A fictional account of the life of Deborah from the Bible. I enjoyed this one though it wasn't my favorite of the series.

A judge. A leader. A...woman?

This novel deals with the life of Biblical prophetess Deborah, who was chosen by God to judge her people and to share with them the God´s leading within the harsh times. Because the enemies are strong and their leader Sisera terrorizes the land, killing the men and taking the women for their pleasure and for the slavery.

The novel also deals with the woman´s role/s, their independence and voice and with the (wifely) submission to men.

While I appreciate the novel about interesting women (namely Deborah and Jael) from the past and like to know about their strength, wisdom and leadership, I find that there were too many modern and/or Christian sensitivities for the historical novel. Not sure if the old Hebrew men talk to their women with the politeness and emotional openness of modern men :)

And while I can understand the harshness and suffering of Hebrews under the cruel hands of their enemies, I feel that the domestic troubles somehow took the same importance in this novel. I undestand that this was to "humanize" Deborah, but I got only distracted from the message of the nation desperately calling to their God to save them, not understanding His timing and reasons to "abandon" them.

Also the Yiskah´s story rubs me the wrong way.

I can only recommend the previous novel from this series (The Crimson Cord: Rahab's Story) much more.

Bold, outspoken and fearless as Israel's most powerful woman, Deborah has faith in God but cannot see the hidden potential in her own life. As an Israelite woman, the mundane tasks of life seem to be more than sufficient to occupy her time and energy. But God has a unique plan for Deborah. He calls her to deliver her people from the oppression and constant terror of Canaan's armies for twenty years. Will her family understand and her people believe in God's calling upon her life? Jill Eileen Smith's impeccable research and imaginative storytelling brings to life the mystical figure of Deborah in an intriguing and inspiring novel, giving vivid voice to the woman at the center of Israel’s victory over Canaan. This is a Biblical tale of indomitable courage, determination, fearless strength and passionate faith that bears the utmost significance and relevance for all ages.