Jael in Hebrew means “wild mountain goat”, and she is the wife of Heber, a man who hails from the Kenites (Moses’ father-in-law’s descendants). From the description of Jael’s name, you can see why she was referred to as a dauntless heroine, a brave and determined woman.
The Before Story of the Dauntless Heroine (Judges 4:17-23)
It all began when the people of Israel did evil in God’s sight. As a result, God had to discipline His people to restore them to the right path. God did this by selling them to Jabin, King of Canaan, who ruled from Hazor and had a valiant commander of his army named Sisera. At that time in the land of Israel, there was a woman called Deborah. She was a prophetess and a judge who ruled over Israel. She was also the wife of Lapidoth. Isn’t that amazing?
While fellowshipping with God one day, she heard clearly from God that it was time to deliver His people from the hands of the enemy. So, she invited a soldier called Barak, son of Abinoam, who hails from Kedesh, to lead companies of soldiers to fight against King Jabin. Meanwhile, Barak was scared and wouldn’t want to go unless Deborah accompanied him. You could guess correctly that oftentimes, men cannot do without women by their sides (laughs a bit).
Of course, Deborah followed him to the Battle, and she prophesied, “… but understand with that attitude of yours, there will be no glory for you. God will use a woman’s head to take care of Sisera.” (Remember Deborah was a prophetess).
The After Story of the Dauntless Heroine
Fast forward: Sisera, the commander of King Jabin, got a report that Barak and others were on their way to attack them, but something remarkable happened. God confused Sisera, his army, and the chariot; they didn’t know what to do; remember Exodus 14:14; you will not have to do anything but stay calm. The Lord will do the fighting for you.
Thereafter, Sisera had to flee for his life because all his men had been killed by his opponents, and they were after him, too. As he was running away from the enemy, Sisera came across a tent; he smiled and thought to himself, “Oh, this tent I’m running to belongs to Heber, and Heber is at peace with King Jabin of Hazor.” So, he quickly ran to the hut. Could you guess who he met at home?
The Dauntless Heroine: Jael
Jael sincerely welcomed him, but Sisera never knew that would be the end of his life, because there was a prophecy that must be fulfilled. He asked for water; instead, Jael gave him a chilled drink (milk in a bottle made from animal skin), and I believe Sisera thought to himself, “This woman must be hospitable.”
Sisera was tired, and the milk helped him sleep soundly; with God’s help and her woman power (brain and beauty). Jael took a tent peg and hammer and quietly drove it through the side of his head into the ground. What happened? Sisera, the gusty commander of the army, Israel’s enemy, died. Now, how can we link this story to the present Christian society? Let’s delve into it.
Your Name is as Important as you are
Jacob (someone who seizes or usurps) was changed to Israel (triumphant with God); Abram (exalted father) was changed to Abraham (Father of a multitude), Saul (persecutor) was changed to Paul (Christian Man).
If you check the history of these people, their names worked for them, revealing who they were and what they stood for. In the case of Jael, her name revealed who she was, and I think that was why God used her. Your name brings you to your glorious destiny. Let it speak for you and help you fulfil your dreams.
Don’t Underestimate yourself or anyone around you
In the case of Jael, it has already been prophesied by Deborah that a woman would defeat the enemy. Who would have thought that Jael, a housewife, a woman who was not trained to be a warrior, was the one who defeated the mighty Sisera? God already empowered Jael to carry out this assignment. A prophecy has been made over your life. You see your present state and chuckle, saying to yourself, “Can this come to pass?”
Listen! God is the one who gave you an assignment, and with that, He has empowered and will keep empowering you to carry it out successfully. Don’t look at your status or your current state; you are more than what you can see. Take a step today to carry out the assignment God has placed in your hands.
The Resources you have can still produce something
Jael only had milk, a tent peg, and a hammer to carry out the task that was beyond her. What resources do you have at hand that will equip you to fulfil your destiny or God’s given assignment?
You don’t have to wait for everything to be available before you start. Let me tell you, the resources you need might not even be fully available until you start with the one you have. The hard truth, right? Where you are present might make it look like you don’t have enough resources to carry out your vision, but if you look closely, something might be available to start with. Don’t delay your assignment; time waits for no man.
The Courageous Act of Jael: The Dauntless Heroine
Do you know that Jael made a risky decision and took a risky action? While she was driving the nail through Sisera’s head, so many things could have happened; like Sisera waking up swiftly and grabbing her hands (remember Sisera was a great warrior).
Her courageous act earned her praise, and her name was written in the Bible to be among those who helped the people of Israel out of their misery. Courage is not the absence of fear but the ability to do something that you know is difficult. God already gave you the assignment; and not just the assignment, but to hold your hands and help you fulfil it. Trust God today, and have a safe trip to fulfilling the vision for your life.
In conclusion, never doubt yourself or who God has called you to be and what He has called you to do (i.e. your contribution to the advancement of His kingdom). This is not mere motivation but what has been written of you in the word of God. You have what it takes to be what God has called you to be; your location, tribe, and background don’t matter. Never forget this.
What have you personally learned from the story? Kindly share.
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