SEV Biblia, Chapter 4:4
¶ Y gobernaba en aquel tiempo a Israel una mujer, Débora, profetisa, mujer de Lapidot.
Clarke's Bible Commentary - Judges 4:4
Verse 4. Deborah, a prophetess] One on whom the Spirit of God descended, and who was the instrument of conveying to the Israelites the knowledge of the Divine will, in things sacred and civil. She judged Israel] This is, I believe, the first instance of gynaecocrasy, or female government, on record. Deborah seems to have been supreme both in civil and religious affairs; and Lapidoth, her husband, appears to have had no hand in the government. But the original may as well be translated a woman of Lapidoth, as the wife of Lapidoth.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 4. And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth , etc.] Deborah was a name common to women with the eastern people, (see Genesis 35:8); as Melissa, which is of the same signification with the Greeks, and both signify a “bee”; and to which Deborah answered in her industry, sagacity, and sweetness of temper to her friends, and sharpness to her enemies: she was a “prophetess”, and foretold things to come, as the drawing of Sisera and his army to a certain place named by her, the victory that should be gained over him, and the delivery of him into the hands of a woman. Who Lapidoth was, or what is meant by the name, is not certain; most take it to be the name of her husband, which seems best, but who he was is not known; the Jews will have him to be the same with Barak, there being, as they think, some agreement in the names, Barak signifying lightning, and Lapidoth, lamps; but the whole context shows the contrary, that he was not her husband. Some render the words, “a woman of Lapidoth”, taking it for the name of her native place on habitation; but where there was a place of this name no account can be given: some say she was so called from her employment before she was a prophetess and judge, making wicks for the lamps in the sanctuary, as Jarchi relates; and others take it to be expressive of her excellencies and virtues, which shone in her as lamps; the first sense is best: she judged Israel at that time ; toward the close of the twenty years’ oppression under Jabin, being raised up of God as other judges were, and eminently endowed with gifts and grace; she endeavoured to convince the people of their sins, exhorted them to repentance, and was a means of reforming them, and administering justice and judgment in all cases brought before her; and which Jabin might admit of, connive at, or take no notice of, she being a woman, of whose growing power and interest he had no jealousy.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 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. Bara insisted much upon her presence. Deborah promised to go with him. Sh would not send him where she would not go herself. Those who in God' 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.
Original Hebrew
ודבורה 1683 אשׁה 802 נביאה 5031 אשׁת 802 לפידות 3941 היא 1931 שׁפטה 8199 את 853 ישׂראל 3478 בעת 6256 ההיא׃ 1931
