Deborah the Brave Judge

Long ago in Israel, there was a very special woman named Deborah. God had chosen her to be a judge, which meant she was a leader who helped people solve their problems and follow God. People came from all over Israel to sit under her palm tree and hear her wise advice.

For twenty years, a mean king named Jabin had been cruel to the Israelites, and his army commander Sisera had 900 chariots made of iron. But Deborah knew that God was stronger than any army. God told Deborah to send for a man named Barak and give him a message: 'God wants you to take 10,000 men and go to Mount Tabor. God will help you defeat Sisera's army there.' Barak said he would go, but only if Deborah came with him. Deborah agreed, but she told him that because he wanted her to come, a woman would get the honor for the victory.

When the battle began, God confused Sisera's whole army. Even though they had 900 iron chariots, God made the river flood and sweep many of them away. Sisera ran away on foot and hid in a woman named Jael's tent. Jael was very brave and defeated him.

After the battle, Deborah sang a beautiful song praising God for the victory. Because of Deborah's faithful leadership, Israel had peace for forty years! Deborah's story teaches us that God can use anyone to do great things when they listen to Him and obey.