Jael - An Ordinary Woman Who Did An Extraordinary Thing

“Most blessed among women is Jael, 
The wife of Heber the Kenite; 
Blessed is she among women in tents.”

If you ask me to mention several names of female leaders, the first names that come to my mind would probably be Queen Elizabeth, Megawati Sukarnoputri, or Mother Theresa.

Commonly, people are called leaders based on the position in which they are in. However, the quality of their leadership will be reflected through the continuance of their leadership, and the respect they gain from it.

I’ve found some of the essential qualities of leaders in Jael (Judges 4:17-23, 5:24-27), an ordinary woman who did an extraordinary thing.

Armed with nothing else but the workmen's hammer and nail, Jael, killed the general of the enemy, Sisera. She did it by herself, with a thoughtful strategy, and a great courage.

If I symbolize the quality of leadership as a pyramid, you can picture how important it is for a leader to be able to stand alone while climbing to the top of the leadership qualities ladder.

Most things in life are based on your own personal judgment and decision. Therefore, you can no longer share your responsibilities to others, no matter how hard it is to do.

As a leader, you can’t avoid the consequences. But, do learn from Jael who, again I remind you, was just an ordinary woman who had the incredible values of a leader.

1. Jael used the resources provided around her to the maximum

She didn’t try to use a sword or a spear to kill the enemy. Instead, she used the hammer and nail which were usually used to steady the tents. You too can use the resources provided around you to accomplish your purpose, instead of complaining about them or wishing for the unrealistic. Remember, even the smallest things can determine your success.

2. As a leader, prepare yourself to face any situation in your life, especially those that can determine others’ future (the critical situations).

You have to be prepared to decide based on your own judgment, and take the risks ON YOUR OWN. You cannot blame somebody else for the consequences of your decision.  

3. Thoughtful strategy is the ultimate key to be successful with the decisions you’ve made. 

Jael gave Sisera a cup of milk, wrapped him with a bedspread till he fell asleep, and then pierced the nail with hammer through his temples. The problem is, just like Jael, we don’t always have enough time to prepare a thoughtful strategy. In such a short time, it is very important for us to have wisdom, without forgetting that the fear of the LORD is the beginning of it. (Proverbs 9:10)

4. Courage

Where is the right place for a commandant to be when his troop is on a battle? It is behind his soldiers?  Or is it right behind the enemy lines, leading his faithful soldiers to fight with courage? After having the thoughtful strategy and considering its every possible outcome, we need to have courage to make it happen. Courage is the “executor” that will turn our plan into a real action.

Position determines your leadership to the eyes of the world. However, by the end of the day, it all comes down to this: do you have what it takes to be a true leader? Do you have it in you the value and the character of a leader?