Deborah and Jael: The Women Warriors

I have always been fascinated by stories of brave women. In Indian history, there is a story about a queen who fought with her enemies to save her young son—the prince—and the kingdom. St. Joan of Arc is an inspiration, a young girl who is the patron saint of France. She is honored as the defender of the French nation. Closer to our times, we have witnessed several women who went against the tide and dared to be strong, to be different, and to stand steadfast. The Bible tells us of men who were warriors who fought for their land. It is easy to count such men who were leaders, warriors, and judges of their time. In contrast, we could name only a few women—Esther, Judith, and then we’d struggle. However, this chapter shows us two such women who may not have been famous enough to have Bible books named after them, yet God worked in their lives and through them, saved His people.

After Judge Ehud died, the Israelites again started to do evil in God’s sight. So, the Lord allowed Jabin, the king of Canaan, to reign over them. He made their lives miserable and oppressed them cruelly for twenty years. Then the people of Israel cried out to the Lord for help, and in came our woman warrior, Deborah.

The Book of Judges, Chapter 4, describes Deborah as a prophetess, a powerful woman full of wisdom, to whom people would come for judgment (v5). Deborah was also a wife and a mother. In modern days, we can compare her to a working woman who balances her home and work. Deborah had so much influence in Israel that when she ordered Barak to come, he came. Deborah told Barak that God had commanded him to take 10,000 men and meet Jabin’s commander Sisera, and God assured Barak through Deborah that he would be victorious. Yet we see Barak’s lack of faith in God, as he asks Deborah to accompany him. Deborah replies in Judges 4:9 that she will go with him, but because of his response, she says, “The honor will not be yours, for the LORD will hand Sisera over to a woman.” A woman will be the one to deliver Israel and give them peace and rest. Deborah—the prophetess and mother—now takes on a military role as she accompanies Barak into battle.

When Sisera hears that Barak has come against him in battle, he goes out to meet him. Seeing the opportunity, Deborah instructs Barak to attack, and he does. However, the word says, “And the Lord routed Sisera and all his chariots and all his army before Barak by the edge of the sword,” (Judges 4:15). “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still,” (Exodus 14:14). Barak had only to obey, and the Lord fought the battle for him. But the Lord did not give him the glory of victory due to his lack of faith. Sisera had 900 chariots and was the commander of the army, yet the Lord gave the Israelites victory and Sisera abandoned his army and tried to escape.

Sisera escaped to the tent of his friend Heber, whose wife Jael was in the tent. Sisera knew Jael and thought she would hide him. Not much is said about Jael except that she lived in a tent, as a housewife. Like housewives in modern times, she knew her homely responsibilities and managed her home well. She may have heard about the war from her husband. Jael hid Sisera under some rugs. Being exhausted from battle, Sisera fell asleep. But before he could fall asleep, he asked Jael for water, and she gave him milk instead. She showed him hospitality, but when Sisera fell asleep, Jael took a peg and hammered it through Sisera’s temple. She used the tools at her disposal to bring down the proud man and also to end the war. Deborah’s prophecy of Sisera being killed by a woman came true.

Chapter 5 of Judges describes Deborah and Barak’s praise of God.

“Most blessed of women be Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, most blessed of tent-dwelling women. He asked for water, and she gave him milk; in a bowl fit for nobles, she brought him curdled milk. Her hand reached for the tent peg, her right hand for the workman’s hammer. She struck Sisera, she crushed his head, she shattered and pierced his temple. At her feet he sank, he fell; there he lay. At her feet he sank, he fell; where he sank, there he fell—dead,” (Judges 5:24-27).

Jael is called the most blessed among the tent-dwelling women for her role in killing a wicked commander. As God’s instrument, she delivers Israel and fulfills the purpose God has for her. Like women such as Deborah and Jael, we need to be willing to step into the roles He has called us to and to use the gifts He has given us. We must have faith in God and trust in Him to deliver us, from whatever our situation may be.

Lessons from Deborah and Jael

• Be brave. Whether Deborah or Jael, both were courageous enough to take on the enemy.
• Be resourceful! Make use of the opportunities that are presented to us.

Proofread and edited by Fr Austin Fernandes SDB