Re:Verse reading–Judges 4:1-22 (day one)
“She used to sit under a palm tree. . .between Ramah and Bethel. . .and the sons of Israel would came too her for judgement.”–v 5.
A judge in ancient Israel was not what we normally imagine. No black robe. No gavel. No bailiff or jury. A judge was less title, more function. In a world without established court systems, people often turned to mediators who had a reputation for fairness and godly wisdom. They were “judges” because they established “justice” between opposing parties. See Exodus 18 for the weary task that judging was for Moses.
In 1195 BC, a woman of extraordinary gifts was serving in this capacity. She was a prophetess –v 1. And when it was necessary to establish justice between nations and not just individuals, God called Deborah.
Male or female, doesn’t matter, speak for God and be blessed! “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons (and daughters) of God.”–Matthew 5:9.
