Couldn't help myself. Here's an image that comes up when you Google "Barak and tent peg." And while not tent pegs, it's the result of a nail gun accident. Unlike Sisera, this construction worker survived.
Ah, reading about Barak in the time of President Barak. But it's the women who are the real story here.
While Deborah shames Barak and his army into fighting Sisera, commander of Cannan King Jaban's forces, it's really a woman named Jael who nails this story. Literally. In yet another not-ready-for-the-flannel-board moment, the dainty Jael drives a tent peg through Sisera's temple. Talk about resourceful.
The whole thing is commemorated by a duet sung by Deborah and Barak. Check out the lyrics:
"Most blessed of women be Jael,the wife of Heber the Kenite,the most blessed of tent-dwelling women.He asked for water, and she gave him milk;in a bowl fit for nobles she brought him curdled milk.Her hand reached for the tent peg,her right hand for the workman's hammer.She struck Sisera, she crushed his head,she shattered and pierced his temple.At her feet he sank,he fell; there he lay.At her feet he sank, he fell;where he sank, there he fell -- dead."
Now that's got all the makings of a hit country song. A killer. Can you imagine Israel's grade school children singing that for their parent's day spring concert? "Smile children when you sing 'she crushed his head....' All together now!" That's one campfire story that kids wide awake when they went to bed...and with big sister so close to the tent pegs.
The Lord does work in mysterious ways. And His stories are anything but dull. Even when you know the ending.
Lord knows.
No comments:
Post a Comment