Deborah, a judge of Israel, asked Barak, Israel’s army commander, to attack Jabin of Canaan, who had persecuted the Israelites for twenty years. Barak agreed to fight only if Deborah went with him; he felt Deborah had a unique relationship with God that would ensure victory. Deborah prophesied that God would use a woman to help defeat the enemy general Sisera. Her prophesy was fulfilled when a woman called Jael killed Sisera. The Israelites were successful in the battle—and they realized that it was God who was behind their victory.