Judges 4:8

Go with me. Barak probably realized that by himself he could not sustain the morale of the Hebrews. Deborah’s presence would serve to make clear that the undertaking was of God. He probably wanted it to be clearly understood by all that it was she, the prophetess, who was initiating the campaign, and not he himself. It is to the credit of Barak that he followed prophetic guidance in the dangerous undertaking. It is also worthy of note that Deborah did not draw back from the course she had prescribed for others. As for Barak, he preferred the humbler role of one who was executing the command that had come from the Lord. He voluntarily retired behind the authority of a woman whom God had animated and inspired. The need today is for men who will obey the divine voice as Barak did.

God does not confine Himself to the male sex in His choice of prophets. Both the OT and the NT mention prophetesses (Ex. 15:20, 21; Num. 12:2; 2 Kings 22:12-20; Luke 2:36; Acts 21:9).