Catholic Dictionary
Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.
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DEBORAH
A judge and prophetess who, in the highlands of Ephraim was famous for settling disputes among Israelites. Her accomplishments indicate the significant role of leadership that noble women played during the period of the Judges. Her resentment of the harassment endured by Israelites at the hands of the Canaanites impelled her to seek the co-operation of the military leader Barak in achieving retaliation. She accompanied Barak and his army in his advance on Sisera, the Canaanite commander. Her vigorous leadership culminated in the complete destruction of the enemy and the death of Sisera. Clearly, she was a dynamic personality, gifted, resolute, and inspirational (Judges 4:4-24).
