Jael

Technical Profile

• Name Meaning: Hebrew Yaʿel (“ibex; mountain goat”), a term associated with agility in rocky terrain
• Period/Era: Divided Kingdom (Judges period)
• Main References: Judges 4:17–24; Judges 5:24–27
• Key Connections: Heber the Kenite (husband); Sisera (Canaanite commander); Deborah and Barak (Israelite leaders)

Who was Jael?

Jael was a Kenite woman, wife of Heber, living near Kedesh in northern Canaan.
Her household had peaceful relations with Jabin king of Hazor through her husband (Judg. 4:17).
She is known for killing Sisera after he fled Israel’s battle with the Canaanites.
Deborah’s song commemorates her as “most blessed” among women for this act (Judg. 5:24).

Key Events & Achievements

• Event 1: Offered Sisera shelter and gave him milk while he hid in her tent (Judg. 4:18–19).
• Event 2: Killed Sisera with a tent peg while he slept, ending his flight (Judg. 4:21).
• Event 3: Showed Barak Sisera’s body, confirming the defeat of Jabin’s commander (Judg. 4:22).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Jael’s account shows how a non-Israelite household connected to Israel could play a decisive role in Israel’s deliverance during the Judges period.

Key Verse

"Most blessed of women be Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, of tent-dwelling women most blessed." — Judges 5:24, ESV