Deborah and Female Leadership in the Context of Deuteronomistic Theology

Abstract

Why did God place Deborah, who was a woman, in a leadership position in ancient patriarchal Israel? The biblical record of Deborah’s account had puzzled readers throughout centuries as it reflected an unconventional gender role. This study will show that Deborah was presented as an ideal leader according to Deuteronomistic theology. She was an agent used by Yahweh to fulfill five Deuteronomistic theological themes (DtrTh), showing that Deborah was a fitting judge and prophetess in ancient patriarchal Israel.