Jael

Jael and her husband Heber were tent dwelling people living in Zaanannim near Kedesh.

Heber was an ally of the Canaanite King Jabin. Sisera, the commander of the Canaanite army, sought refuge in Heber's camp after all his men had been defeated by the Israelites. He knew that he would be protected there because of Heber's alliance with King Jabin.

Jael, who was a sympathizer of the Israelites, stepped outside her tent and invited Sisera to come in for protection. She covered him with a blanket. He asked for a drink of water, but she gave him milk instead. He asked her to stand guard at the door and tell anyone who asked that no one was there.

Sisera became drowsy and fell asleep. Jael picked up a tent peg and hammer and drove it through Sisera's temple.

She ended his life, boldly fulfilling Deborah's prophecy that God would deliver Sisera into the hands of a woman.

Her actions ended the war, gave the Israelites victory, and ushered in 40 years of peace. (Judges 4,5)

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Junia