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 battleground on foot. Leaving his men to die in the mire, he slipped past the Israelite soldiers and made his way to firmer bround, heading toward the nearest allies he could think of.  Scurrying across miles of ope terrain, ever terrified that the Israelite soldiers  might find him, he headed to the tnts of Heber, a Kenite who had broken away from the rest of his nomadic people to the south and established some kind of accord with King Jabin. - JUDGES 4:11, 17.

Exhausted, Sisera arrived at Heber's encampment. He found that Heber was not a th ome. But the man's wife, Jael, was there. Sisera evidently assumed that would honor her husband's accord with King  Jabin.  Perhaps it was incoceivable  to him that a woman would act or even think  from her husband. Sisera obviously did not Jael!  Clearly, she saw the wickedness of the Canaanite oppression  in the land; likely she also saw  she had a choice before her.  Either she could aid this wicked man or she could throw her lot in 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, battle-hardened warrior?

Jael had to think fast. She offered Sisera  a place to rest.  Her ordered her to conceal  his presence away 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 household implemet that tent dwelling women used often and skillfully-a tent pin and a mallet. Crouching near Sisera's head, she now faced the terrifying task of acting as 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 know only that the deed was soon done. Sisera was dead! - JUDGEs 4:18-21; 5:24-27.

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/DEBORAH - "MOST BLESSED OF WOMEN" 

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