Judges 5:7Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

What does the Scripture reveal about Devorah, a remarkable figure among women, who, despite the inherent frailty of her gender, prophesied with commendable bravery? The Bible states, ‘I, Devorah, have risen ... a mother in Israel.’ She served as a spiritual mother to her people and exhibited such strength that when war loomed, the leaders, including Barak, declared to her, ‘If you do not march into battle with us, we will not go either’ (Judges 4:8). Their reliance was not on her femininity but on the divine authority of her prophetic insight. Numerous companions in God's council rose up and vanquished their enemies, driven by fervor and righteousness, including the account of the man born blind. These themes are explored in works attributed to St. John Chrysostom, categorized in the Minya edition as Spuria.

According to the historical narrative, a woman served as a judge to inspire the spirit of women; she led, prophesied, and celebrated the victory, joining the ranks of the warriors and compelling their husbands to heed her command. In a profound manner, however, the triumph of the Church resides in the strength of faith. Therefore, you women have no justification to excuse yourselves based on your nature. You widows cannot attribute your wavering resolve to the frailty of your gender or the absence of marital support. Each of you possesses ample means for your own defense unless virtue has abandoned your soul.

The evidence of the grace bestowed upon her was unmistakable, leading Barak to hesitate in engaging in battle without her presence. She also expressed this in her song, “The possessors of Israel have become poor, until the day that Deborah, the mother of Israel, has risen…”

Let us discuss the authenticity of the song of Deborah. This authenticity is demonstrated through several key points. First, the distinctiveness of Deborah's language is evident. She does not converse in standard Hebrew, as certain tribes spoke varied dialects, notably the difference highlighted in the term "shibboleth" from Judges 12:6. Deborah communicates precisely in the dialect of Ephraim, the tribe in which she resided. A scholar of Hebrew would recognize that the phrase "until I arose, O Deborah" presents a reading that diverges from traditional Hebrew. Second, the song’s lyrical nature and Deborah’s self-reference as the one who executed the actions described indicate that it was composed during the time of the events it recounts.