The Bee

Deborah was a woman who led the Hebrew people. For years, the people brought their problems and disputes to her, and she gave judgment. By the time the story of Sisera begins, she is no longer young. Perhaps she is grey-haired, stout, like a kind grandmother.

She starts by summoning Barak, and tells him to gather an army to defeat the army of the conqueror Jabin, led by Sisera. Sisera’s army is very strong, outnumbering the Hebrews, and is better equipped with chariots. The battle takes place on a wide plain between Mount Tabor and the River Kishon. It is Deborah who summoned the army; Deborah who encouraged Barak when he hesitated; Deborah who sent Barak and his army after the chariots of Sisera. And the army of Sisera was completely defeated.

Deborah means “a bee”. And she is like a bee, not like a wasp. Wasps are carnivores. They hunt other insects, and scavenge carrion. They are aggressive, and will attack without cause. Bees are herbivores, eating only the nectar of flowers. They sting only when threatened. Deborah, like a bee, attacked only in defense. She used a small force to defeat a larger. And though small and ineffectual in appearance, she was able to defeat a large enemy, because she listened to God.