Lexical Definition
יָעֵל Yâʻêl (yaw-ale') Jael N:N-F-P
the same as יָעֵל
Jael.
- § Jael = "mountain goat"
- Jael, a Canaanite
1) the wife of Heber the Kenite who killed the general Sisera as he slept by driving a peg through his temples into the ground
| Form | Translated As | In Verse(s) |
|---|---|---|
| יָעֵל֮ | Jael | Judg.4.18 |
| יָעֵל֙ | Jael | Judg.4.22 |
| יָעֵ֣ל | Jael | Judg.4.21 |
| יָעֵ֕ל | Jael | Judg.5.24 |
| יָעֵ֔ל | Jael | Judg.4.17 • Judg.5.6 |
| Ιαήλ | Jael | LXX.Judg.4.21 • LXX.Judg.5.24 |
| Jael came forth | LXX.Judg.4.18 • LXX.Judg.4.22 | |
| Jehiel | LXX.1Chr.16.5 | |
| of Jael | LXX.Judg.4.17 • LXX.Judg.5.6 |
Extended Information
Brown-Driver-Briggs
II. יָעֵל proper name, feminine wife of Heber the Kenite, slayer of Sisera Judg 4:17; Judg 4:18; Judg 4:21; Judg 4:22; Judg 5:24, probably also vJudg 5:6 (others find here name of a man, a 'judge').
Brown-Driver-Briggs References
| Book | Refs |
|---|---|
| Judges | 4:17 · 4:18 · 4:21 · 4:22 · 5:6 · 5:24 |
Profile
Female • Wife of Heber; killed Sisera, the Canaanite commander.
Woman living before Israel's Monarchy
Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, killed Sisera, the commander of the Canaanite army, by driving a tent peg through his temple (Jdg.4.17-22; 5.24-27).
- A woman living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jdg.4.17;
- only referred to as Jael יָעֵל;
- wife of Heber חֶבֶר.
Jael was the wife of Heber the Kenite, an ally of the Israelites during the time of the judges. She is best known for her role in the defeat of Sisera, the commander of the Canaanite army under King Jabin of Hazor (Jdg.4.2).
After the Israelite victory over the Canaanites led by Deborah and Barak, Sisera fled on foot and sought refuge in Jael's tent (Jdg.4.17). Jael welcomed him, offering him milk and a place to rest. Sisera, exhausted from the battle, fell asleep in her tent (Jdg.4.18-19).
While Sisera slept, Jael took a tent peg and a hammer, and drove the peg through his temple, killing him (Jdg.4.21). When Barak came in pursuit of Sisera, Jael showed him the dead commander, thus confirming the Israelite victory (Jdg.4.22).
Jael's actions are also celebrated in the Song of Deborah (Jdg.5), where she is praised as "most blessed of women" for her bravery and decisive role in the defeat of the Canaanites (Jdg.5.24-27).
Jael's story highlights the significant role that women played in the history of Israel, as well as the importance of cunning and courage in the face of enemy threats. Her actions, though violent, are portrayed as an act of loyalty to the Israelites and a means of bringing about God's deliverance for His people.
All entries for Jael: יָעֵל
Related Profiles:
- Heber (spouse)