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Biblically Solving Problems
With Jael

By Glenn Davis

Although the events in the Old Testament were historical and meaningful in themselves, they also often picture a spiritual reality from which we can learn practical lessons for our lives today.  What can we learn about solving problems from Jael?

At the time this historical story takes place, Israel had been under cruel oppression for 20 years. They had rejected God and walked in rebellion [Jud. 4:1-3].  Sometimes, as Christians, we think God is always on our side no matter what we do.  This is a deception.  Disobedience and rebellion will lead to judgment.  The Corinthian Christians were told by Paul that some of them were sick and some had even died because they did not honour the Communion Table [1 Cor. 11:29-31].  Ananias and Sapphira were put to death by the Holy Spirit for lying to Him [Acts 5].  These are serious issues, and we cannot think that we will escape if we take the things of God lightly.

Then the sons of Israel again did evil in the sight of the Lord, after Ehud died. So the Lord sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan, who reigned in Hazor; and the commander of his army was Sisera, who lived in Harosheth-hagoyim. The sons of Israel cried out to the Lord; for he had nine hundred iron chariots, and he oppressed the sons of Israel severely for twenty years. Judges 4:1-3, NASV

We also see that one of the reasons God allows oppression and judgment is to bring us to a point of desperation so that we will seek Him [Jud. 4:3].  We would avoid many unnecessary problems if we learned to seek Jesus as hard in the good times as we do in the bad.  

However, God does not ignore our cries.  He is compassionate and merciful.  When we return to Him, He will forgive and bring restoration [Jud. 4:14-16, James 5:15-16].  That does not mean that we escape all consequences.  We may still have to walk through things, repair damage to others, face scars, and solve problems.  

Notice that God did not miraculously deliver the Israelites from their oppressors with no effort on their part.  They had to form the army.  They had to march into battle against a vastly larger army that possessed superior weapons and training.  It was an act of faith, for everything from a natural perspective said they were marching to their deaths.  God did perform a miracle by giving them the victory, but they would not have experienced it without exhibiting faith and obedience - the opposite of what had gotten them into trouble in the first place.

Even so, Jesus may require actions on our part to confirm the genuineness of our repentance.  We may have to demonstrate our faith and commitment in order to receive our deliverance.  This is not a formula, but Jesus’ work in each individual life is unique.  What He requires from one, He may not require from another [Mark 10:21].  The common link is that rebellion and false gods must go!

What Does Jael Teach Us About Solving Problems?

1.  Jael was not afraid to confront her enemy [Jud. 4:18].  She went out to meet Sisera.  We need to face problems and struggles head-on.  Many times we are tempted to ignore them and hope they will go away.  Often that only makes the situation worse.  We cannot back away out of fear of what might happen.  We must prayerfully move ahead, using the principles of the Word of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit to solve problems and achieve the best possible result.

In our modern era, people are taught to choose their actions by what makes them feel good.  They want to avoid mental or physical pain, and that desire for avoidance determines their actions.  No one wants pain, of course, but actions must be based on the Word of God and what is right in the eyes of Jesus, not on whether it will bring us pain.  We need to be willing to endure suffering, if needed, for doing the right thing [1 Peter 3:14].

2.  Jael was creative in handling her dangerous situation.  She deceived Sisera into thinking she was on his side while determining this evil man’s downfall [Jud. 4:18-20].  So when we face our problems and struggles, we need to use wisdom.  Not every situation can be dealt with the same way.  Sometimes the straightforward approach is needed.  Sometimes we have to proceed with tact and diplomacy.  At other times, we need to keep our true intentions hidden until the appropriate time.

3.  When the time comes to deal with our situation, we need to deal with it decisively and finally.  Jael nailed Sisera’s head to the ground [Jud. 4:21].  There was no way this man was coming back to haunt her or the people of God.  Sometimes, when dealing with problems, we stop before we've fully dealt with them.  We don’t want to push too hard or too deep.  We are satisfied with surface solutions which bring temporary peace.  Not so with Jael.  This problem was solved…forever.  We need to press for real, permanent answers, even when it is a harder and more painful route.  

4.   Jael showed Barak what she had done [Jud. 4:22].  We need to give God the glory for what He has allowed us to accomplish.  The truth is every victory is only possible because Jesus is fighting with us.  We need to be careful to avoid self-glorification.  And by sharing what we have gone through and how the victory was achieved, it may be an encouragement to others facing similar struggles [1 Cor. 10:13]. 

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