Real Hope: Lessons on Leadership Through DeborahNäide

Deborah - A Wise Servant

The Bible clearly states that Deborah was a prophetess – one instructed in divine knowledge by the inspiration of the Spirit of God. She was also a wife, and she was chosen by God to be judge over Israel. The role of judges and rulers in the Old Testament was that of a leader of the Hebrew people. Being a ruler and judge meant being accountable for the welfare and protection of the people.

Deborah was the only woman to serve as judge, and she served God and the people with wisdom, humility, and courage.

At that time, judges made it very clear that the hallmark of everything depended upon faithful obedience to the Lord; that was the gateway to govern God’s justice and God’s mercy. She made time for the people and had excellent listening skills, as evidenced by her keeping court under a palm tree. So well-known that the palm tree was called the ‘Palm of Deborah’. Deborah listened attentively to the people but, more importantly – to God. So that when she spoke, her wisdom provided value and established God’s justice.

Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock (Matthew 7:24 NIV).

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you (James 1:5 NIV).

Written by HEIDI WYSMAN