“And Jael went out to meet Sisera and said unto him, Turn in, my lord, turn in to me; fear not. And when he had turned in unto her tent, she covered him with a mantle” (Judges 4:18).
God had helped Israel defeat the army of Sisera, but Sisera fled the scene. Sisera was lured into a false sense of security when he happened upon the tent of Jael. Sisera knew Jael’s husband and how he was on good terms with King Jabin. He accepted Jael’s gracious hospitality not knowing what the night would bring. Sisera’s first mistake was entering Jael’s tent when her husband was not there. That was inappropriate by their cultural standards. Sisera thought Jael was going to protect him. Was he in for a surprise! He turned in for the night and Jael even put a nice blanket on him. However, once the weary and evil Sisera was sound asleep, Jael did something very daring. She drove a tent spike through his temples. You might say she “nailed him.” God gave Israel victory at the hands of Deborah and now Jael.
Jael put her life on the line and was used to rid Israel of Sisera. We may never be asked to do such a deed as Jael, but we must be willing to follow God’s directions wherever He leads.
Sue Winchester
Missouri
PRAY TOGETHER: Pray and determine to give on May 10, in praise for all Women Active for Christ.
