Deborah was a respected judge in Israel, despite being a woman – in fact, the scripture hardly remarks on that fact. She passes instruction from the Lord to Barak, a warrior. Barak agrees to obey, but asks that Deborah come with him.
Some readings of this passage see this request as one of cowardice – but that is not supported by scripture. In reality, both Deborah and the author of Hebrews give Barak film credit as faithful and bold. In reality, Barak’s request to Deborah is itself a sign of faithfulness, because he sees that she has wisdom and the favor of God.
Deborah’s presence in the Bible is a reminder that cultural distinctions between men and women are not God’s distinctions. The gifts God gave at Pentecost he gave to both men and women, and the gifts He gives today are the same.
Both men and women are called to kindness and gentleness. Both men and women are called to boldness and courage. Some women are gifted in ways society sees as unfeminine, and some men are gifted in ways society sees as unmasculine. But God is bigger than our cultural boxes and how He calls us to serve Him is not dependent on them.
So men, do not fear to be nurturing and kind. Women, do not fear to be bold and courageous. And all of us, let us support our brothers and sisters in their gifts.
– Sermon Notes, Alison Robison, Renew Church, Lynnwood WA, August 14, 2022