Why shouldn't he take refuge in the tent of a woman uninvolved in the war? Deborah, however, led by example and modeled courage, swift action, obedience, and a willingness to speak the truth, standing behind those she called to action. But God had mercy on the couple. In the end her wisdom prevailed, and her bravery saved her kinsmen. They are not worshipped because they are not the ultimate heroes of this story or the ultimate saviors of Israel. What was it about them that earned this honour? She would not send him somewhere she was not willing to go herself. Journey through time the creation Bible story, the birth of Jesus Christ, and on to Kingdom come. Israel had disobeyed God and gone their own way. Again, not much is known about the prophet himself other than what we learn from his writing, which is bold, succinct, grim, and in places hopeful. a map of Israel showing the cities and areas where the story took place. A good answer provides new insight and perspective. July 05 2019 She has much to teach us about the fact that God can and will use anybody as His chosen vessel. In verses 10-19, the repeating pattern of the book of Judges is described here. hiding Jews in WWII]. LESSON 33 Ruth and Naomi Two women whose husbands had both died returned to Israel. Furthermore, a lot has been written about Deborahs role as a woman in the Old Testament, and it is true; it was not common for women to hold positions of such power and influence in that culture at that time. Who Was Jael In The Bible? Judges 4:6 tells us that she summoned a man named Barak, who God chose to be the leader of Israels army against Jabins forces. He ran to her tent because he had an alliance with her husband and she appeared to welcome the opportunity of assisting him. The Scriptures tell us that the young virgin, betrothed to a carpenter, Joseph, was granted a very special favor. At the time Joel prophesied to the southern kingdom, Judah was in a state of disarray and decline. Deborah inspires us to trust our wisdom and instincts and to humbly accept the credit due us. Please ensure your answer MEETS all our guidelines. However, King Jabin was not at war with the household of Heber, husband of Jael. Then Jael, tiny in stature compared to the fearsome Sisera, murdered him in his sleep, fulfilling Deborahs prophecy. 1 Kings 19:19. She stepped up when called (Judges 5:8) and did not hesitate to act; what she called Israel to do in public, she committed to do in her personal relationship with God. 7 Ways to Love the Difficult People in Your Church. When the Holy Spirit prompts us to act, we usually dont have long to think. 1. Deborahs calling as a judge was not her sole occupation. For many of them, such deception as Bonhoeffer would soon be involved it was no different from lying. The Kenites were related to the Midianites.Jael features in the book of Judges as a heroic woman who killed Sisera, the leader of King Jabin's Canaanite army.Jabin was trying to conquer Israel, which was at that time under the leadership of Deborah, a prophetess and the only female to judge the nation of Israel. Fr Sean notes further, This is a celebration of the murder of Sisera. God uses tough times and anointed leaders like Deborah to wake His people and break them of the habit of sin and complacency when necessary. Choose one of the people in this story (Jael, Sisera, Deborah, one of the soldiers in either army) and develop a presentation about them. With his army decimated and trusted general now watering the sand with a spike-shaped hole in his head, Jabin, the king of Canaan, was soon defeated. 3. The use of the term minor is only applied to the length of Joels book (3 chapters) in comparison to some of the longer writings of Jeremiah (52 chapters), Isaiah (66 chapters), and Ezekiel (48 chapters). Rahab lied when confronted to protect those under her care. Soon Sisera would be awake again, and she took the opportunity to do what God was asking her to do. A good definition is getting someone to believe without doubt something that is false. Asked July 05 2019 HELPING CHRISTIANS BUILD POSITIVE, GODLY FAMILIES, CHURCHES, AND NATIONS, Follow us on social media for daily Scripture comments and more at. Who is the husband of Jael? Though we know very little about Deborahs actual family, the book of Judges tells us that Deborah came from the hill country of Ephraim between Bethel and Ramah. The apostle Paul would continue, God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised thingsand the things that are notto nullify the things that are,so that no one may boast before him (1 Corinthians 1:29). In fact, the Bible tells us that Jaels people, the Kenites, were at peace with the Canaanites. Then Deborah and Barak sang. This comes through His allowing other . Judges 5.24-27. On hearing Gods word, she sent for a man named Barak and told him that the Lord wanted him to gather ten thousand men and go to war against Sisera, the commander of Jabins army. The wife of Heber the Kenite and slayer of Sisera, a Canaanite commander. Deborah would agree to accompany Barak. Yael plays an important role in the story of Israel's wars with the Canaanites, described in the Book of Judges. Want to know how? BIBLE STUDY ACTIVITIES & IDEAS, for the story of Deborah & Jael Furthermore, desperation, crisis, and even personal hardship can either turn our hearts to God or blind us from the truth and lead us further into despair. This article is part of our People from the Bible Series featuring the most well-known historical names and figures from Scripture. What can we learn from the book of James? Jael went on to show Sisera every possible kindness. However, the promise of spiritual restoration through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, as seen on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2), is only a taste of the final glory and power of Christs presence and kingdom that will be released after the day of the Lord. The Israelites prosperity following the days of Joshua should have solidified their faith. In this way, as Deborah had promised, Jael was given a special honor for her role in killing an enemy of Gods people. We need to prioritize His glory and His competence over our own. Israel was at war with the Canaanites. Gods promise of restoration, therein, is threefold, as John MacArthur summarizes: Joel promises that this day is coming. Deborah modeled this aspect of leadership better than most. That got Naomis attention, which goes to show you: a lovely friend can turn the heart of a bitter women. Here we find an honest reckoning with the past and a charge for Israel to wake up and return to their God. Her leadership, wisdom, and courage have been the subject of countless devotionals, seminars, and sermons, and the Song of Deborah and Barak (Judges 5) is widely regarded as one of the first and finest examples of Hebrew poetry in the Bible. Barak was nervous about this and agreed to go only if Deborah would come along for moral support. In chapter four of the great book of Judges, we meet Jael. He trusted her. A canticle (Judges 5) is dedicated to her bravery. In this regard, Gods judgment, though fair and just, will be terrible for many. There's no biblical formula for a strong, godly woman. Share Jael; however, was not in this situation. Lessons from Jael on God's Chosen Vessels - The Far above rubies collection Do not be afraid.. For believers, Gods presence and work in our lives should be our greatest joy. When Sisera managed to escape the battlefield he looked for a place of refuge until he could return to King Jabins stronghold in Hazor. What was even more unexpected is that this woman was not actually Hebrew, being a Kenite. God is looking for complete and total repentance and hearts that are aligned to His will, not the things of this world. The higher the vote, the further up an answer is. It is so easy to judge others who must make hard decisions in difficult situations. But who was Deborah, and what can we learn from her leadership, her character, and her role in the biblical narrative? This battle was the beginning of the end for King Jabin as the Israelites continued in war with him until he was destroyed. When we examine Bible stories of women in the Bible like Rahab, Jael, the Egyptian midwives [Ex. Copyright 2022 Nina Dafe. However, in acknowledging the sins of Israels past, Deborah also looks to the joy of their present salvation and hope for an even better future. Sisera had 900 chariots fitted with iron plus his foot soldiers. Before we talk anymore about Jael, we have to talk about what was going on in Israel at the time. This event in Jaels life reveals a series of lessons, the first of which is that God will always fulfil His word. She covered him with a rug to hide and comfort him. (Matthew 23), He touched lepers even though the rules of his day said that doing so would make him unclean. The Canaanites under the king Jabin of Hazor oppressed Israel for twenty years. The couple later had a son, Obed, the grandfather of David. Do we make the same mistake? We should be constantly ready to run to him, confess our sins, and then bask in the victory of the cross. Eve was a beautiful, intelligent woman who would become the mother of all humanity and the first one to experience temptation. For example, if we give people the impression that coming to Jesus will solve all their problems we are not giving them a true picture. In fact, the armies of Israel were largely outnumbered by Sisera and his many chariots. We will do well though seeking the path of fair play and justice, even as we work against the structures and systems of oppression, Fr Sean advises. 2 Samuel 11:2, 3, 12:2, I Kings 11:31, 2:13-19, I Chronicles 3:5. Baylis, Albert H.From Creation to the Cross: Understanding the First Half of the Bible. Genesis 3:15 gives us the theme of everything that follows. Yet this is exactly what happened. The king, who led more by whim than wisdom, was convinced by his evil minister Haman to kill all Jews. We all wear many hats and fulfill many roles in life, but whether its in our jobs, our relationships, or our families, God calls us to be faithful and obedient inall areas of life, big and small, public and private. Jael or Yael (Hebrew: Yl) is a heroine in the Hebrew Bible's Book of Judges who delivers Israel from the army of King Jabin of Canaan.After Barak demurs at the behest of the prophetess Deborah, God turns Sisera over to Jael who kills him by driving a tent peg through his skull after he enters her tent near the great tree in Zaanannim near Kedesh. Scholars have since rejected his thesis, and today Mary Magdalene is seen as one of Jesus most powerful allies. For example, she gave him milk when he asked for a little water and covered him with blankets when he lay down to rest, being weary from battle (Judges 4:18-19). Give me a drink, Jesus said, a scandal; Jews were forbidden to share anything in common with unclean Samaritans. Trust in God When Sarah was told in her old age that she would give birth to a son, she had perhaps. Angela Current on Twitter: "5 Powerful Lessons From Jael In The Bible Some scholars believe that Joel may have been a priest of the tribe of Levi, given his passion for talking about temple sacrifices (Joel 1:9; 2:13-16). However, it is not Deborah or Barak, or Jael who deserves glory or praise. Jael invited him into her tent to hide and rest. It was a gift. 4. 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The Lord has decreed disaster for you. 1 Kings 22:23, NIV. We also know that Deborah was married to a man named Lappidoth (Judges 4:4), though not much is known about him beyond his name. As shrewd as she was gorgeous Rahab knew an opportunity when she saw one. Who was Melchizedek and Why was He so Important? He is the one who gives life; he is the one who cancels our debts; he is the one who nails our sins to the cross once and for all. (Mark 3:1-6). Of course, like all the biblical prophets, the focus of Joels ministry and message should always be on the one who called him to prophesy and minister. Here are11 Biblical women whose lives are as relevant today as they were when they were first recorded. Let's start at the beginning. Hiding her Jewish identity, she became a harem contestant, and after a year of spa treatments, emerged a stunner. And her right hand to the workman's mallet; As Joel writes, do not fear, O land, rejoice and be glad, for the Lord has done great things (Joel 2:21) and rejoice, O sons of Zion, and be glad in the Lord your God; for He has given you the early rain for your vindication. (Joel 2:23), Photo credit: PlayBackMedia//Sparrowstock. While he was sleeping, she executed him.. Report. He always did it for the sake of challenging relationally abusive behavior and freeing the oppressed. Rahab is heartily condemned by many people because she dared to lie to save the lives of two men. Alwyn Smith strong in his fight for his childrens future, Yahweh and Christianity not one and the same , Four interns under GraceKennedy Birthright Programme to arrive in Jamaica today, Allen wants part of tourism earnings reinvested in crime fighting, The dark side of music business and reggaes sufferation, Reggae helpedcreate a historical catalogue of the black British experience, Minister Johnson Smith appeals to OAS to support regions war on guns, Education ministry revises summer school programme, Digital Archives: Online editions 2006-Now. She disarmed him with her words of reassurance. Jael is best known for killing Sisera, the commander of the Canaanite army, in a bloody, gruesome manner. But where Sisera trusted in the might of his army, Deborah trusted in Gods power and provision (Psalms 20:6-9). She is not a harlot and doesnt seem to have a scandalous past, but Bible commentators accuse her of other sins sacrificing the sacred rights of hospitality to her dark purpose, the sins of lying, treachery, and assassination, callous efficiency, treachery, and murder in cold blood. Further to this, at this point in time women did not usually go to war; therefore, Baraks insistence that Deborah came to battle with him was hugely unorthodox. In this way, God demonstrates His tendency to use the weak things of the world to confound the mighty (1 Corinthians 1:27). No matter the circumstances, God is in control and seated on His throne. Clarify Jael in the Bible (meaning of the name, characteristics and lessons One of the women . Perhaps that was why he had made a treaty with King Jabin. 1 Corinthians 10:31 tells us, Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.. Living water must have sounded good to the ex-wife of five, now shacked up with a sixth paramour. . She did not overanalyse it, she did not overthink it. He asked for water and she gave him milk, She brought him curds in a lordly bowl. Does God sometimes ignore the prayers of sinners (Psalm 66:18)? of Who Was Jael In The Bible? A Character Study | Jack Wellman - Patheos Jesus wanted to quench his bodily thirst; so did the woman, but the story hints at deeper layers of meaning. Barak insisted Deborah accompany him, and Deborah committed to going. Can Christians Speak Things into Existence? Actually, her reply is not recorded so we dont know what she agreed to do. We need only to skip ahead in the Bible to the life of Jesus to read more stories of rules broken. There, in the wilderness,the slave, whose name means, stranger, received a comforting message. For more info, you can check out her blog here. Read Judges 2:6-23. We recognize that the storys not over. We see the hope on the other side of where we are (231). Indeed, rejoicing dries up from the sons of men. (Joel 1:12). Not a man was left, except Sisera that is, who managed to dismount his horse and run away on foot to the tent of Jael (Judges 4:17). Beyond the Bible, some historical records suggest that Joel might have been from the tribe of Reuben and lived in the town of Bethom (or Bethharam), north of the Dead Sea, however, the context of Joels prophecy suggests he was from Judea and lived near or around Jerusalem, a city he seems familiar with. Deborah the Bible was one of the most influential women in the Old Testament. That being said, there are several things we can learn from the ministry, the mission, and the message of Joel that are applicable to believers, especially today. Judges 4:21-22 tells us this: But Jael the wife of Heber took a tent peg, and took a hammer in her hand. What Makes a Woman Strong: How God Prepared Deborah to Lead It may not look the way we expect it to, and it can take a lot of trust to act when we dont feel well-equipped. Sisera, the enemy general, fled from the battlefield. Say, When the judge Ehud died Who was Ehud? Her offer of help to Sisera was adeceptionconcealing her real plans. 'Most blessed of women be Jael, The wife of Heber the Kenite, Of tent dwelling women most blessed. We know from history, however, that Joels warning went largely unheeded. Before we talk anymore about Jael, we have to talk about what was going on in Israel at the time. Yael: Bible | Jewish Women's Archive II. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David and of his kingdom there will be no end. What is most notable is not the miraculous visitation, its that she said an unprecedented Yes.". For more information about Glenn Davis see our About Glenn page and/or his Author's Page. This is vital to the survival of any civilization. Lets start at the beginning. And like most things in life, Deborah and Barak did not hesitate to worship. However, though the book of Joel is commonly classified as one of the twelve minor prophets of the Bible, there is nothing minor about Joels ministry or message. Beliefnet is a lifestyle website providing feature editorial content around the topics of inspiration, spirituality, health, wellness, love and family, news and entertainment. Find out what gave Him a heavy heartand because He experienced it, He knows what we feel like when we are troubled. Only Jesus knows what it is like to be forsaken by God. He denounced religious rulers for heaping impossible burdens on the people listening to them. Deborah reminded the people that, though they had betrayed God and broken covenant with Him, He had remained faithful. Instead, the temptation of foreign gods and the presence of false worship remained, slowly reshaping the culture and turning the hearts of the people away from God in the process. Showing Jael was the wife of Heber who was a Kenite, the same ethnic group that Moses' father-in-law (Jethro) had been from (Judges 4:11). She only gets a few lines of Scripture, but we have so much to learn from her. Lesson Summarize Judges 4 with the following story, asking the included questions as you read. 5 Powerful Lessons From Jael In The Bible https://rosevinecottagegirls.com/5-powerful-lessons-from-jael-in-the-bible/ via @@RosevineCottage