Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, she judged Israel at that time.
"If thou wilt go with me, then I will go"  (Judges 4:9).  Barak should not be criticized for his reluctance.  He was in excellent company.  Moses himself was, at first, unwilling to undertake the rescue of Israel from Egypt, and Gideon also considered himself to be the least worthy to undertake his Divine assignment.  Barak recognized the great difficulty and danger of his call to deliver Israel, and he needed the assurance that the presence of Deborah would provide.