Topical Bible: Women: Help in Defensive Operations

◄ Women: Help in Defensive Operations ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Throughout the biblical narrative, women have played significant roles in defensive operations, often demonstrating courage, wisdom, and resourcefulness. Their contributions are woven into the fabric of biblical history, highlighting their importance in times of conflict and crisis.

Deborah and Jael

One of the most prominent examples is found in the Book of Judges, where Deborah, a prophetess and judge of Israel, leads the nation during a time of oppression by the Canaanites. Deborah's leadership is instrumental in rallying the Israelites to victory. She calls upon Barak to lead the army, assuring him of God's promise of victory. Her role is not only as a leader but also as a source of divine guidance and encouragement. Judges 4:9 records Deborah's words to Barak: "Certainly I will go with you," she replied. "But the road you are taking will bring you no honor, because the LORD will be selling Sisera into the hand of a woman."

The fulfillment of Deborah's prophecy comes through Jael, another courageous woman. Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, plays a pivotal role in the defeat of Sisera, the commander of the Canaanite army. When Sisera seeks refuge in her tent, Jael seizes the opportunity to act decisively. Judges 4:21 describes 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." Jael's bravery and decisive action contribute significantly to Israel's victory over their oppressors.

The Wise Woman of Abel Beth Maacah

Another notable example is the wise woman of Abel Beth Maacah, whose intervention prevents the destruction of her city. During the rebellion of Sheba against King David, Joab, the commander of David's army, besieges the city. The wise woman negotiates with Joab, demonstrating her diplomatic skills and wisdom. In 2 Samuel 20:16-22 , she calls out to Joab and proposes a peaceful resolution, ultimately leading to the execution of Sheba and the salvation of her city. Her actions exemplify the power of wisdom and negotiation in averting disaster.

The Role of Women in Nehemiah's Time

In the time of Nehemiah, women also contribute to the defense and rebuilding of Jerusalem. Nehemiah 3 details the reconstruction of the city walls, and while the chapter primarily lists the men involved, it is understood that women also participated in this communal effort. Their support and labor were crucial in fortifying the city against potential threats.

Esther's Strategic Intervention

The Book of Esther provides another example of a woman's strategic intervention in defense of her people. Esther, a Jewish queen in the Persian Empire, uses her position to thwart the genocidal plans of Haman, an enemy of the Jews. Through her courage and careful planning, Esther secures the king's favor and exposes Haman's plot, leading to the preservation of the Jewish people. Esther 4:14 highlights her pivotal role: "For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows if perhaps you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"

Conclusion

The biblical accounts of women in defensive operations reveal their vital roles in the preservation and protection of their communities. Through leadership, wisdom, and courage, these women demonstrate the significant impact they have had in times of conflict, serving as examples of faith and strength.

Nave's Topical Index

Judges 9:53
And a certain woman cast a piece of a millstone on Abimelech's head, and all to broke his skull.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... repaired to the Peloponnesus as a suppliant for help. ... rabble of servants, hucksters,
and women which followed ... have endeavoured to assume the defensive both by ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm

The Rise of the Assyrian Empire
... king and his armies, and inciting to revolt by promises of help never meant ... of wrought
or unwrought gold, and by offering him the most beautiful women of their ...
/.../chapter iithe rise of the.htm

On the Soul and the Resurrection.
... greaves, and helmets, and all the defensive armour, and ... accomplishing [1764] by itself
these operations"to nothing ... virgin, we see no slight help afforded for ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/on the soul and the 2.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... He had thought to strengthen himself by securing the help of a certain ... the Cimmerians
and Scythians in the north, carrying on short defensive campaigns among ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... an enemy to break through this complex defensive zone, and ... people in the midst of
thee are women; the gates of ... caught the animal he required with the help of a ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

The Reaction against Egypt
... son Aziru"addressed themselves to them for help in the ... was over, he remained on the
defensive, and made no ... had never ceased working since operations had been ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... people refused to give him any help, and he ... Shechem died also, about a thousand men
and women.". ... Egyptians, who were unrivalled in military operations at this ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Memphite Empire
... were often successful in getting through the lines; they scattered themselves over
the country, surprised a village or two, bore off such women and children as ...
/.../chapter iithe memphite empire.htm