Story of Devorah

Devorah the Prophetess was the fourth of the fifteen Judges who led the Jewish people for approximately 47 years. This took place during the period of the 'Judges' which was after the time of Joshua, the leader over the nation after Moses.

Her story is depicted in the The Book of Judges (Ch.4:1-5:31). Devorah was the only woman who was both a judge and prophetess. Devorah would sit under her infamous palm tree and give judgment and guidance to the Jews. Devorah is most known for her divinely inspired urging that her husband, Barak, who was the leader of the Israelite army, to take on the Sisera, the general of the Canaanites who had been a thorn in the side of the Jews for 20 years. Barak agrees, but under the condition that she accompany him, which demonstrates the tremendous symbol of strength that Devorah represented for the people. She agrees, giving Barak and the Israelite army the confidence that leads to a devastation of Sisera's legion.

Sisera escapes the onslaught on foot and flees to the the camp of the Kenites who were peaceful with the Canaanite King Yavin. Yael, the wife of Chever the Kenite invites Sisera in for food and rest, but kills him in his sleep, thus delivering complete victory into the hands of the Israelites. The Mechilta (Beshalach 6) says that Devorah joined King Dovid and Moshe Rabanue as unique ones who sang praises to Hashem after miraculous victory.

This site was donated in honor of Devorah Haneviah