Day 71: Judges 4, 5 and 6

Why is his chariot so long in coming? (Judges 5:28).

This story focusing on two of Israel’s bravest women, Deborah the judge and Jael the housewife, is one of my favorites. The Canaanites were doing battle with Israel in the Jezreel Valley, drained by the Kishon River. Commander Sisera’s 900 chariots were of no benefit in the fight. Unseasonable rains had swollen the Kishon, and the valley floor was marshy. The chariot wheels sank in the ankle-deep mud, and their drivers had no choice but to abandon them and flee on foot.

Running only delayed the inevitable for Sisera. When he stopped for some much needed rest, Jael gave him milk instead of water, which intensified his drowsiness. When he fell asleep, Jael made her move and killed him with a tent stake through the head.

The Song of Deborah (chapter 5) recounts the events of that day in a form easily passed down from generation to generation, guaranteeing Jael’s exploit would be long remembered. In a tragic tale, the writer imagines the conversation going on back in Sisera’s household. Why is the clatter of his chariots delayed? (5:28). Do we detect a note of sympathy for family members robbed by war of their brave husbands, fathers and sons – even in the enemy camp?

Our enemies are precious not only to their families, but also in the eyes of God.

TODAY’S MEDITATION

Have you ever stopped to think that those whom life has set up as your enemies are also loved? Pray through Matthew 5:43-48.