Woman Power against the Heroic Oppressor?

Woman Power against the Heroic Oppressor? The Story of Deborah, the Judge and Prophet, and Jael, the Wife (Judges 4-5)

When feminist scholars began to scrutinize the Bible for prominent women characters, they soon discovered the tale of Deborah in Judges 4–5. She is introduced as a prophet and a judge (4:4) who is either the wife of a man called Lappidoth or, if the phrase is translated literally, “a woman of fire,” a reference to her character. Her superior leadership of Israel, her authoritative advice to the military commander, Barak, and her guidance of ten thousand warriors make for a hero who is remembered for her public success, rather than for her children or wifely duties. She tells Barak what God wants him to do in defense against the Canaanite king, Jabin of Hazor, and his military (4:4–6)…