What can we learn about courage from Jael's actions in Judges 5:26? Setting the Scene “She reached for the tent peg with her left hand, and for the workman’s hammer with her right. She hammered Sisera; she crushed his head and shattered and pierced his temple.” Observations from Jael’s Actions • Decisive: She moved in a single, deliberate motion. • Resourceful: She used the ordinary tools at hand—tent peg and hammer. • Risk-Taking: She acted while alone with a dangerous enemy. • Aligned with God’s Purpose: Her deed fulfilled the prophetic word that Sisera would fall to a woman (Judges 4:9). Lessons on Godly Courage • Courage acts, not merely thinks. Faith expresses itself in concrete steps. • God often works through everyday skills and tools; availability outweighs sophistication. • True bravery is willingness to stand with God even when culture, custom, or fear press the other way. • Courage may require confronting evil directly rather than accommodating it (cf. Psalm 94:16). Practical Application Today • Assess where decisive obedience is needed; hesitation often feeds fear. • Offer God the “tent pegs” in your life—ordinary abilities ready for extraordinary use. • Trust His promises when the risks feel overwhelming (Joshua 1:9; Isaiah 41:10). • Act for righteousness even when no one else sees; heaven records faithful courage. Supporting Scriptures • Joshua 1:9—“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous... for the LORD your God is with you.” • 2 Timothy 1:7—“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.” • Psalm 27:1—“The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?” Jael’s bold stroke reminds us that God-honoring courage is decisive, practical, and rooted in confidence that the Lord fights for His people. |
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