Deborah became Judge at a time when Israel was experiencing a spiritual and moral decline, partly due to the loss of their national leaders, Moses and Joshua. In those days there was no king in Israel; every man did what was proper in his own eyes. Deborahs understanding of Israels potential for spiritual greatness stemmed from her maternal love. She held hope for Israel and inspired a renewed sense of value as Gods chosen people, and exhibited a womans ability to instill rather than impose, to invigorate rather than force, and to cultivate rather than command.