“Now Deborah, a prophet, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time” (Judges 4:4)…so we begin to read about the 4th judge for Israel: Deborah. Ehud died and for the following 20 years the Israelites “did evil” again.
Deborah tells Barak to take 10,000 men into battle, but Barak is afraid: “If you go with me, I will go; but if you don’t go with me, I won’t go.” (Judges 4:8). The women lead strongly in this story. First, Deborah directs Barak, then, when Sisera escapes, Jael drives a tent peg through his head! (Judges 4:21)
Then the land had peace for 40 years.
Chapter 4 provides the story and chapter 5 a song that recounts the highlights.