Now Deborah, a prophet, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time. She held court under the Palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites went up to her to have their disputes decided. (Judges 4:4-5)
Deborah, a female judge was faithful to God and had His word hidden in her heart. God had given her favor and a voice to the nation. She was a prophetess, and her office was under a palm tree. There she shared wisdom, advice, and whatever else she felt the Lord would have her to share. Where Deborah’s office was located did not matter … what mattered was the real Word of God! This lets us know we can make a difference and speak His wisdom … wherever, whenever!
Deborah sat in a seat of authority under a palm tree in a place of nothingness. It is noted, however, that this was a beautiful, plush place. God made her a palace under a palm tree … her paradise was in a wilderness. She was not sitting in the Tabernacle established by God … she was the Tabernacle. It was where she was. We can speak wherever we can gather an audience to hear His wisdom and worship Him freely. Don’t waste time fighting about where you will stand to preach, just start speaking … wherever He says speak here. Preaching in elaborate places could mean you will be controlled, expected to tickle ears, and not to offend the givers of a plush place. You will and are expected to be subject to the leader of the house you enter. That’s a law!
Deborah judged under a palm tree because of prejudice … much like some women suffer from now. Authority was denied in the synagogue for her to speak there, even though she clearly spoke the Word of the Lord. In God’s eyes, she was His choice, His voice.
Preachers preach in churches from up on the main floor. Maybe some thought that by keeping women on the lower floor they would not be seen as a superior. Deborah ruled out in the open where she judged …. she was judged too. She was a woman, she was not allowed to teach or judge in privacy.
Today women are still fighting for freedom of speech and position in the world, and yes, sad to say even still in the church.
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. (Galatians 5:1)
Do what God has given you the knowledge and wisdom to do! Sit in a position of power no matter where your seat is!
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