PEOPLE OF THE LAND
Selections from classical Torah sources
which express the special relationship between
the People of Israel and Eretz Yisrael

DEVORAH -
A MOTHER IN ISRAEL

"Until I arose, Devorah, until I arose a mother in Israel" (Shoftim 5:7)

Thus does the Prophetess Devorah describe her historic role in leading her people to victory over the Canaanite army.

Devorah was not only a prophetess and leader, but a judge of her people as well. (ibid. 4:4) When she describes herself, however, she makes no mention of any of these claims to fame. It may be concluded that the title "Mother in Israel" serves as a combination of all these three attributes. A mother in Israel is a leader of her family who prophetically foresees what is best for each member and judges each of them with the rare blend of wisdom and compassion which Heaven has granted her for fulfilling her role.