### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Yâʻêl**, represented by `{{H3278}}`, identifies **Jael**, a Canaanite woman known for a pivotal act of judgment. It appears **6 times** across **6 unique verses**, all within the book of Judges, cementing her role in a specific and significant biblical event.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **Yâʻêl** `{{H3278}}` is the central figure in the defeat of Sisera `{{H5516}}`, the captain of King Jabin's `{{H2985}}` army. When Sisera fled on foot, he sought refuge in the tent `{{H168}}` of **Jael**, the wife `{{H802}}` of Heber `{{H2268}}` the Kenite `{{H7017}}`, due to a peace `{{H7965}}` agreement between the two houses [[Judges 4:17]]. **Jael** went out `{{H3318}}` to meet `{{H7125}}` him, invited him to turn in `{{H5493}}`, and covered `{{H3680}}` him with a mantle `{{H8063}}` [[Judges 4:18]]. After he fell into a deep sleep `{{H7290}}` from weariness, she took `{{H3947}}` a tent nail `{{H3489}}` and a hammer `{{H4718}}` and drove `{{H8628}}` the nail through his temples `{{H7541}}`, killing him [[Judges 4:21]]. She then presented the dead Sisera to the pursuing Israelite commander, Barak `{{H1301}}` [[Judges 4:22]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several figures and objects are central to the account of Jael's actions:
* `{{H2268}}` **Cheber** (Heber): Defined as community, this is the name of **Jael's** husband, a Kenite `{{H7017}}` whose house `{{H1004}}` was at peace `{{H7965}}` with the Canaanite king Jabin [[Judges 4:17]].
* `{{H5516}}` **Çîyçᵉrâʼ** (Sisera): The captain of the Canaanite army who fled `{{H5127}}` on foot `{{H7272}}` to **Jael's** tent `{{H168}}` seeking safety [[Judges 4:17]].
* `{{H3489}}` **yâthêd** (nail): Described as a peg or stake, this is the tent nail **Jael** used as a weapon to smite `{{H8628}}` Sisera, fastening `{{H6795}}` him to the ground `{{H776}}` [[Judges 4:21]].
* `{{H168}}` **ʼôhel** (tent): The dwelling of **Jael** and the location of the entire event, from her offering refuge to carrying out the execution. She is later described as "blessed `{{H1288}}` above women `{{H802}}` in the tent" [[Judges 5:24]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative significance of **Yâʻêl** `{{H3278}}` is profound and multifaceted.
* **Decisive Action:** **Jael** acts with deliberate cunning. She went `{{H935}}` softly `{{H3814}}` to the sleeping Sisera and smote `{{H8628}}` him with the nail `{{H3489}}`, personally bringing about the enemy's demise [[Judges 4:21]].
* **Unlikely Instrument:** As a woman and a Kenite `{{H7017}}`, she was not an Israelite soldier. Her use of a common tent `{{H168}}` nail `{{H3489}}` and hammer `{{H4718}}` highlights God's use of unexpected means to achieve victory. The LORD sold Sisera into the hand `{{H3027}}` of a woman `{{H802}}` [[Judges 4:9]].
* **Celebrated Heroine:** Her action is not condemned but is celebrated in the Song of Deborah and Barak. The song declares, "Blessed `{{H1288}}` above women `{{H802}}` shall **Jael** the wife `{{H802}}` of Heber `{{H2268}}` the Kenite `{{H7017}}` be" [[Judges 5:24]].
* **Societal Impact:** Her era was marked by such danger that highways `{{H734}}` were unoccupied `{{H2308}}`, and travellers `{{H1980}}` walked `{{H3212}}` through byways `{{H6128}}` [[Judges 5:6]]. Her act contributed to the restoration of order.
### Summary
In summary, **Yâʻêl** `{{H3278}}` is a pivotal figure whose name is synonymous with the decisive and unexpected defeat of a powerful enemy. Though a non-Israelite, her courageous act fulfilled a divine proclamation and was celebrated in scripture, making her a memorable example of an unlikely individual used to execute God's judgment and deliver His people. Her story is a concentrated and dramatic episode contained entirely within the book of Judges.
TRV