PROPHETESS DEBORAH’S EXPLOITS IN THE PATRIARCHAL ANCIENT ISRAEL AND ITS IMPLICATION FOR CONTEMPORARY NIGERIAN WOMEN

Abstract

Prophetess Deborah reign in ancient Israel as portrayed in the Biblical narratives emerged at a period when women’s rights in many aspects in a patriarchal society like ancient Israel are so restricted. Women were not permitted or allowed in any decision making in the family and community meetings or gathering in ancient Israel. The socio-religious and political aspect of ancient Israel does not allowed women leadership a breathing space. However, despite this precarious condition, Prophetess Deborah was able to emerge as a judge at a critical period in one of the tribes in northern Israel who was facing an existential threat by the army of Jabin the king of Canaan, whose captain was Sisera. The emergence of Prophetess Deborah altered the age long patriarchal traditions where male dominated all aspect of life in ancient Israel. How was Prophetess Deborah able to break the jinx of the age long patriarchal traditions? What are the implication of Prophetess Deborah’s courageous act and leadership style for contemporary women in Nigeria? Thus, using the historical and descriptive method, the research explores the historical background of Prophetess Deborah and how it affected her prophetic ministry. The paper recommends thatfor women to overcome gender inequality in highly patriarchal society like Nigeria, they must rise up like Prophetess Deborah and takes up the challenge and confronts every hurdle that poses as a barrier to women rise to leadership position.