Verse 4
4. Deborah, a prophetess One of the most celebrated women and most remarkable characters of the Old Testament. The title prophetess indicates her possession of a divine gift which exalted her above the dignity of a military commander, and made her an oracle to whom the people came for counsel. Rebecca’s nurse had borne her name, (Genesis 35:8,) and Moses’ sister Miriam had possessed the spirit of prophecy (Exodus 15:20) ages before this date, but never before had a woman appeared who combined in herself such wisdom, authority, and power as this “mother in Israel.” The manly energy and spirit of the nation had almost expired, when a woman appeared to be the saviour. Joan of Arc may be cited as a somewhat singular parallel to Deborah in modern history. No great and noble act which she has power to do is out of woman’s sphere.
Wife of Lapidoth The versions and most interpreters take Lapidoth as a proper name, and understand it of Deborah’s husband, and this is the most natural and simple explanation. Others translate the word as the plural of lapid, a lamp, and render, a woman of lights or of splendours, thus poetically designating the brilliancy and force of her genius and power. Cassel renders, woman of a fiery spirit, and explains that she was a divinely-lighted torch to kindle the languid hearts of Israel. Some rabbins have thought that she was so called from having had charge of the lamps in the tabernacle.
She judged Israel By giving counsel and pronouncing decisions on cases that were submitted to her.
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