Barak-not-Obama

I though we could take a break from Barack, and talk about Barak. He was the commander of Israel's armies back in the day. The leader of Israel at the time was Deborah, and here is what she said to Barak:

"'Go and deploy troops at Mount Tabor. … And Barak said to her, 'If you go with me, then I will go; but if you will not go with me, I will not go!' So she said, 'I will surely go with you; nevertheless there will be no glory for you in the journey you are taking, for the Lord will sell Sisera into the hand of a woman.' Then Deborah arose and went with Barak to Kedesh" (Judges 4:6-9). (Finale: Barak routs the Canaanites, but it is a woman named Jael who ends up killing Sisera with the skillful use of a hammer and tent peg.)

I have always interpreted Barak's attitude as cowardly. But my NKJV's study notes blew me away with a very different view:

"Barak, a great man of faith (Hebrews 11:32), is a classic study in the wisdom of a man's acknowledgment of the potential power of a woman's contribution to a goal. Because of Deborah's godly and skillful leadership traits, Barak would not go into this battle without her, even when told that he would not get full honor for the victory. His priority was the welfare of the nation, and he knew that their combined efforts would ensure success. … Deborah's quick response is evidence that she also knew her presence was essential. …" (Hebrews 11:32: "And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah also of David and Samuel and the prophets.")

What say ye of Barak-coward, or a hero who willingly gave up the glory?