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Profile of Deborah
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Wise leaders are rare. They accomplish great
amounts of work without direct involvement because they know how to work through
other people. They are able to see the big picture that often escapes those
directly involved, so they make good mediators, advisers, and planners. Deborah
fit this description perfectly. She had all these leadership skills, and she had
a remarkable relationship with God. The insight and confidence God gave this
woman placed her in a unique position in the Old Testament. Deborah is among the
outstanding women of history.
Her story shows that she was not power hungry. She wanted to serve God.
Whenever praise came her way, she gave God the credit. She didn't deny or resist
position in the culture as a woman and wife, but she never allowed herself to be
hindered by it either. Her story shows that God can accomplish great things
through people who are willing to be led by him.
Deborah's life challenges us in several ways. She reminds us of the need to
be available both to God and to others. She encourages us to speed our efforts
on what we can do rather than on worrying about what we can't do. Deborah
challenges us to be wise leaders. She demonstrated what a person can accomplish
when God is in control.
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Strengths and Accomplishments
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* Fourth and only female judge of Israel
* Special abilities as a mediator, adviser and counselor
* When called to lead, was able to plan, direct and delegate
* Known for her prophetic power
* A writer of songs
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Lessons From Her Life
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* God chooses leaders by his standards, not ours
* Wise leaders choose good helpers
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Vital Statistics
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* Where: Canaan
* Occupations: prophetess and judge
*Relative: Husband: Lappidoth
* Contemporaries: Barak, Jael, Jabin of Hazor, Sisera
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Key Verse
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"Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth,
was leading Israel at that time" (Judges 4:4).
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