Judges 5:24

¶ Blessed above women shall Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite be, blessed shall she be above women in the tent.

Blessed {H1288} above women {H802} shall Jael {H3278} the wife {H802} of Heber {H2268} the Kenite {H7017} be, blessed {H1288} shall she be above women {H802} in the tent {H168}.

"Ya'el will be blessed more than all women. The wife of Hever the Keini will be blessed more than any woman in the tent.

Most blessed among women is Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, most blessed of tent-dwelling women.

Blessed above women shall Jael be, The wife of Heber the Kenite; Blessed shall she be above women in the tent.

Commentary

Context of Judges 5:24

The book of Judges details a turbulent period in Israel's history following the conquest of Canaan, marked by cycles of apostasy, oppression by foreign powers, and deliverance through divinely appointed leaders called judges. Judges 5 is known as the Song of Deborah and Barak, a poetic recounting and celebration of Israel's victory over the Canaanite general Sisera and his army. This significant victory was orchestrated by the prophetess Deborah and the military leader Barak, as detailed in Judges chapter 4.

Verse 24 specifically praises Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite. The Kenites were a nomadic tribe generally allied with Israel. Sisera, fleeing the battlefield, sought refuge in Jael's tent, believing he was safe due to a treaty between King Jabin of Hazor and Heber's clan. However, Jael, with remarkable courage and cunning, took decisive action against the enemy of Israel, leading to Sisera's death as described in Judges 4:21. This verse is Deborah's commendation of Jael's pivotal act.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Blessing for Courageous Action: The verse declares Jael "blessed above women," highlighting divine approval for her extraordinary bravery and decisive action in a time of national crisis. Her act, though unconventional, was instrumental in securing Israel's deliverance from Canaanite oppression.
  • God Uses the Unexpected: Jael was not a warrior or a leader, but a woman in a domestic setting ("in the tent"). Her crucial role in the victory underscores God's ability to use unexpected individuals and means to accomplish His purposes, often through those who seem weakest or least likely, a theme echoed in 1 Corinthians 1:27.
  • Zeal for God's People: Jael's actions demonstrated a fierce loyalty and zeal for the cause of God's people, even at great personal risk. She prioritized the liberation of Israel over tribal loyalties or personal safety.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "blessed above women" (Hebrew: בָּרוּךְ מִנָּשִׁים - baruch minnashim) emphasizes a superlative blessing, indicating she is preeminent in her blessedness among women. The repetition, "blessed shall she be above women in the tent," reinforces this exceptional status and highlights the specific context of her action – within her domestic sphere. This detail makes her deed even more remarkable and potent, contrasting her decisive action with the inaction or cowardice of others mentioned in the song of Deborah.

Practical Application

Judges 5:24 reminds us that God can use anyone, regardless of their background, gender, or perceived strength, to advance His kingdom. It encourages believers to be courageous and decisive when faced with opportunities to stand for righteousness or to bring about God's will, even if it requires stepping outside of conventional roles. Jael's story challenges us to consider what "tent" we are in – our home, workplace, or community – and how we might be called to act boldly for God's purposes in our own spheres of influence. It also underscores the importance of recognizing and celebrating those who act with courage and faith in difficult circumstances, trusting that God honors such faithfulness.

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Cross-References

  • Luke 1:42 (8 votes)

    And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed [art] thou among women, and blessed [is] the fruit of thy womb.

  • Luke 1:28 (6 votes)

    And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, [thou that art] highly favoured, the Lord [is] with thee: blessed [art] thou among women.

  • Genesis 14:19 (5 votes)

    And he blessed him, and said, Blessed [be] Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth:

  • Judges 4:17 (5 votes)

    ¶ Howbeit Sisera fled away on his feet to the tent of Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite: for [there was] peace between Jabin the king of Hazor and the house of Heber the Kenite.

  • Proverbs 31:31 (4 votes)

    Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.