This passage from Judges contains stories of two powerful women. Deborah has been given power by others in her role as prophetess. Jael briefly enters the story and powerfully kills the enemy king. Deborah bring a style of teamwork to the task before Israel as she works with Barak to battle with Israel's enemies. Jael sneaks in alone for the kill.
Deborah prophesies that King Sisera will die at the hands of a woman. Is that another reminder that God often works through perceived weakness. Like David, the young boy who slays the giant Goliath with God's help, Jael will sucker Sisera into lowering his guard before she drives a tent peg into her head.
Keep in mind that Israel's story often followed the apttern of Israel's king dies; Israel is unfaithful; God's sells them into the hands of the enemy; Israel cries out for help; a hero emerges. The reader anticipates that a new leader will emerge -- could it be Deborah? or Barak? or will the heroine Jael? Jael, who is not just a woman, but a Kenite, which means she is part of Israel. A non-Israelite woman saves the day.
Interesting biblical note -- Judges contains the largest number of women mentioned of any book in the Bible.
The text also flies in the face of a non-violent approach to dealing with one's enemies. Not sure how to deal with that aspect of the text.
Peace,
Richard
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