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| Deborah, in the Bible, prophetess
and judge of Israel, the only woman to hold that office. Under her guidance Barak conquered Sisera and delivered Israel from the oppression of the Canaanite King Yavin. Deborah served as Israel's Judge when no men were willing to lead. The triumphant "Song of Deborah" is one of the most ancient literary pieces in the Bible. |
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| The story of Deborah is found in the Judges Chapters 4-5. After 20 years of oppression, God told Deborah that it was time to deliver the people once again. She appointed Barak to lead the army, but he was afraid to go without Deborah. She had deep faith in God. She united the people of Israel and lead them to victory against the Canaanites. |
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Deborah the Judge Deborah used to sit under a palm tree and the people used to come to her for judgment. It was improper for a woman to be alone in a house with a man. So she went outside and sat down in a public place under a palm tree where she instructed the people in Torah. (Sefer Ha-Aggadah 109:21) |
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| Deborah the Prophetess Deborah is one of only five women in the Bible called a "prophet". During Deborah's time, the valley in which she and her tribe lived was controlled by King Yavin of Hazor. Deborah asked Barak to take ten thousand soldiers and fight against Sisera on Mount Tabor. `Go, take with you ten thousand men of Naphtali and Zebulun and lead the way to Mount Tabor. I will lure Sisera, the commander of Yavin's army, with his chariots and his troops to the Kishon River and give him into your hands.'" Barak answered Deborah: "If you will go with me, I will go; if not I will not go." "Very well, I will go with you," Deborah agreed, but adds "However, there will be no glory for you in the course you are taking, for then the Lord will deliver Sisera into the hands of a woman" (4:8-9). Deborah warned Barak that she would be remembered as the real leader. This prophecy was accurate as Sisera met his end at the hands of a woman named Jael and Deborah was considered to be the real leader of the people.
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The war against Sisera Sisera's army was very strong and had nine hundred iron chariots . The battle took place during the rainy season, and Sisera's chariots quickly sank in the mud. The Israelites overwhelmed Hazor's army, and inflicted heavy casualties.
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A woman killed Sisera
Sisera, fled on foot, escaped to the Kenite camp, where Yael, the clan leader's wife, invited him to stay. He fell asleep in her tent and then Yael drove a tent peg into his head. |
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Who said the following: "Very well, I will go with
you" Answer
Yes/No Write
adjectives that describe Deborah:
Group
work: role play
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Last updated 29/06/09 |
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Write a short play.
