She reached for the tent peg, her right hand for the workman's hammer. She struck Sisera and crushed his skull; she shattered and pierced his temple. She reached for the tent pegThis phrase introduces the decisive action of Jael, a key figure in this narrative. The Hebrew word for "tent peg" is "יָתֵד" (yated), which is a common household item in the nomadic lifestyle of the time. This highlights Jael's resourcefulness, using what was available to her to fulfill God's purpose. The tent peg symbolizes the tools God provides us in our everyday lives to accomplish His will. and her right hand
The mention of the "right hand" is significant in biblical literature, often symbolizing strength and skill. In Hebrew culture, the right hand is associated with power and authority. Jael's use of her right hand underscores her determination and the divine empowerment she receives to carry out this act of deliverance. for the workman's hammer
The "workman's hammer" (Hebrew: "מַלְמַד" - malmad) is another ordinary tool, yet in Jael's hand, it becomes an instrument of divine justice. This reflects the biblical theme that God often uses the humble and the lowly to achieve His purposes, turning ordinary objects into extraordinary means of deliverance. She struck Sisera
The act of striking Sisera is a pivotal moment in the narrative. The Hebrew verb "נָכָה" (nakah) implies a decisive and forceful action. This act is not just a physical blow but a fulfillment of Deborah's prophecy that the Lord would deliver Sisera into the hands of a woman (Judges 4:9). It signifies God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His word. crushed his head
The imagery of crushing the head is reminiscent of the protoevangelium in Genesis 3:15, where the seed of the woman is prophesied to crush the serpent's head. This act by Jael can be seen as a foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate victory over evil. It symbolizes the defeat of God's enemies and the triumph of His justice. shattered and pierced his temple
The words "shattered" and "pierced" convey the completeness of Sisera's defeat. The Hebrew words used here, "מָחַץ" (machats) for shattered and "חָלַף" (chalaf) for pierced, emphasize the thoroughness of the victory. This serves as a reminder of the totality of God's deliverance and the certainty of His promises. Persons / Places / Events 1. JaelThe wife of Heber the Kenite, who played a crucial role in the defeat of Sisera, the commander of the Canaanite army. Her actions are celebrated in the Song of Deborah. 2. SiseraThe commander of the Canaanite army under King Jabin of Hazor. He was defeated by the Israelites and killed by Jael. 3. DeborahA prophetess and judge of Israel who, along with Barak, led Israel to victory over the Canaanites. Her song in Judges 5 celebrates this victory. 4. BarakThe military leader who, under Deborah's guidance, led the Israelite army against Sisera. 5. The TentThe setting for Sisera's death, symbolizing a place of refuge that turned into a place of judgment. Teaching Points Courage in Unexpected PlacesJael's actions remind us that God can use anyone, regardless of their status or gender, to fulfill His purposes. We should be open to God's calling, even if it seems unconventional. Divine JusticeThe account of Jael and Sisera illustrates that God's justice may come in unexpected ways. We should trust in God's timing and methods, even when they differ from our expectations. The Power of ObedienceJael's decisive action demonstrates the importance of obedience to God's will. We should be ready to act when God calls us, trusting in His guidance and strength. The Role of Women in God's PlanJael's account highlights the significant role women can play in God's redemptive history. We should recognize and support the contributions of women in ministry and leadership. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jael's action in Judges 5:26 reflect the fulfillment of God's promise to deliver Israel from its enemies? 2. In what ways can we see the theme of divine justice in the account of Jael and Sisera, and how does this apply to our understanding of justice today? 3. How does the account of Jael challenge traditional gender roles, and what can we learn from her example about God's use of individuals in His plan? 4. How can we apply the courage and decisiveness of Jael in our own lives when faced with difficult situations? 5. What other biblical figures demonstrate similar faith and obedience as Jael, and how can their accounts inspire us in our walk with God? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 3:15The crushing of Sisera's head by Jael can be seen as a fulfillment of the prophecy about the seed of the woman crushing the serpent's head, symbolizing victory over evil. Psalm 68:21This verse speaks of God crushing the heads of His enemies, paralleling Jael's actions as an instrument of divine justice. Hebrews 11:32-34This passage mentions the faith of those who conquered kingdoms and administered justice, which can be related to the faith-driven actions of Deborah, Barak, and Jael. 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 Blow, Brow, Crushed, Crushing, Driving, Forth, Hammer, Hammered, Labourers, Mallet, Nail, Passed, Peg, Pierced, Pin, Reached, Shattered, Sisera, Sis'era, Smashed, Smote, Stricken, Struck, Temple, Temples, Tent, Tent-pin, Workman's, Workmen's, Wounding, Yea, YesDictionary of Bible Themes Judges 5:26 5157 head Judges 5:1-31 5420 music Judges 5:14-31 5091 Deborah 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 5:26 NIVJudges 5:26 NLTJudges 5:26 ESVJudges 5:26 NASBJudges 5:26 KJV
Judges 5:26 Commentaries
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