He went towards the camp of a woman called Jael the Kenite for there was peace between King Jabin and the Kenites. She didnt waste a moment thinking, If only I had a sword. She simply took up the tools at hand and did what was being asked of her. Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible. Lessons from Jael on God's Chosen Vessels - The Far above rubies collection Want to know how? We dont always have to fight to get what we want; sometimes we just have to outwit our adversary. With their unadorned faith, the women of the Bible continue to teach us how to live authentic, God-touched. a map of Israel showing the cities and areas where the story took place. We are love-bound and duty-bound to follow it. We know, of course, that it was Yahweh who commissioned Joel, empowered Joel, and gave Joel the words to speak and the authority to deliver them to the elders of Judah (Joel 1:1-2). God has answered you. Hagar returned to her abusive mistress with a promise that her own sons descendants would be too many to count. 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. This allows for deceptions in times of war [but not slander - we can deceive our enemy but cannot exaggerate their actions or falsely accuse them] and trickery such as undercover police officers or undercover government agents may use [as long as they are against evil people and not innocent people]. Who was Jael in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org to Joel reminds us that, the Lord will roar from Zion and thunder in Jerusalem (3:16). In the end, God elevates those He chooses. 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.". Lying or deceptions are harshly condemned as things God hates [Pr. In this way, God demonstrates His tendency to use the weak things of the world to confound the mighty (1 Corinthians 1:27). Like the Pharisees, we often like to cling to the letter of the law. Due to Jaels actions, the children of Israel won their battle for freedom against King Jabin and had rest [in their land] for forty years. There we learn that Deborah was called to deliver the Israelites from the Canaanites as the fifth judge. And eating and drinking are pretty small, insignificant things. What was even more unexpected is that this woman was not actually Hebrew, being a Kenite. 4. But who exactly was this Jael? In fact, she was welcoming the opportunity of standing with the people of God and destroying their enemy. He told her to stand guard at the door of the tent and said, If any man comes and asks, Is there any man here?, say, No. With that, Sisera fell into a deep sleep. However, this is a name not mentioned anywhere else in the Old Testament (Joel 1:1). Your imperfections and disadvantages do not disqualify you from doing something great for God. Why did the Israelites forget God and sin so readily after Joshua died? Soon Sisera would be awake again, and she took the opportunity to do what God was asking her to do. Throughout the book of Joel, disaster is a prominent theme. Jael; however, hadanother purposein mind. She was the only woman who served as a judge during those extended years of turmoil. 1 Corinthians 10:31 tells us, Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.. Then she went softly to him and drove the peg into his temple until it went down into the ground while he was lying fast asleep from weariness. Jael - Bible Study - BibleWise A member of the. When the war-weary, defeated general of Canaanite forces staggered into Jaels encampment, he couldnt have known that through her husband the calculating woman had bonds that obligated her to Israel. God is also good, and as we see through Joels ministry and message, He often uses calamity and hardship to win the hearts of His people back to Him. Rival nations such as Tyre, Sidon, and Philistia had made frequent incursions into Israel, leaving the nation politically fragile. She may never have had to lie with her lips, but her every action was a lie. What is important is that when the time came to make the decision, she didnt hesitate. But we do know that all her actions toward Sisera were deceptions of her true intentions. Lessons You Can Learn From the Bible - JW.ORG How (or who) we choose will determine our ultimate fate. II. Jael in the Bible - 5 Powerful Lessons from Her Unusual Story (2022) She took Sisera into her tent, hid him and fed him, making him feel safe and secure. Jael is one of those women of the Bible who we dont get a lot of details or background on. Esther reminds us to be imaginative, as well as courageous. 3. This site is a proud member of the Salem Web Network, a subsidiary of, Copyright 2023, Crosswalk.com. Sure enough, as he approached Hebers tent Heber's wife, Jael, came out to meet him and was happy to help. Between her feet he sank, he fell, he lay still; between her feet he sank, he fell; where he sank, there he fell dead (Judges 5:24-27). Instead, that privilege would go to a woman. She was also a wife, a warrior, a prophetess, and a songwriter, and in all things, she proved faithful. Only the best will do when we come to Jesus, as the gift of the sinful woman shows. In fact, God was going to sell Sisera into the hand of a woman instead, and give her the gloryand that woman (spoiler alert!) The major/minor label is not a grade or ranking of the quality of Joels writing or the significance of his ministry. Deborah the Bible was one of the most influential women in the Old Testament. 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. Her faith in Jesus was not a product of her extraordinary actions. With Mary as our example, we can follow our passions with everything within us, fearlessly, no matter what obstacles we encounter. Jael; however, was not in this situation. He will be great, and will be called the Most High. Vote Up Trust in God When Sarah was told in her old age that she would give birth to a son, she had perhaps. Today our battle isnt against a person; it is against the powers of darkness. Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army, ABC/DTS graduate, guitar music ministry Baptist church. Children's Bible lessons can educate adults too! In the narrative about the military heroine Deborah, Yael kills Sisera, the Canaanite general of King Jabin, after he escapes from . When we examine Bible stories of women in the Bible like Rahab, Jael, the Egyptian midwives [Ex. Was Jael right in what she did - using the art of deception, lying with her actions? Rahab teaches us to use our wiles effectively and with great love. Naaman's slave girl shows us how to love our enemies and be a blessing. 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. She told old friends, Call me Mara, for the Lord has made it very bitter for me. What Naomi missed is the sweetness of a special gift: Ruth. Still, she said yes to the prodding of God. However, as we see throughout Scripture, God does not hesitate to raise up, equip, empower, and promote His faithful servants, regardless of their social status, abilities, or lack thereof. Tabor against their enemy Sisera. In his book, Joel identifies himself as the son of Pethuel. St. Gregory the Great ruined her reputation suggesting she was a prostitute. Sharing question: Describe a time in your life when times were difficult or when you were overcome by hard circumstances, as the Jews were at this time. While the Bible doesnt expressly tell us about Jaels motives for killing Sisera, she must have had a motive that was more important to her than an earthly alliance, and that motive must have been honoring God. Those who know God and have been right with Him will stand before the judge in confidence, knowing that He will rule in righteousness. What can we learn from the account of Micah and the idol in Judges? 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. Because as devastating as the locust plague has been, it would be nothing compared to what was to come from God if the people did not repent and turn their hearts back to God. Sisera was the commander of the Canaanite army. And so began the cycle of rebellion, loss of freedom and oppression, repentance, and restoration that we read about in the book of Judges. She explored the Garden, dialogued with a serpent, decided on the forbidden fruit, and liked it enough to share the experience with Adam. You can also download it and share it with anyone else you feel would benefit from it: In the beginning of Judges 4 we are told that the children of Israel had been harshly oppressed by Jabin, the King of Canaan, for twenty years as a result of their sin (Judges 4:1-3). Regardless, what we ultimately know about Joel, who he was, and when he ministered are probably less important than the message he delivered. Who Was Jael In The Bible? If you are disenfranchised, despised, or despairing, listen for the voices of angels. Jael respectfully called to fleeing commander. 2. 4 Bibliography. Centuries before the tart with a heart became Hollywood fodder there was Rahabs story. It is not a tool to get out of trouble - deserved or not. While Jaels actions saved the Israelites from the power and oppression of Siseras army, might the same result have been accomplished otherwise? In her free time youll probably find her writing, lifting, or doting on her handsome cat. She also assured him that God would defeat Sisera through him however Barak refused to go to battle without her (Judges 4:6-8). The king may not have been bright, but he knew how to pick a beauty queen. In exchange for the mandrake . Only Jesus knows what it is like to be forsaken by God. Say, When the judge Ehud died Who was Ehud? Joel Ryanis an author, writing professor, and contributing writer for Salem Web Network and Lifeway. What did Jael do in the Bible? This site is a proud member of the Salem Web Network, a subsidiary of, Copyright 2023, Crosswalk.com. 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. 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. Jael was careful to give Sisera no reason to doubt her loyalty and intentions. In the end her wisdom prevailed, and her bravery saved her kinsmen. When the Canaanites were defeated by Barak, Sisera, the captain of Jabin's army, fled and sought refuge with the friendly tribe of Heber, beneath the oaks of Zaanaim. 2:11-12], there appears to emerge an interesting principle. Charles Spurgeon once gave a sermon where he compared Sisera to sin. Lessons we can learn from the lives of women in the Bible who are rarely mentioned. However, his familiarity with pastoral and agricultural life (Joel 1:13-14; 2:17) suggests he probably was not a Levite or a priest, whose sole occupation centered around temple life, not the kind of labor described by Joel. Jael invited him into her tent to hide and rest. Jael In The Bible - CHURCHGISTS.COM Lessons from Jael the assassin | News | Jamaica Gleaner Gods Judgment Is Great for Those Who Belong to God. Unless, of course, God was on your side. 2. Although Deborahs courage is legendary, her confidence did not come from her abilities or Israels army. Who was Jael in the Bible? - CompellingTruth.org What does the bible say about a mother/daughter relationship? The meaning of Jael in the Bible is wild goat or wild gazelle. Her every word, her every action told him she was on his side. One of King Jabins allies was a man called Heber the Kenite - a descendant of Moses father-in-law, Jethro. As such, Jael shows us that God will use absolutely anybody to bring His will about. It affirms the notion that God is on the side of the oppressed, and that God cares for the oppressed. She sent her hand to the tent peg and her right hand to the workmens mallet; she struck Sisera; she crushed his head; she shattered and pierced his temple. 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. (See Jael.). According to Matthew Henrys Commentary, the judges were often prophets instructed in Divine knowledge by the inspiration of the Spirit of God and civic leaders, given authority to judge Israel as Gods mouth to them; correcting abuses, and redressing grievances. On many occasions, the judges also served as military commanders who led Israel in battle against foreign adversaries. Lesson Summarize Judges 4 with the following story, asking the included questions as you read. Be careful what you ask for. Although Israels servitude at the hands of the Canaanites, Midianites, Philistines, and other nations was a result of their sin and idolatry, the Israelites had not done themselves any favors by refusing to remove these nations and their influence from the land, as God had instructed in the book of Joshua. Jael actively went about deceiving Sisera. The country was at war, and David should have been with his men, but the king had grown more self-indulgent in his mature years. 1. She fed him and wooed him to sleep. Jael then committed an act that one writer says is rather shocking to our modern sensibilities. When hes not writing stories and defending biblical truth, Joel is committed to helping young men find purpose in Christ and become fearless disciples and bold leaders in their homes, in the church, and in the world. Have you ever wondered what the key verse of the Bible is? Eves story reminds us that women can be both creative and destructive. For Christians today, Matthew Henry offers this powerful reminder: be not dismayed at the difficulties thou meetest with in resisting Satan, in serving God, or suffering for him; for is not the Lord gone before thee?. Esther was a simple orphan, raised by her cousin Mordecai, until she decided she was destined to be royalty. However, it is important to recognize that the day of the Lord is also a day that is still coming when Christ returns and God in His sovereignty executes a final great and terrible judgment on those whove rejected Him. In depth study of one person's story. (Matthew 8:3), He healed on the Sabbath even though no work was supposed to be done. She did more than welcome him. Share 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. Here are eight powerful lessons you can learn from biblical women who you may have forgotten. As was too often the case, Israels troubles were entirely the result of their own sin and idol worship, which God sought to correct (Judges 4:1-2). Perhaps that was why he had made a treaty with King Jabin. Who was Jael in the Bible? Beliefnet is a lifestyle website providing feature editorial content around the topics of inspiration, spirituality, health, wellness, love and family, news and entertainment. Barak answered, If you go with me. Deborah agreed, but told Barak hed receive no glory. Jaels story lets us know sometimes a girl has to slay the giants in her life, using whatever crude tools are available. For more information about Glenn Davis see our About Glenn page and/or his Author's Page. Photini became one of Christianitys earliest evangelists, telling everyone she knew what Jesus had done. There, in the wilderness,the slave, whose name means, stranger, received a comforting message. A Bible heroine, a Judge of Israel - not a judge who passes sentence on criminals, but a leader and adviser in times of trouble. Though not much is known about Joel, his ministry contains important spiritual truths regarding the sovereignty of God, Gods promise of judgment, and the hope of restoration and outpouring of Gods spirit on those who call on the name of the Lord. While he was sleeping, she executed him.. 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. A Character Study July 21, 2015 by Jack Wellman 0 Comments Exactly who was Jael? He had no qualms about sending for another mans wife, simply because he lusted for her. Clarify Who was Deborah? The long and short of it is that she was a female assassin. Colossians 2:13-15 paints a beautiful picture of the victory Jesus gaveand continues to give usover sin: And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses,by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. However, she informed him that, because of his hesitancy, the honor shall not be yours for the Lord will sell Sisera into the hands of a woman (Judges 4:9). results. 24 Or should killing be the way to go for those whom we consider to be offenders? 5 Powerful Lessons From Jael In The Bible 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). There is something about Jaels deceit and action of murder that does not appeal to the contemporary mind and critical, ethical thinking. Her offer of help to Sisera was adeceptionconcealing her real plans. She single-handedly saved two of Joshuas spies by hiding them, lying to the authorities, and helping the pair to escape. Like any good leader, Deborah led the way. She put her hand to the tent-peg. In fact, the events are mentioned as taking place in the days of Jael - an honour to have the date identified with her - and she is called the most blessed among women for her actions. Any faltering in her voice, any sideward glances, any hesitancy in her actions would have betrayed her true intentions and probably gotten her killed. Here are guidelines to help facilitate a meaningful learning experience for everyone. Context of the Book of Judges in the Whole Bible Before we jump in, I want to give us a little context on the book of Judges. Judges 4:21-22 tells us this: But Jael the wife of Heber took a tent peg, and took a hammer in her hand. She took a long, deep drink, never to thirst again. HELPING CHRISTIANS BUILD POSITIVE, GODLY FAMILIES, CHURCHES, AND NATIONS, Like the Pharisees, we often like to cling to the letter of the law. 7 Ways to Love the Difficult People in Your Church. All we know for sure, besides the account of her story, is that she was a Bedouin and the wife of Heber the Kenite. The truth about deceptions is that they are a legitimate weapon and defence in this narrow area. the battle plan that won the day for the Israelites. You may find your courage is only a prayer away. 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However, we must make sure we are understanding it accurately. All other living people operate under the grace of God to a certain extent.. Among the judges of Israel, Deborah was unique in that she not only led by example, but she was also bold, assertive, and obedient in both her personal and public life. Our celebration of strong women in the body of Christ should be heard loud and clear. However, for those who seek the Lord, turn from their sinful ways, and rend their hearts and not their garments, the day of the Lord is a day to be anticipated with great joy, not terror. At the time a prophetess named Deborah was judge over Israel, and people went to her in matters of justice. 2021 16 Jun. Judges 5.24-27. Steadfast love and loyalty may just lead you into a glorious destiny. 7 Lessons We Can Learn from Deborah in the Bible - Crosswalk Report They therefore cried out to the Lord who sent His answer via Deborah, a judge and prophetess. A Prayer for Durable Joy - Your Daily Prayer - June 25, A Powerful Morning Prayer to Start Each Day, 10 Uncomfortable Topics Pastors Should Still Preach About, A Prayer to Remain Present - Your Daily Prayer - June 26, 30 Morning Prayers to Start Each Day with God, Why People Are Losing Their Religion (and How the Church Can Respond). She used the resources given to her in this situation by God. 0 responses Article Images Copyright , 4 Lessons We Can Learn from Joel in the Bible, How Gods Presence, Provision, and Promises are Found in the Psalms. Community answers are sorted based on votes. What does deception mean? Article Images Copyright , 7 Lessons We Can Learn from Deborah in the Bible, How Gods Presence, Provision, and Promises are Found in the Psalms. Most blessed of women is Jael, Deborah sings (Judges 5:24). There are images of betrayal, deceit, cold-blooded murder, and heartless resolve, all set against the background of care, food, rest, trust, and what should have been safety, he says. Jaels actions are mentioned in the song. All these things can be summed up in two words: prioritize God. Judges 4 tells us that God sold Israel into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan because the Israelites were doing what was evil in His sight. Responding to God: Ask God for the courage of Deborah as you face trying times or as you face God's enemy. We find the story of Jael in the book of Judges, in the Old Testament in the midst of the leadership of Deborah. Even on the male and female servants I will pour out My Spirit in those days. (Joel 2:28-29). That got Naomis attention, which goes to show you: a lovely friend can turn the heart of a bitter women. 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). Despite this, once Jael saw that he was in a deep sleep, she took a tent peg and hammer, crept over to Sisera and drove the peg into his temple- so far that it went down into the ground. This article is part of our People from the Bible Series featuring the most well-known historical names and figures from Scripture. Jael was a woman who understood this. He always did it for the sake of challenging relationally abusive behavior and freeing the oppressed. However, instead of being grateful and humble, the people became complacent and self-indulgent. God is good, God is just, and God is sovereign. Ilsegretodelsuccesso is a website that writes about many topics of interest to you, it's a blog that shares knowledge and insights useful to everyone in many fields. Deborah the Bible was one of the most influential women in the Old Testament. Do not be afraid.. Asked July 05 2019 The only one who can help us do that is Jesus. She took one of her tent pegs and with one blow hammered it through the side of Siseras head. No matter what our spiritual traditions are, we can find ourselves in their stories. Why Christians Should Avoid Debt and 6 Steps for How to Start, The One Thing Satan Really Wants to Take from You. 2 Cor. We recognize that the storys not over. We see the hope on the other side of where we are (231). 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). 4 Lessons We Can Learn from Joel in the Bible Joel Ryan Contributing Writer 2022 22 Apr Joel is one of several divinely appointed prophets called by God to warn the people of Judah of God's. 2 Thess. She covered him with a rug to hide and comfort him. What needs to be heard as well is a joyful embracing of what the Bible celebrates as a strong woman. Give me a drink, Jesus said, a scandal; Jews were forbidden to share anything in common with unclean Samaritans. Jael was the wife of Heber. Like several authors of the Old Testament, not much is known about the prophet Joel. Shortly after Deborah and Baraks exchange, Baraks army met Siseras in the battle in which Sisera would be delivered into the hand of the Israelites. He gives us certain skills and gifts for a reason, and we should always be on the lookout for ways to use them. Rachel blames Jacob for her barrenness: " Give me children, or I'll die!". Why Did John the Baptist Say "He Must Increase I Must Decrease"? In verses 10-19, the repeating pattern of the book of Judges is described here. God delights in strong women. Heber may have been fighting in the battle as an ally. 2 Tim Maas Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army By my understanding, Jael and her husband Heber were not Israelites, but Kenites (a heathen people related to the Midianites). Turn aside, my lord, she said to him. 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. Jaels hands may have been bloodied in the process, but Israel experienced 40 years of peace because of her lion-hearted act. Their names say it all. That is a good deception definition. Her example admonishes us to always remember and respect the power of a woman. She may have just been trying to delay him so that anyone pursuing him could catch up.
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