Judges 5:24-27 – Blessed Jael
In this passage, Deborah sings the praises of Jael, whom God used to bring about Sisera’s death. As the prophetess had spoken in Judges 4:9, the LORD had sold Sisera into the hand of a woman. Here, the event recorded in Judges 4:17-21 is recounted poetically.
The Kenites were a people who dwelt in tents. Being the wife of a Kenite, Jael was likely strong and well-practiced at driving tent pegs into hard ground. She put that skill to use, driving a stake through Sisera’s head, as God providentially used her to kill this great oppressor of Israel. Though this was a violent deed, it brings honor to Jael for she was God’s instrument of deliverance for His people.
When we read the Book of Judges, we may find the violence disturbing, particularly when it is so graphically described as Jael’s killing of Sisera is in the Song of Deborah. We must keep in mind that God is in control of all events, providentially overruling them for His glory and the good of His people. Even the most bitter of experiences will work for the good of those who love God (as Romans 8:28 makes clear). In this case, the LORD brought judgment to His enemies and deliverance for His people by means of violent acts, including a war and Sisera’s death at Jael’s hand.
Questions
- Why would Jael have used a tent peg to kill Sisera?
- What makes Jael “most blessed of women”?
- How did God use Jael?
Prayer Points
- Pray that God will deliver us from our enemies.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.