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[Plebeian]

Why is Deborah remembered when it was jael who killed him?

[jimwalton]

The judges called by God were not just the ones who won the victory (as Jael might be perceived, having given Sisera a "piercing headache" : ) ). The judges were the ones called by God to liberate the country. When the Israelites called out to God for release (Judges 4.3), God called Deborah, a prophet, to lead them to deliverance. She is the one who sent for General Barak (4.6) and gave him God's instructions. She is the one who led Sisera's army into the trap (4.7). She is the one perceived to have the Lord fighting for her (4.8). She is the one who had the word of the Lord (4.14).

Jael was another woman used of God to accomplish the victory (4.17-21). She acted shrewdly and decisively. But it was Deborah who was specifically called by God to lead Israel to victory, and she did (4.16). All Jael did was assassinate the enemy general.