Topical Bible: Hypocrisy: Jael

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Jael is a prominent figure in the Book of Judges, specifically in Judges 4 and 5. She is known for her decisive role in the defeat of the Canaanite army led by Sisera, the commander of King Jabin's forces. Jael's actions have been the subject of much discussion, particularly concerning the themes of hospitality, deception, and divine justice.

Biblical Account

In Judges 4, the Israelites, under the leadership of Deborah and Barak, are engaged in battle against the Canaanite forces. Sisera, the commander of the Canaanite army, flees the battlefield and seeks refuge in the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite. The Kenites were at peace with King Jabin of Hazor, which would have made Sisera feel secure in seeking shelter there.

Jael welcomes Sisera into her tent, offering him milk and a place to rest. Judges 4:18-19 states, "Jael went out to meet Sisera and said to him, 'Come in, my lord, come in with me. Do not be afraid.' So he went into her tent, and she covered him with a blanket. He said to her, 'Please give me a little water to drink, for I am thirsty.' So she opened a container of milk, gave him a drink, and covered him again."

While Sisera is asleep, Jael takes a tent peg and a hammer and drives the peg through his temple, killing him. Judges 4:21 records, "But Jael, Heber’s wife, picked up a tent peg and a hammer and went quietly to him while he lay fast asleep, exhausted. She drove the peg through his temple into the ground, and he died."

Themes of Hypocrisy

Jael's actions can be examined through the lens of hypocrisy, particularly in the context of ancient Near Eastern customs of hospitality. In many cultures, offering shelter and sustenance to a guest was a sacred duty, and betrayal of a guest was considered a grave offense. Jael's initial act of welcoming Sisera with apparent kindness and protection, only to later kill him, raises questions about the nature of her actions.

From a conservative Christian perspective, Jael's actions are often interpreted as being in alignment with divine justice. Despite the apparent hypocrisy in her actions, she is seen as an instrument of God's will, delivering Israel from its oppressors. Judges 5, the Song of Deborah, celebrates Jael's deed, with Judges 5:24 proclaiming, "Most blessed among women is Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite; most blessed is she among women in tents."

Moral and Ethical Considerations

The account of Jael challenges readers to consider the complexities of moral and ethical behavior in the context of divine justice. While her actions may seem hypocritical by the standards of hospitality, they are portrayed in the biblical narrative as fulfilling a higher purpose. This tension invites reflection on the nature of righteousness and the ways in which God may use unexpected means to achieve His purposes.

Jael's account serves as a reminder of the multifaceted nature of biblical narratives, where human actions are often intertwined with divine plans. Her actions, while seemingly contradictory, are ultimately celebrated as part of God's deliverance of His people.

Nave's Topical Index

Judges 4:8-21
And Barak said to her, If you will go with me, then I will go: but if you will not go with me, then I will not go.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Pilgrim's Progress
... The name of the one was Formalist, and the name of the other Hypocrisy. ... They showed
him Moses' rod; the hammer and nail with which Jael slew Sisera; the ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the pilgrims progress.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... The name of the one was Formalist, and the name of the other Hypocrisy. So, as I
said, they drew up unto him, who thus entered with them into discourse. CHR. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm