God's Diva

Jael's story found in the Book of Judges oozes blood and strength--a story of the enemy blood and feminine strength. In a gruesome but justifiable act in the eyes of God, Jael drives a tent peg through the head of the Captain Sisera of the Canaanite Army. Who was this woman called Jael? Scripture provides few personal details about Jael. According to Judges 4:11, Jael's husband was named Heber and he was a Kenite. Therefore, I assume that Jael was also a Kenite. Jael and Heber is an insignificant gentile couple who have relocated from the town of Arad to Kedesh, located near Galilee. It was there that Jael commits the courageous act that helps to wrestle the Israelites from under the control of an evil king. Afterwards Jael is honored in a victory song by Judge/Prophetess Deborah and Commander Barak. Jael is praised by all and called "blessed above women." Amazingly, this honor would remain Jael's alone until bestowed upon the Virgin Mary centuries later. But, sadly, afterwards, Jael, the village heroine, disappears into eternity, never to be heard from again. In the story I am giving Jael a face, a personality, and resurrecting her from the dark ages of obscurity. I believe Jael possessed a Bathsheba-kind-of-beauty that a king would kill for and a Rachel-kind-of-loveliness that a man toils seven years to possess. I am convinced that Jael had the genius of Rahab and the cunningness of Esther. Jael could have done what any of the biblical women did, but none of these women could have done what Jael did. What Jael did is the most significant factor about her story. Are you a Jael? Are you willing to do God's bidding? Are you ready and faithful to obey? Every assignment won't be as challenging as Jael's, or as sweet as Queen Esther's. Prepare yourself, be ready, and be confident knowing that when God calls you, you will be empowered by his strength.