[1] According to Jewish tradition the book was attributed to the prophet Samuel,[2][3] but modern scholars view it as part of the Deuteronomistic History, which spans the books of Deuteronomy to 2 Kings, attributed to nationalistic and devotedly Yahwistic writers during the time of the reformer Judean king Josiah in 7th century BCE.

[8][9][10] Extant ancient manuscripts of a translation into Koine Greek known as the Septuagint (originally was made in the last few centuries BCE) include Codex Vaticanus (B;

[16] Deborah delivered military instructions received directly from God to Barak, the apparent leader of the Israelites, to confront the army of Jabin, led by Sisera (his general), and thereby showing that YHWH is the ultimate military commander in the holy wars fought by his people.

[21] The action was sung with some detail and nuance in the ancient poem of Judges 5 verse 22, as the fulfilment of Deborah's prediction (4:9).

[21] The last two verses (23–24) contain a reminder that YHWH controls the battle and gives relief from Israel's oppressors.