Welcome to my eclectic journey of my life and delights. This year my theme is surrendering my writing pen to the true author, Jesus Christ, while looking forward to the future, reflecting on the past and dancing through my journey.




Monday, August 30, 2010

She Nailed Him - Jael

Artemisa Gentileschi - 1620
On my way to Gideon, I became enthralled with Jael, just one chapter before Gideon's encounter with God.

I get lost with this woman and what she accomplished.  As I went to Bible commentaries, I become more interested and I quietly listened for the lesson that was being voiced in my spirit.

Many of us know the story and yet, I never remembered her name.  As I see Deborah immortalize her in her victory song, Judges 5:24-27, I started to look at this unconventional woman of God.
She doesn't appear to be the example we usually place before us as a Godly woman.  Most of us will never be known, or do we want to be known, as a murder.  Yet, she is called "blessed of all women in the tent."  Now, I would be honored with that title.
Here is a summary:

  • God has Deborah prophesy to  Barak that the victory will be won, but it will be at the hand of a woman. (Judges 4:9)
  • Jael invites the "enemy" Sisera into her tent.  She hides him, provides milk and a blanket...leads him to believe she will protect him (Judges 4:18)
  • She doesn't stop to pray, or it isn't mentioned, she doesn't go to ask counsel of her husband (she knew he would not approve) she just takes matters into her own hands (in no way am I saying don't ask counsel from husband, nor to go against his will.  I am just stating what happened in scripture) (Judges 4:21)
  • Because the women of her day set up the tents, she was familiar with the tool she used to defeat her enemy
  • She nails him to the ground!!!!  Scripture is very graphic in how she did this....not a dainty, gentle, woman doing this!  A courageous, strong, determined, and confident woman.
  • She meets Barak at the tents entry to bring him to the death of the enemy (Judges 4: 22)
  • Judges 5:6 goes on to tell us "in those days, the days of Jael, caravans ceased and travelers kept to the byway"....she was known for her defeat and there was caution used from then on
  • She is praised in scripture not for her submissive or gentle virtues, but for her heroism through a gory act that freed her country of oppression!! (Judges 5:24 - 27)
These passages brought up a lot of questions and thoughts.  God does things His way...not ours.  He called a prophet to lay on his side naked and a woman to kill a man with a peg.  How many times do I put limits on God...surely that couldn't be God?  How many times do I have the skill and the peg to nail the enemy and yet I don't want to get my hands dirty?  How many times has God called the powerless to defeat the powerful and yet, I am still waiting for another confirmation?


I was amused that her story is between Barak and Gideon.  Barak wouldn't go into battle without Deborah and so God gave the victory to a woman.  Gideon obeyed after countless confirmations, questioning, and hiding in the dark to accomplish his mission.  Here, in the middle of them both, was Jael...she invited him in, she took the peg and Nailed the problem to the floor.
Oh Lord, may I have the spirit of Jael and nail the enemy to the floor!!!!
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" Eph. 6:12.

13 Joining in with more words:

Farm Girl said...

That is a really great study, you know last year when we were doing Judges I wondered the same things, but I did not know her name, and now I do. I also like how you say we limit God, and I really, really needed your insights today. Cause all summer we have tried to follow God's wisdom and sometimes My husband and I feel so foolish. I think I will take all of my doubts today and be like Joel, and nail them to the ground. In fact I am going to go get a old metal stake I found and come put it by my computer so I remember.
Great study.
Thanks!

Sandy said...

I really enjoyed this, Janette.
I love the idea of taking things
and nailing them to the ground!
Fears, doubts, lies of the enemy,
sickness, discouragement---all
of it! Jesus took those huge
spikes in His hands and feet for
us so let's enforce the victories
He has already won for us by
nailing them down so as to get
a vivid picture in our minds of
the victory!
Blessings,
Sandy

Carrie @ Cottage Cozy said...

Thanks for a wonderful post...so much to think about!

http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/ said...

This is such a good one Janette! 'Nailing them to the ground'... and we all have those things that need nailing to the ground!! This does give a graphic picture...

Susannah said...

Gosh, those were different times, weren't they? No cell phones or 911, no police force, on and on. Those OT people had to defend themselves, didn't they? I assume every man carried a weapon of some sort.

This woman is truly extraordinary--and not afraid to fight when the circumstances called for it. A good reminder that we should be active, in problem-solving rather than whiney and passive when the going gets tough. ღ

myletterstoemily said...

that is so awesome! she nailed him
to the floor! and that's where the
saying come from . . .

you are a great teacher, and i love
how you unfolded the story.

thank you.

Simple Home said...

I loved this Janette. I've always been impressed with this woman too, because I felt she did what I couldn't possibly think of doing. I loved your comment about nailing her problem to the ground. What a great perspective.
Blessings,
Marcia

Mikki said...

What a great post. I don't think I've ever taken the time to really look into Jaels story.

Loved your insight!

Sue said...

Powerful study today Janette, Oh! that I too may be like Jael, and nail the enemy to the floor.I really needed this today. Thanks for being obedient.
Hugs,
Sue

Cascia Talbert said...

"God does things his way, not ours." That is so true! I am struggling with this same concept right now. My life is taking a direction that I wasn't expecting and I just don't understand. I don't think we are supposed to completely understand God's plan for us.

Stacy@hiswaynotmine said...

Beautiful post, Janette. I love the simplicity of just nailing the sin down. Just as Christ was nailed to the cross and all of our sin was upon His shoulders, nailed there on the cross...He declared.. "it is finished!" May we nail down that which entangles us and never pick it back up again.

LeeAnn@Encouragement Is Contagious said...

Wow Janette, this is a very powerful post! I don't remember reading about her before! I'm sure I've read this bit of scripture sometime over the years but the power of it sure didn't register until now. You nailed me to the floor with that nudge from the Lord through your words that spoke to me and said: "enough confirmation already Lee Ann". Ouch!

It is my desire that I would respond as quickly and with obedience to what the Lord asks of me and against the enemy!

♥Lee Ann

Canadagirl said...

I am soooooooooo glad I stumbled on this post today. I think I will have to meditate on this one more. Thank you for writing what the Lord has showed you. I wished I could be more like you in the department. Your writings are such a blessings my sweet friend.

Blessings and ((HUGS))
In Him<><
-Mary

Related Posts with Thumbnails