Deborah and Jael

A segment of girl-power for today's reading! At a time in history when women were utterly devalued, God called Deborah as a Judge. This is remarkable. She was his chosen instrument to lead the charge against the Canaanites. Because they had not been expelled from land at the appointed time, the Canaanites had overpowered the Israelites and subjected them to "ruthless oppression for twenty years". Under Deborah's leadership, the Canaanite army was destroyed, but it's commander, Sisera, escaped. The gruesome story that follows, details the account of his murder by Jael, a woman in whose tent he sought refuge.

Though there are many things in the Bible that are recorded as matters of fact and not intended to imply endorsement by God, Jael's act of murder is praised by God's chosen instrument, Deborah. Though it was a brutal act, the murder of Sisera is justifiable on several levels. First, this was a wartime offense, so it does not qualify as murder in the true sense of the word. Second, the Israelites had been commanded by God to completely obliterate the Canaanites, of which Sisera was one. Third, several of the word choices used in the account, indicate sexual overtones. Sisera may have forced himself upon Jael, which was fairly commonplace among the Canaanites. Alone at the time, she would have been unable to refuse him entrance to the tent, so it seems likely that she "played along" until a moment of opportunity arose. In that event, his murder would have been self-defense. Fourth, if left to live, Sisera, who was representative of a reign of tyranny over Israel, may have renewed the campaign against them. Killing him ensured the safety and well-being of Jael's own people. She is praised not because her vicious act was praiseworthy, but rather that her bravery (can you imagine the nerve it took to do that???) and alignment on the side of the Lord was praiseworthy.

The story of Gideon, the next Judge, was begun in today's reading but I am going to address it as a whole for tomorrow. It is probably my favorite Old Testament story!

Tomorrow's reading: Judges 7-9:21