Topical Encyclopedia Jael is a prominent figure in the Old Testament, known for her decisive role in the defeat of the Canaanite army commander, Sisera. She is introduced in the Book of Judges, specifically in Judges 4 and 5, during the time of the prophetess and judge Deborah. Jael was the wife of Heber the Kenite, a clan that had separated from the other Kenites, descendants of Moses' father-in-law, Hobab. The Kenites were generally at peace with the Israelites, but Heber had allied himself with Jabin, the king of Canaan, whose army was led by Sisera.Biblical Account The narrative of Jael is set against the backdrop of Israel's oppression under Jabin, king of Canaan. Deborah, a prophetess and judge, alongside Barak, son of Abinoam, led the Israelites in battle against Sisera's forces. The Lord granted victory to Israel, and Sisera fled on foot to the tent of Jael. Judges 4:17 states, "Meanwhile, Sisera fled on foot to the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, because there was peace between Jabin king of Hazor and the family of Heber the Kenite." Jael welcomed Sisera into her tent, offering him hospitality and a place to rest. She gave him milk to drink and covered him with a blanket. Exhausted, Sisera fell asleep, trusting in the safety of Jael's tent. However, Jael had other intentions. Judges 4:21 recounts her actions: "But Jael, Heber’s wife, picked up a tent peg and a hammer, and went quietly to him while he lay fast asleep, exhausted. She drove the peg through his temple into the ground, and he died." Significance in Scripture Jael's act of killing Sisera is celebrated in the Song of Deborah, found in Judges 5. This song is a poetic retelling of the victory over the Canaanites and highlights Jael's bravery and decisive action. Judges 5:24 declares, "Most blessed among women is Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite; most blessed is she among women in tents." Jael's actions are seen as a fulfillment of Deborah's prophecy to Barak that the honor of defeating Sisera would not be his, but would instead go to a woman (Judges 4:9). Her deed is often interpreted as an example of divine intervention and the unexpected ways in which God delivers His people. Jael's courage and willingness to act against an enemy of Israel, despite her husband's alliance with Jabin, underscore her role as an instrument of God's justice. Cultural and Theological Reflections Jael's account raises questions about the nature of hospitality, loyalty, and the ethics of her actions. In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, hospitality was a sacred duty, and Jael's violation of this norm by killing Sisera is striking. However, her actions are framed within the narrative as being in alignment with God's deliverance of Israel. From a theological perspective, Jael is often viewed as a vessel of God's will, demonstrating that God can use anyone, regardless of their background or status, to achieve His purposes. Her account is a testament to the unexpected ways in which God can bring about salvation and justice for His people. Nave's Topical Index Judges 4:17-22However, Sisera fled away on his feet to the tent of Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite: for there was peace between Jabin the king of Hazor and the house of Heber the Kenite. Nave's Topical Index Judges 5:6,24 Library The Training of a Statesman. Appeal to the Christian Women of the South Against Jovinianus. The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Resources Who were the Kenites? | GotQuestions.orgQuestions about People in the Bible (All) | GotQuestions.org Old Testament Individuals ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Jael: Wife of Heber, and the One Who Killed Sisera Related Terms |
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