Jael

Photo courtesy of Akn on Unsplash

                    Judges 4-5

 With Heber, severed from my kin,
        In wild and distant lands,
My husband’s friends I welcome in
        And serve with willing hands.

Content to lead a peaceful life,
        Though far from all I’ve known—
Til from the men I heard of strife
        That chilled me to the bone.

For Israel, with whom we dwell,
        Is turning to the Lord,
But Sisera, their faith to quell,
        Was taking up his sword.

Conflicted, inner war I waged
        With all that’s dear to me;
While soldiers in the battle raged,
        I chose my loyalty.

Though with the armies of the land,
        I don’t expect a part,
With Moses and his God to stand
        Was settled in my heart.

As Sisera from battle fled,
        I bid him be my guest;
With milk and butter richly fed,
        He wearily took rest.

He didn’t know my quiet soul
        Hid rugged strength of mind,
Or that my God-appointed role
        Was of a lethal kind.

The unsuspecting general slept
        And bid me watch the door,
But with my tools I softly crept
        And nailed him to the floor.

His wicked ways I couldn’t brook;
        I used what chance I had
To slay the terrifying crook
        And make God’s people glad.

Now some may think my methods wrong;
        My deed they can’t applaud,
But blessed am I in Deborah’s song—
        And honored of my God.