“Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel at that time. She used to sit [to hear and decide disputes] under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim; and the Israelites came up to her for judgment.”
Judges 4:4-5 AMP
I’ve been accused of being a tad strong. For years I hated that part of my personality, so when I read of a strong woman in the Bible, it gets my attention.
Deborah was a Judge in Israel. People came to her to settle disputes and receive counsel. She served a pivotal role in freeing Israel from the oppression they were under for 27 years to the Canaanites. G-d chose her – a woman – to start a revolution.
Based on past readings, I can make the conclusion that Deborah was a woman of great character. In order to be chosen, she had to be one that walked in obedience to G-d and followed His laws. She was a woman of integrity. She was trusted. She was a leader. And though Deborah carried the title of a judge, she called herself a mother of Israel in her victory song (Judges 5:7).
As I was meditating on this passage today, I began thinking about what it means to be a mother. A mother carries and brings forth life. A mother nurtures, fiercely defends, and protects. A mother loves and blesses. A mother teaches and guides. A mother champions her children and sets them up for success. A mother binds up wounds and helps bring healing to the sick. Basically, a mother IS a leader!
To get the full picture of Deborah, you have to read both chapters (4-5) to see how she led them into battle and hear her song of victory. While she didn’t lead alone, she played a pivotal role in victory and restoration. The last stanza of her song says this:
“So let all Your enemies perish, O Lord; But let those who love Him be like the rising of the sun in its might.” And the land was at rest for forty years.”
Judges 5:31 AMP
The last stanza gives a powerful image, that those who love Him would be like rising of the sun in all of its might. A sunrise is glorious in its beauty and uniqueness. The sun gives light and awakens the land. The sun dispels the darkness of night. Though clouds may come, the sun still shines its brilliance. The sun provides crucial nutrients and elements of life.
Because I love Him, though things may be hard at times, I will rise and I will shine. He is calling mothers to arise in the land and “mother” those around us. As a woman, He is asking me to “mother” those in my circle so they may arise like the sun in all of its might and find rest and peace just as the Israelites did.
It’s time for mothers in the land to arise.
Father, thank You for the mothers in my life – my earthy one, my grandmothers, and the other women who have shepherded and loved me. Show me what it means to be a spiritual mother. Show me how to love those around me. Show me how to guide and lead. I look to You for help. You are good. Your leadership in my life is perfect and You can be trusted. Amen.
Daily Reading: Judges 3-5