And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time.
Deborah - i:e., a bee (see Josephus, 'Antiquities,' b. 5:, ch. 5:, sec. 2) [Septuagint, Debboora].
A prophetess, х nªbiy'aah (H5031)]. This term, with its corresponding masculine form, was in early times applied to describe those who were recipients of divine revelation or inspiration, but did not themselves predict future events (see the note at Genesis 20:7; Exodus 7:1; Exodus 15:20; Numbers 11:25-29). Deborah uttered a remarkable prophecy; but there is no evidence that she was a seer. She was a woman of extraordinary wisdom and piety, instructed in divine knowledge by the Spirit, and accustomed to interpret the will of God. She acquired an extensive influence, and was held in universal respect, insomuch that she became the animating mind of the government, and discharged all the special duties of a judge, except that of a military leader. The title 'judge,' however, is specially applied to Barak (Hebrews 11:32).
The wife of Lapidoth - rendered by some 'a woman of splendour, torches, or lights,' alluding to her prophetic office; by others, 'a woman of Lapidoth,' some unknown place. But the Septuagint and other versions concur in considering Lapidoth the name of her husband.
She judged Israel at that time - i:e., the northern tribes of Israel; namely, Zebulun, Naphtali, and Issachar.