4 Now Deborah , a prophetess , the wife of Lappidoth , was judging Israel at that time . 5 She used to sit under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim ; and the sons of Israel came up to her for judgment . 6 Now she sent and summoned Barak the son of Abinoam from Kedesh-naphtali e , and said to him, "Behold , the Lord , the God of Israel , has commanded , 'Go and march to Mount Tabor , and take with you ten thousand men from the sons of Naphtali and from the sons of Zebulun . 7 'I will draw out to you Sisera , the commander of Jabin's army , with his chariots and his many troops to the river Kishon , and I will give him into your hand .' " 8 Then Barak said to her, "If you will go with me, then I will go ; but if you will not go with me, I will not go ." 9 She said , "I will surely go with you; nevertheless e , the honor shall not be yours on the journey that you are about to take , for the Lord will sell Sisera into the hands of a woman ." Then Deborah arose and went with Barak to Kedesh .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Judges 4:4-9
Commentary on Judges 4:4-9
(Read Judges 4:4-9)
Deborah was a prophetess; one instructed in Divine knowledge by the inspiration of the Spirit of God. She judged Israel as God's mouth to them; correcting abuses, and redressing grievances. By God's direction, she ordered Barak to raise an army, and engage Jabin's forces. Barak insisted much upon her presence. Deborah promised to go with him. She would not send him where she would not go herself. Those who in God's name call others to their duty, should be ready to assist them in it. Barak values the satisfaction of his mind, and the good success of his enterprise, more than mere honour.