Reflections on Delivering Judges in Scripture

In the latest episode of Holy Curiosity, I welcomed two special guests: Dr. Lynn Cohick, a New Testament scholar, and Cheryl Luke, a powerful voice in church leadership. Together, we reflect on the connection between Moses and Deborah—two delivering judges in Scripture—and how their stories illuminate our understanding of leadership.

If you've never thought of Moses and Deborah in tandem, you're not alone. This pairing was paradigm-shifting for all of us.

Cheryl Luke

Kat, Kelley Matthews, Dr. Carmen Imes, Dr. Lynn Cohick

Why Deborah's Role is So Important

Dr. Lynn Cohick- As someone who’s spent her life studying women in Scripture, Lynn admits that Deborah often gets sidelined as a "woman in the Bible" rather than being integrated into the larger narrative of God's people. Her hope is that someday we won’t treat stories about women as side notes but as essential, woven seamlessly into the biblical story. Lynn adds a critical insight: nowhere in the text is Deborah framed as a one-off or an exception. Instead, she is simply presented as an effective, faithful leader. That’s not only empowering—it’s biblical.

Cheryl Luke-noted Deborah's leadership is not just noteworthy for women, but for everyone. She’s not a placeholder. She’s not Plan B. She is God’s choice. Her story is a breakout moment—one that reminds us all, especially young people growing up in the church, that women have always played powerful roles in the kingdom of God.

8 Things Moses and Deborah Have in Common with Jesus

1. They All Faced Oppression
   Moses against the Egyptians. Deborah against the Canaanites. Jesus against the power of sin and the enemy.

2. Each Witnessed a Cosmic Water Event
   Moses at the Red Sea (Reed Sea). Deborah at the flooded Kishon Valley. Jesus as the Living Water himself—the final cosmic water event.

3. They Were Judges and Prophets
   Moses judged and prophesied over Israel. Deborah did the same. Jesus is the ultimate judge and final prophet over all creation.

4. Victory Happened in a Valley
   Moses’ Red Sea moment was in a wadi or valley, Deborah’s victory was won in the valley of Kishon, and Jesus went through the valley of Kidron on the way to the cross—each triumphed in low places.

5. They Sang Songs of Victory
   Moses sang in Exodus 15. Deborah sang in Judges 5. Jesus doesn’t sing in the Gospels, but the heaven sing over him at his birth—and perhaps through Zephaniah 3:17, we see God himself singing.

6. They Were Instruments of Final Defeat
   By God’s mighty hand, Moses led the people through a complete deliverance from Egypt, Deborah saw the enemy utterly defeated, and Jesus crushed the head of the serpent once and for all.

7. They Were Exemplary Leaders
   Moses was a good leader in Exodus 14 and 15, Deborah were excellent and decisive leader (Judges 4-5). But Jesus is, of course, the ultimate and perfect leader.

8. They Proved God Is Faithful to His Word
   Moses declared it. Deborah sang about it. Jesus embodied it and fulfilled every word of God.

Listen In & Join the Conversation

🎧 Subscribe, listen, and review the episode with Lynn and Cheryl here → www.katarmstrong.com/podcast

Stay curious, y’all.