Shalom Keith and Nehemia; very interesting discussion. I’d say that promotion of women in combat though is problematic. When Yah gives men the ability to bear and nurture children, them women will be able to be considered expendable enough to thrust into combat. Also, wars are typically conducted in rather unsanitary conditions, which is sort of the natural male condition, not as much the female. Obviously there will be exceptions, but we need not legislate general rules on the basis of exceptions.

Keith , you missed the point on Devorah’s leadership. She did not have the command, but was merely the messenger. Yah had the command and leadership. Barack, perhaps in lack of faith, needed the presence of the messenger, perhaps to verify the authenticity of her source. Her presence affirmed her faithfulness as Yah’s messenger to him. The troops followed Barack though, and if Devorah was the commander, it was news to them. (Ju 4:10) This from morfix online dictionary, “to be canalized ; to be channeled, to be redirected”, for “ותעל” (and she went up) may help to indicate it was not Yah’s original plan that she be at the battle.

It took more than mere flowing water, or even mud to disable the chariots. Ju 4:15&16 tell us that Yah worked the victory by the sword, and while muddy conditions probably were instrumental, the water only washed them away, presumably afterward.

Interestingly, the killing of Sisera may have been easier than you guys described. It appears from the poem, that she hit him with the hammer first, perhaps to the point of disfigurement, before putting the peg through his temple.

All in all though, great job guys, considering the technological duress, and the unrehearsed nature of the presentation. IAOEH bless!