Deborah was a prophetess and judge of Israel, who advised Barak in battle. She lived during the time of the judges and was the wife of Lappidoth.
About Deborah
The name of two women in the Old Testament. In Hebrew, Deborah means “honeybee” (Psalm 118:12; Isaiah 7:18).
Rebekah’s nurse (Genesis 35:8). Deborah died as she was traveling to Bethel with her master Jacob’s household. She was buried in a spot known as Allon-bacuth (meaning "the oak of weeping"). It showed she was very loved. She was probably Rebekah’s longtime friend (see Genesis 24:59–61).
Family Relationships
- Partner
- Lappidoth
Key References
Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel at that time.
On that day Deborah and Barak son of Abinoam sang this song:
All Scripture References (9)
Judges (9)
Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel at that time.
And she would sit under the Palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, where the Israelites would go up to her for judgment.
“I will certainly go with you,” Deborah replied, “but the road you are taking will bring you no honor, because the LORD will be selling Sisera into the hand of a woman.” So Deborah got up and went with Barak to Kedesh,
where he summoned Zebulun and Naphtali. Ten thousand men followed him, and Deborah also went with him.
Then Deborah said to Barak, “Arise, for this is the day that the LORD has delivered Sisera into your hand. Has not the LORD gone before you?” So Barak came down from Mount Tabor with ten thousand men following him.
On that day Deborah and Barak son of Abinoam sang this song:
Life in the villages ceased; it ended in Israel, until I, Deborah, arose, a mother in Israel.
‘Awake, awake, O Deborah! Awake, awake, sing a song! Arise, O Barak, and take hold of your captives, O son of Abinoam!’
The princes of Issachar were with Deborah, and Issachar was with Barak, rushing into the valley at his heels. In the clans of Reuben there was great indecision.