A story about Deborah, a woman who literally, and figuratively, brought light to a dark time in Israel's history.
We often hear about the big names, the mighty warriors, but what about the everyday acts of devotion that can change the course of history? This is where Deborah and her husband, Barak, enter the stage.
Now, according to Legends of the Jews, as retold by Ginzberg, the land was suffering under a tyrant. To free Israel, God chose Deborah and Barak. And Barak? Well, he's described as being, shall we say, not the sharpest tool in the shed. Ginzberg paints a picture of a time that was "singularly deficient" in scholars. Ouch.
So, what was Barak good at? According to the story, he carried candles to the sanctuary at Deborah's suggestion. A simple act. But it's this act that earned him the name Lipidoth, meaning "Flames." It's a small detail, but it highlights the importance of even the most humble contributions.
But the real star here is Deborah. She wasn't just telling Barak what to do; she was actively involved in the service. We're told that she made the wicks of the candles thick so they would burn longer. Seems insignificant? Think again.
God noticed. And He said, "Thou takest pains to shed light in My house, and I will let thy light, thy flame, shine abroad in the whole land."
Talk about a reward for dedication! Because of her devotion, Deborah became a prophetess and a judge. She rose to a position of leadership and guided her people. According to the text, she dispensed judgment in the open air, because it wasn't considered appropriate for men to visit a woman in her home for such matters.
What I love about this story is that it shows us that leadership doesn't always come from the most obvious places. It wasn't the strong warrior or the brilliant scholar who saved the day. It was a woman, dedicated to the service of God, who paid attention to the small details. It was Deborah, who made sure the light kept burning.
So, the next time you're feeling like your contributions are insignificant, remember Deborah. Remember that even the smallest act of devotion can have a profound impact. You never know, you might just be the one to bring light to a dark world.