2 minute read
Prophetess Deborah
CH AP T E R I I
Pro phetes s Debor ah
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Deborah was one of the most notable women in the Bible. Especially in the Old Testament, she was known for her courage and action for her faith. Biblicalarcheologysociety.org says that as she was a prophet, Deborah was believed to preach God’s voice and order. She did this by preaching and leading people. In the Old Testament, Deborah was called to be a ruler or a “mishpat” which means “judges”. In fact, she was one of the rulers of the Hebrews and was the only female leader.
Judges were called to help Moses back then to assist him in resolving conflict among people. Deborah would seek the Lord’s guidance by praying and meditating then sit under a palm tree in Ephraim and resolve conflict within the Israelites. Deborah judged and led Israel for 60 years. She led 20 years before the Canaanite war and led the aftermath for 40 years.
CH AP T E R I I
Pro phetes s Debor ah
Today, I see Deborah in Dr. Raquel Fortun, one of the two forensic pathologists here in the Philippines. In the Old Testament in the Bible, Deborah was one of the most influential women and she was also the only female leader of the Hebrews. She was a prophetess, meaning she was appointed by Moses to help resolve conflict within the Israelites. Dr. Raquel Fortun is one of the two forensic pathologists in the Philippines and her most recent famous case was about the death of Christine Dacera, a flight attendant who was found unconscious on New Years Eve in Makati City. Comparing them, I see two women, but the firsts of their own kind. Deborah, being the first female leader of the Hebrews and Dr. Fortun, being one of the two forensic pathologists in the Philippines. They’re also the ones people go to for resolve or answers. For Deborah, Israelites would have matters that needed to be resolved, for Dr. Fortun, people would go to her for answers regarding pathologies of people who died. Both are women who are the firsts of their kind, and people go to them for resolution.
CH AP T E R I I
Pro phetes s Debor ah
Robin Gallaher Branch
For Robin Gallaher Branch, a professor in the Faculty of Theology of North-West University in South Africa, Deborah excelled in multiple areas as the only female judge in the Bible. She says Deborah is one of the Bible’s most outstanding figures as she served Israel as a prophet, judge and military leader. In the Canaanite war, Deborah led the Israelites before and after the war and they won. The Israelites respected and loved her well because of her character. She molded herself as a prophet and leader. The Israelites recognized her leadership and blossomed during her time.
For Tikva Frymer-Kensky, a professor of Hebrew Bible and History of Judaism in the Divinity School of University of Chicago, she sees Deborah as one of the best leaders in the Bible. Just like Robin Branch, they both mentioned the Canaanite war, and how through Deborah’s leadership, they won.
