One of the most clear ways that Deborah fulfills the role of a prophetess can be seen by just how much she embodies the God of Israel. The way Deborah’s judgments are given heavily implies that she’s the mouthpiece of Yahweh, given she doesn’t need to consult with Him in order to speak on His behalf (cf. Judg. 4:5-7). And Deborah’s association with Yahweh goes even deeper when it’s recognized that, just as Yahweh’s presence in the Ark of the Covenant was key to Israel’s prior military victories (Num. 10:33-34), so now is Deborah’s presence necessary for their successful conquest. This explains why Barak is so insistent on never leaving Deborah’s side, “If you will go with me, I will go, but if you will not go with me, I will not go” (Judg. 4:8). This is because, “Deborah functions as the alter ego of Yahweh. Her very presence guarantees victory in the same manner as the presence of a divine emissary of Yahweh” (Gafney, “Daughters of Miriam: Women Prophets in Ancient Israel,” pg. 91).
Holy Prophetess Deborah
Holy Prophetess Deborah
One of the most clear ways that Deborah fulfills the role of a prophetess can be seen by just how much she embodies the God of Israel. The way Deborah’s judgments are given heavily implies that she’s the mouthpiece of Yahweh, given she doesn’t need to consult with Him in order to speak on His behalf (cf. Judg. 4:5-7). And Deborah’s association with Yahweh goes even deeper when it’s recognized that, just as Yahweh’s presence in the Ark of the Covenant was key to Israel’s prior military victories (Num. 10:33-34), so now is Deborah’s presence necessary for their successful conquest. This explains why Barak is so insistent on never leaving Deborah’s side, “If you will go with me, I will go, but if you will not go with me, I will not go” (Judg. 4:8). This is because, “Deborah functions as the alter ego of Yahweh. Her very presence guarantees victory in the same manner as the presence of a divine emissary of Yahweh” (Gafney, “Daughters of Miriam: Women Prophets in Ancient Israel,” pg. 91).