I recently re-read Judges Ch 4 and 5 and refreshed my memory on Deborah.
Wow – what an inspirational woman. Here we have someone who is a prophetess and a judge and a military leader. The song of Deborah (Judges 5) is one of the oldest pieces of Hebrew Scripture dating back (possibly) to 12th century BCE. Then add Jael to the mix. Jael is an instrument of divine justice. It is interesting that the two align in this text. Deborah is the prophet and she advises Barak, Jael kills Sisera – fulfilling the prophecy by Deborah. The text does not show the two women meeting or interacting and yet together they present a female powerhouse which strangely made me think of Ayesha in She by H Rider Haggard. The women all command respect and fear through their decisive actions in leadership.
Women clearly have the capacity to lead with strength and clarity. There is a sense of agency in these texts that really speaks to me and also a connection to something that is beyond, the Transcendent.
I will certainly think further on this. Have a read of Judges (and She – if you can) and have a think and let me know where your thoughts go.
The Female Theologian 