings 22:16 -- but that Josiah would be spared because he was penitent and had humbled himself before Adonai -- 22:18-19. She declared the destruction would come after his death and that he would be buried in peace -- 22:20. Although Josiah later died in battle, he was properly entombed -- 23:30 -- avoiding the indignity of becoming prey for vultures. It was after receiving Huldah’s advice that Josiah carried out his religious reform -- 2 Chronicles 35:1-25.

Abigail
Nabal’s wife, Abigail later married David -- 1 Samuel 25:2-42. Nabal was a wealthy sheep owner whose property David’s men had protected. When David asked for some supplies in return for that protection, Nabal refused. Enraged, David set out with 400 armed men to destroy Nabal and his house. Abigail, who had been informed of her husband’s actions, decided to meet David and offer him many supplies, taking the blame for her foolish husband. David thanked YHVH for using Abigail to contain his anger. After passing out drunk, Nabal woke up the next morning, learned what had happened, and suffered a stroke from which he died ten days later. Abigail then married David and shared his adventurous life among the Philistines -- 1 Samuel 30:1-19. Abigail went with David to Hebron when he became King of Judah -- 2 Samuel 2:2 -- and she gave birth to David’s second son, Chileab -- 2 Samuel 3:3 -- who was also called Daniel -- 1 Chronicles 3:1.

Anna
Anna was Phanuel’s daughter from Asher’s tribe, and a prophetess in Jerusalem when Yeshua was a young child. She worshiped with prayer and fasting day and night in the temple. When Yeshua’ parents presented Him to Adonai in the temple, she came up, thanking YHVH and speaking of Him to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem -- Luke 2:36-38.

Hannah
Hannah was the mother of the prophet Samuel. She was the wife of Elkanah from Ephraim’s tribe. The childless Hannah prayed annually at Shiloh for a son, whom she vowed to dedicate to Elohim. Adonai answered her prayer, and she called her son Samuel. When he was weaned [probably about age three], she dedicated him at Shiloh to the service of YHVH in the sanctuary. Afterwards, Samuel lived with Eli the priest and was visited by his parents on their annual pilgrimages. Hannah had three more sons and two daughters -- 1 Samuel 1:1-2:21. Her prophetic psalm -- 2:1-10 is similar to Mary’s song of praise, the [Magnificat] -- Luke 1:46-55.