IMITATE THEIR FAITH/DEBORAH- "MOST BLESSED OF WOMEN"

 One of the Canaanite enemies escaped-the worst of them all Sisera.  The great oppressor of God's people, fled the battlefield on foot Leaving his men to die in the mire, he slipped past the Israelite soldiers and made his way to firmer ground, heading toward  the nearest allies he could think of.  Scurrying across miles of open terrain, ever terrified that the Israelite soldiers might find him, he headed to the tents of Heber, a Kenite who had broken away from the rest of his nomadic people to the south and established some king of accord with King Jabin. - JUDGES 4:11. 17.

Exhausted, Sisera arrived at Heber's encampment. He found that Heber was not at home.  But the man's wife, Jael, was there.   Sisera evidently assumed that Jael would honor her husband's accord with Jabin.  Perhaps it was inconceivable  to him that a  woman could act or even  think differently from her husband.  Sisera  obviously did not know Jael!  Clearly, she had a choice before her. Either she aid this wicked man or she throw in her lot with Jehovah and strike a blow against this enemy of His people .  But  what could she do?  How could a woman vanquish such a powerful , battled-hardened warrior?

Jael had to think fast. She offered Sisera a place to rest. He ordered her to conceal his presence from any man who might come looking for him. She covered him when he lay down, and when he asked her for water, she gave him creamy milk. Soon Sisera sank into a deep sleep.  Jael then took  a pair of household implements that tent-dwelling women used often and skillfully-a tent pin with a mallet . Crouching near Sisera's head, she now faced the terrifying task of acting ass an executioner for Jehovah.  Even an instant of uncertainty or hesitation could have meant disaster. Did she think of God's people and of how this man had brutalized them for decades?  Or did she think of the privilege of taking her stand for Jehovah?  The record does not say.  We only know that the deed was soon done.  Sisera was dead! - JUDGES 4:18-21; 5:24-27.

Later, Barak came in search of his quarry.  When Jael showed him the corpse with  the tent pin through the temples, he knew that Deborah's prophecy had come true.  A woman had killed the mighty warrior Sisera!  Modern-day critics and skeptics have called Jael all manner of vile names.  But Barak and Deborah know better.  In their song, they were inspired to praise Jael as "most beloved of all women" for her courageous deed.  (Judges 4:22; 5:24)  Note the generosity of Deborah's spirit.  She did not begrudge Jael such praise, rather, she cared only that Jehovah's word had come true.

With Sisera gone, King Jabin's power was broken.  The Canaanite  oppression was over at last.  Peace prevailed for 40 years. (Judges 4:24; 5:31)   How blessed  were Deborah, Barak, and Jael for putting faith in Jehovah God!  If we imitate the faith of Deborah, bolding taking our stand for Jehovah and encouraging others to do the same, Jehovah will bless us with victories-and lasting peace.

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JONATHAN -"Nothing Can Hinder Jehovah"

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