He asked for water, and she gave him milk. In a magnificent bowl she brought him curds. He asked for waterThis phrase highlights the simplicity of Sisera's request. In the context of ancient Near Eastern hospitality, providing water to a weary traveler was a basic act of kindness and duty. The Hebrew word for "asked" (שָׁאַל, sha'al) implies a humble request, indicating Sisera's vulnerability and need. This moment sets the stage for the unexpected turn of events, as it contrasts with the grandeur of what he receives. and she gave him milk
The act of giving milk instead of water is significant. Milk, in the ancient world, was considered a nourishing and luxurious drink, often associated with abundance and hospitality. The Hebrew word for "gave" (נָתַן, natan) suggests a deliberate and generous act. Jael's choice to offer milk instead of water could be seen as an act of cunning, as milk might induce drowsiness, furthering her strategic advantage. in a magnificent bowl
The use of a "magnificent bowl" (סֵפֶל אַדִּיר, sefel adir) underscores the opulence and honor with which Jael treats Sisera. The word "magnificent" (אַדִּיר, adir) conveys a sense of nobility and grandeur. This choice of serving vessel elevates the act of hospitality to one of high honor, perhaps lulling Sisera into a false sense of security. It reflects the cultural importance of hospitality and the cleverness of Jael's actions. she brought him curds
Curds, a form of thickened milk, were a delicacy in ancient times. The Hebrew word for "curds" (חֶמְאָה, chemah) indicates a rich, creamy substance, further emphasizing the lavishness of Jael's hospitality. This choice of food, like the milk, could have a soporific effect, aiding in Sisera's eventual downfall. The act of bringing curds in a magnificent bowl is a masterstroke of deception, as it combines cultural norms of hospitality with a strategic purpose. Persons / Places / Events 1. SiseraThe commander of the Canaanite army under King Jabin, who was defeated by the Israelites led by Deborah and Barak. 2. JaelThe wife of Heber the Kenite, who played a crucial role in the defeat of Sisera by offering him hospitality and then killing him. 3. DeborahA prophetess and judge of Israel who, along with Barak, led the Israelites to victory over the Canaanites. 4. BarakThe military leader who, under Deborah's guidance, led the Israelite army against Sisera. 5. The Song of DeborahA victory hymn found in Judges 5, celebrating the triumph over the Canaanites and highlighting the roles of various individuals, including Jael. Teaching Points The Power of HospitalityJael's offering of milk instead of water demonstrates the cultural significance of hospitality and how it can be used for God's purposes. God Uses the UnexpectedJael, a non-Israelite woman, played a pivotal role in God's plan, reminding us that God can use anyone, regardless of background or status. Courage in ActionJael's boldness in a dangerous situation exemplifies the courage that believers are called to exhibit in standing for righteousness. Divine StrategyGod's plans often defy human expectations, as seen in the unexpected victory through Jael's actions, encouraging us to trust in His wisdom. Symbolism of Milk and CurdsThe choice of milk and curds over water can symbolize abundance and blessing, reflecting God's provision and care. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jael's act of hospitality compare to other biblical examples of hospitality, and what can we learn from these comparisons? 2. In what ways does God use unexpected people or circumstances in your life to accomplish His purposes? 3. How can we demonstrate courage in our daily lives, especially when faced with challenging situations? 4. What does the account of Jael teach us about the role of women in God's plan, and how can this influence our view of gender roles in ministry today? 5. How can we apply the lesson of divine strategy in our decision-making processes, trusting in God's wisdom over our own understanding? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 18The hospitality of Abraham, who also offered milk and curds to his guests, showing a cultural practice of hospitality in the ancient Near East. Proverbs 31The virtuous woman who provides for her household, paralleling Jael's resourcefulness and courage. Hebrews 11The faith of those who acted courageously, as Jael did, though she is not mentioned, her actions align with the faith-driven deeds of others listed. People Abinoam, Amalek, Anath, Asher, Barak, Benjamin, Dan, Deborah, Heber, Issachar, Jael, Machir, Naphtali, Reuben, Seir, Shamgar, Sisera, ZebulunPlaces Canaan, Edom, Gilead, Jordan River, Kishon River, Megiddo, Meroz, Seir, Sinai, TaanachTopics Bowl, Butter, Curd, Curdled, Curds, Dish, Fair, Fit, Forth, Lordly, Magnificent, Milk, Nobles, Plate, RequestDictionary of Bible Themes Judges 5:25 4293 water
5445 potters and pottery
5723 nobles Judges 5:1-31 5420 music Judges 5:14-31 5091 Deborah Judges 5:24-25 4476 meals Library Recreant Reuben
Why satest then among the sheepfolds, to hear the pipings for the flocks? At the watercourses of Reuben there were great searchings of heart.'--JUDGES v. 16 (R.V.). I. The fight. The warfare is ever repeated, though in new forms. In the highest form it is Christ versus the World, And that conflict must be fought out in our own souls first. Our religion should lead not only to accept and rely on what Christ does for us, but to do and dare for Christ. He has given Himself for us, and has thereby …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture 'All Things are Yours'
'They fought from heaven; the stars in their courses fought against Sisera.'--JUDGES v. 20. 'For thou shalt be in league with the stones of the field: and the beasts of the field shall be at peace with thee.'--Job v. 23. These two poetical fragments present the same truth on opposite sides. The first of them comes from Deborah's triumphant chant. The singer identifies God with the cause of Israel, and declares that heaven itself fought against those who fought against God's people. There may be …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Love Makes Suns
'Let them that love Him be as the sun when he goeth forth in his might.' JUDGES V. 51. These are the closing words of Deborah, the great warrior-prophetess of Israel. They are in singular contrast with the tone of fierce enthusiasm for battle which throbs through the rest of the chant, and with its stern approval of the deed of Jael when she slew Sisera. Here, in its last notes, we have an anticipation of the highest and best truths of the Gospel. 'Let them that love Him be as the sun when he goeth …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Songs of Deliverance
The results which accrued from the conquest achieved by Barak, are upon a small scale similar to those which come to us through the deliverance wrought out by the Lord Jesus Christ. I shall take our text and spiritualize it, viewing its joyous details as emblematic of the blessings granted to us through our Redeemer. Those who went to draw water at the wells after Barak's victory, were no longer disturbed by the robbers who lurked at the fountains for purposes of plunder; and instead of drawing the …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 13: 1867 Whether the Orders Will Outlast the Day of Judgment?
Objection 1: It would seem that the orders of angels will not outlast the Day of Judgment. For the Apostle says (1 Cor. 15:24), that Christ will "bring to naught all principality and power, when He shall have delivered up the kingdom to God and the Father," and this will be in the final consummation. Therefore for the same reason all others will be abolished in that state. Objection 2: Further, to the office of the angelic orders it belongs to cleanse, enlighten, and perfect. But after the Day of …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Why is it that Our Lord Has Tarried Till Now? Why Has not the Redeemer Returned Long Ere This?
At first sight perhaps this inquiry might appear almost irreverent and some may feel inclined to remind us that "secret things belong unto the Lord." In response we would say, It is not in any spirit of idle curiosity nor is it to indulge an inquisitive speculation that we take up this question, but simply because we believe that a humble examination of it will prove profitable to our souls, inasmuch as the answer to our inquiry demonstrates the wisdom and grace of Him with whom we have to do. Of …
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return Hindrances to Revivals.
Text.--I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down. Why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you."--Nehemiah vi. 3. THIS servant of God had come down from Babylon to rebuild the temple and re-establish the worship of God at Jerusalem, the city of his fathers' sepulchres. When it was discovered by Sanballat and certain individuals, his allies, who had long enjoyed the desolations of Zion, that now the temple, and the holy city were about to be rebuilt, they raised a great …
Charles Grandison Finney—Lectures on Revivals of Religion The Publication of the Gospel
The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it [or of the preachers] P erhaps no one Psalm has given greater exercise to the skill and patience of commentators and critics, than the sixty-eighth. I suppose the difficulties do not properly belong to the Psalm, but arise from our ignorance of various circumstances to which the Psalmist alludes; which probably were, at that time, generally known and understood. The first verse is the same with the stated form of benediction …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 Salvation Published from the Mountains
O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid: say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! I t would be improper to propose an alteration, though a slight one, in the reading of a text, without bearing my testimony to the great value of our English version, which I believe, in point of simplicity, strength, and fidelity, is not likely to be excelled by a new translation …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 The Sovereignty of God in Operation
"For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to whom be the glory for ever. Amen" (Romans 11:36). Has God foreordained everything that comes to pass? Has He decreed that what is, was to have been? In the final analysis this is only another way of asking, Is God now governing the world and everyone and everything in it? If God is governing the world then is He governing it according to a definite purpose, or aimlessly and at random? If He is governing it according to some purpose, then …
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God Appendix ix. List of Old Testament Passages Messianically Applied in Ancient Rabbinic Writings
THE following list contains the passages in the Old Testament applied to the Messiah or to Messianic times in the most ancient Jewish writings. They amount in all to 456, thus distributed: 75 from the Pentateuch, 243 from the Prophets, and 138 from the Hagiorgrapha, and supported by more than 558 separate quotations from Rabbinic writings. Despite all labour care, it can scarcely be hoped that the list is quite complete, although, it is hoped, no important passage has been omitted. The Rabbinic references …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
THE ISRAELITES IN THE LAND OF CANAAN: THE JUDGES--THE PHILISTINES AND THE HEBREW KINGDOM--SAUL, DAVID, SOLOMON, THE DEFECTION OF THE TEN TRIBES--THE XXIst EGYPTIAN DYNASTY--SHESHONQ OR SHISHAK DAMASCUS. The Hebrews in the desert: their families, clans, and tribes--The Amorites and the Hebrews on the left bank of the Jordan--The conquest of Canaan and the native reaction against the Hebrews--The judges, Ehud, Deborah, Jerubbaal or Gideon and the Manassite supremacy; Abimelech, Jephihdh. The Philistines, …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6 Judges
For the understanding of the early history and religion of Israel, the book of Judges, which covers the period from the death of Joshua to the beginning of the struggle with the Philistines, is of inestimable importance; and it is very fortunate that the elements contributed by the later editors are so easily separated from the ancient stories whose moral they seek to point. That moral is most elaborately stated in ii. 6-iii. 6, which is a sort of programme or preface to iii. 7-xvi. 31, which constitutes …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Judges 5:25 NIVJudges 5:25 NLTJudges 5:25 ESVJudges 5:25 NASBJudges 5:25 KJV
Judges 5:25 Commentaries
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