Mount Tabor: The Transfiguration of Women’s Leadership Roles in the Bible

Updated: Jun 30

Deborah: Prophetess, Judge, and the Transfiguration of Women’s Roles A POP LABS Devotional Reflection

Catherine (🇭🇹Guillaume🇭🇹) Sackey, MPAP

She/Her

Introduction: Midnight Revelation from a Mother in Motion

It was after a long, chaotic day—one filled with parenting, errands, work calls, and caregiving—that I fell asleep by 8 p.m., completely spent. But by 10:30 p.m., I was wide awake. In that sacred quiet, I returned to Scripture. Between passages in Exodus, Joshua, Numbers, and Judges, my heart began to stir as I traced the divine thread of women in leadership. I found myself reflecting again on Mount Tabor and asked: Why did both Deborah and Jesus experience divine confirmation there?

I remembered the sermon on the daughters of Zelophehad and the audacity they showed by speaking truth to power. That moment opened a deeper reflection: What if Mount Tabor was not only a geographic marker, but a prophetic platform—one where God affirms those He chooses, regardless of gender?

Deborah’s story reminded me of my own journey—and that of so many women today who carry households, steward vision, serve in ministry, and speak with authority in sacred and public spaces. Her presence on Mount Tabor confirmed that women are not afterthoughts in leadership; we are often the catalysts of transformation.

From Petition to Precedent: The Daughters of Zelophehad¹

Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah stood before Moses and the elders, asking a question that disrupted the system: “Why should our father’s name disappear… because he had no son?” (Num. 27:4). God responded directly to their claim: “What Zelophehad’s daughters are saying is right…” (Num. 27:7).¹

Their faith-filled petition wasn’t just heard—it became precedent. These women ushered in one of the first legal reforms in Scripture, showing us that advocacy rooted in justice and faith can transform entire systems.

From Inheritance to Audacity: Achsah, Daughter of Caleb²

Achsah didn’t settle for what was offered. After marrying Othniel, she boldly asked her father for more: “Give me also springs of water” (Josh. 15:19).²

In a patriarchal society, Achsah used her voice to secure abundance—not from entitlement, but from an understanding of provision. Her boldness teaches us that women in Scripture didn’t wait passively; they acted prophetically and strategically.

From Voice to Verdict: Deborah, Judge and Prophetess³

“Now Deborah, a prophet, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time” (Judg. 4:4).³ Her position under the Palm of Deborah wasn’t ornamental—it was judicial and spiritual. When she called Barak to battle, her command carried divine authority: “Has not the Lord, the God of Israel, commanded you…” (Judg. 4:6).³

Barak’s response—“If you go with me, I will go” (Judg. 4:8)—wasn’t weakness; it was reverence. Deborah’s leadership brought courage, strategy, and peace to Israel in a time of chaos.

Mount Tabor: Where Heaven and Earth Meet⁴

Mount Tabor becomes a holy convergence in both Deborah’s and Jesus’ stories. Under Deborah’s command, Barak gathered his army there (Judg. 4:6).⁴ Centuries later, Jesus would be transfigured on that same mountain, His face radiant, joined by Moses and Elijah, and affirmed by God: “This is my beloved Son. Listen to Him” (Mark 9:7).⁴

Tabor became a prophetic echo—God using that mountain to confirm purpose, leadership, and divine mission through unexpected vessels.

A Pattern of Elevation: The Ongoing Transfiguration of Women

Deborah’s leadership is not isolated:

Esther risked her life to influence national policy (Esther 4:14).⁵
Mary Magdalene was the first to witness and proclaim the resurrection (John 20:18).⁶
Priscilla taught doctrine alongside Paul and Aquila (Acts 18:26).⁷

Each woman echoes Deborah’s elevation—affirmed by heaven to lead, teach, and intercede.

A Legacy of Legal and Spiritual Authority

Deborah leaves us a dual inheritance:

As judge, she ruled with wisdom and justice.
As prophetess, she delivered strategy and spiritual truth.

Her song declares, “Village life in Israel ceased… until I, Deborah, arose, arose a mother in Israel” (Judg. 5:7).³ She saw herself not as a general or queen, but as a mother—one who governs with discernment, compassion, and divine conviction.

Conclusion: Tabor as Transformation

Mount Tabor isn’t just a mountain. It’s a metaphor. For Jesus, it revealed divine identity. For Deborah, it confirmed divine authority. In both moments, heaven touched earth—and God reminded the world that He calls whomever He wills.

Today, as women lead in pulpits, classrooms, boardrooms, and kitchens, Deborah’s story reminds us: God doesn’t elevate for ego. He elevates for impact.

Closing Prayer: For Women Called to Lead

Lord,

Thank You for confirming what You’ve whispered in our hearts. Bless every woman reading this who leads in hidden and seen places. May her voice carry wisdom, her hands build futures, and her prayers shift generations.

Let her Mount Tabor rise. Let Your glory meet her grind. And let her never forget: she is appointed, anointed, and never alone.

Amen.

POP LABS Leadership Note

This teaching is part of the Policy Over Politics Christian Leadership Series. In this reflection, the Mount of Transfiguration is not viewed as a moment of spectacle, but as a strategic exchange—a sacred boardroom where the wisdom of past leaders meets the burden of present obedience. Jesus’ transfiguration reveals that glory and vulnerability are not opposites, but divine companions in the journey of purpose.

Definition of Leadership

Leadership is the stewardship of communion and clarity. It is the discipline of seeking divine counsel before decisions, drawing from spiritual mentors, and walking faithfully—even when the cost is high. Leaders, like Jesus, are called not only to carry glory but to engage in honest, holy conversations that fortify the soul and clarify the mission.