Deborah led the Israelites to victory over the Canaanite general Sisera.
The Book of Judges presents Deborah as a prophetess and judge of Israel. She summoned Barak, an Israelite commander, and delivered God’s instruction to gather troops from Naphtali and Zebulun against Sisera, the commander of King Jabin of Hazor. Deborah accompanied Barak, while the battle unfolded near Mount Tabor and the Kishon River.
The Israelite victory broke Canaanite domination, and Sisera fled on foot. He sought refuge in the tent of Jael, who gave him milk and killed him with a tent peg while he slept. Thus Deborah directed the campaign, Barak commanded the troops in battle, and Jael completed the defeat by killing Sisera.
Esther, Miriam, and Huldah were also important biblical women, but none led this particular military victory. Deborah and Barak later celebrated the triumph in the poetic Song of Deborah.