Deborah’s uniqueness lies in this, that she was the first and only woman revealed as having exercised civil authority in Israel, at God’s direction. Interestingly she describes herself as a wife and mother. But she heard God’s call and got involved and God used her to give a whole generation peace in the land.
In chapter 15 there’s song known as the song of Deborah. In the song she tells the story of how the various tribes refused to get involved. It was not until we reach vs. 18 that we read about Zebulon who “risked their lives.”
Ogilvie correctly observes, “Our spectator culture is profoundly challenged by the gospel of a God of grace who acts in the arena of human history. Today we are so used to watching—before the TV set, at the ball game, even in the worship service. We become expert analysts of the action replay, brilliant strategists, great talkers; but all from the comfort of our spectator’s seat. We have lost the thrill of being in the rough and tumble, amidst the ups and downs of the team commitment to putting things together and achieving results against the odds. We forget what it is like to be on the inside, with all its heartache but with its exultation, too. Our highs and lows are experienced vicariously. We are shadows of our real selves.”
Deborah could have stayed in her family arena and took care of her family and left the responsibility to others. But she responded and God used her.
May be He will use us too.