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It’s such a strange story with so many characters. First, I think it’s important to break down the roles and relationships.
Barak and Deborah are working on the front-lines to defeat Sisera and his army based on the promise God has given to Deborah. Sisera is the army commander for Jabin, the king of Canaan who had oppressed Israel for 20 years.
Mixed into this main story is the subplot of Heber the Kenite and his wife Jael. It is very important to note that the Kenites were nomadic people who lived within Israel’s territory. Over the sweep of the Old Testament, some supported Israel and some did not. This is critical to understanding the decision that Jael will make later. Heber’s clan had made residence in northern Israel, and had vowed themselves as an ally to Jabin and the Canaanites. This mutual transaction most likely involved an oath and sacrifice. Under this oath, the Kenites were bound to treating all the king’s people with hospitality.
After Barak lacks the faith to go to battle alone, he asks Deborah to come with him. She tells Barak that because of his decision, he will not be recognized as the hero, and the credit will go to a woman. I assumed she meant herself, but that might not be the case as we read on. Barak attacks Sisera and defeats his army, however, Sisera escapes. Barak continues to pursue west, but Sisera flees east to the land of the Kenites, most likely because he knows they are bound by oath as allies. This is where it gets interesting.
Jael fulfills her obligation and welcomes Sisera into her home. She comforts him with milk, and agrees to protect and hide him. However, after he falls asleep, she takes a tent peg and drives it into his skull! Whaaaaaat??? What in the world can we take from this chapter?
When we lack the faith to follow through on a promise of God, He will orchestrate it another way.
The whole debacle starts with Barak’s lack of faith. Had he agreed to go alone, I believe he would have killed Sisera on the battlefield. Was it “good” that eventually Jael decided to trick Sisera and kill him? No. Not morally. However, similarly to Rahab, it was her faith that aligned her with Israel. Remember, her clan was not necessarily pro-Israel, but God used her actions to both unite her with Israel and fulfill His promise of deliverance.
So, this is what is intriguing to me. I wonder if the prophecy that Deborah spoke was not about her being the hero, but was instead about Jael?
Without Sisera (and his large army), king Jabin would crumble under Israel’s newfound strength. I wrestle with Jael’s action, but I compare it to how God uses unbelievers to accomplish and support the plans and promises He has for His people. The entire event is a reflection of God’s sovereignty and power, and should lead us to a place where we marvel at the detail of His plans.