In the book of Judges, we learn how the Israelites were going through a period of time when they were ruled by judges. They spent many years under Egyptian rule, were led out of bondage by Moses, and then, due to lack of faith in God, wandered in the wilderness for forty years. At last, they were able to dwell in the promised land Canaan.

After Joshua died, the scriptures tell us this revealing truth, "In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes." {Judges 17:6} Time and time again, the Israelites did evil, and God punished them by allowing other nations to rule over them. The people would repent and cry out to God for mercy, and He would deliver them from their oppression. The judges of Israel were God's tools for delivering the people from their afflictions.

During the time of Judge Deborah, the Israelites were under subjection to Jabin, king of Canaan. Sisera was captain of Jabin's army. Deborah told Barak that God would deliver Sisera into his hands. Barak and Deborah led the Israelites in the battle against Sisera and his army. Sisera's entire army was killed, and Sisera had to flee and escape on foot. He happened to come to the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite. According to Judges 4:17, there was peace between Jabin and the house of Heber. This must have given Sisera a sense of security in hiding there. Jael met Sisera and offered him shelter and a drink of milk. She even covered him as he lay to rest. Sisera told Jael to keep watch at the door of his tent. Sisera was weary and felt it was safe to nap. Jael had other plans, however. She took a nail from the tent, and a hammer, and softly went to Sisera as he lay sleeping. The Bible tells us she smote the nail into his temples and fastened it to the ground, and so he died.

Through this woman's courage the last of the Canaanite army was overcome. She could have hidden him, but she chose to do something for the Lord's side. She was called "blessed" by Deborah and Barak in their song of rejoicing (Judges 5). Does it seem cruel to kill one with a tent nail? Jael knew this was her chance to get rid of the enemy of the Lord. It was time for God's people to be free.

We can learn a lesson from this brave woman. She chose to do something, and something on the right side. Can we do something for the Lord during our lifetime? Many moral battles are raging in our country today. Do we know? Do we care? Do we try to make a difference where we can? Do you watch what is being incorporated into your schools and government? Do you pray for our country? Why don't we try to be aware--so we can do SOMETHING FOR THE LORD?