Which figure served as the military arm accompanying Deborah to confront Sisera?

• A. Barak
• B. Deborah
• C. Jael
• D. Gideon

Answer: (A)

Deborah steps into the role of judge and prophet, calling on Israel to rise against Sisera, the commander of Jabin’s army. The military arm accompanying her is Barak, the one who actually leads the Israelite troops into battle. He agrees to go only if Deborah accompanies him, showing their partnership and the divine direction behind the mission. They muster 10,000 men at Mount Tabor, and the Lord grants a decisive victory over Sisera and his forces, delivering the enemy into Barak’s hands. After the defeat, Sisera is killed by Jael in his tent, but Barak’s leadership on the battlefield is what organizes and executes the military effort. Gideon is from a different episode, and Jael’s act, while pivotal, is not the army’s commander.