Judges 4:19
And he said vnto her, Giue me, I pray thee, a litle water to drinke, for I am thirstie. And she opened a bottle of milke, and gaue him drinke, and couered him. Judges 4:19 (KJV)
This verse is part of the account of Deborah and Barak found in Judges 4. It records the actions of the Canaanite commander Sisera, not Barak, after the battle in which the Israelites, led by Deborah and Barak, defeated the Canaanite forces. Sisera fled on foot to the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite. Exhausted and thirsty, he asks Jael for something to drink, and she gives him milk. She also hides him from the pursuing Israelite soldiers, covering him and protecting him from any potential harm.
Jael’s actions in offering Sisera milk and shelter demonstrate hospitality and generosity, providing both nourishment and protection at a critical moment. By offering him milk, Jael provides nourishment, which is particularly fitting in a time of war and exhaustion. The act of covering him can also be seen as a gesture of safety and concealment. These actions display hospitality and generosity, as well as care and protection, and they highlight the importance of unexpected and compassionate acts in times of need.
Jael’s actions demonstrate her resourcefulness and willingness to help someone in distress. Her willingness to aid a fleeing enemy illustrates her resourcefulness and courage. It is also worth noting that Jael plays a significant role in the overall narrative of Judges 4. After giving Sisera the milk and covering him, she goes on to play a pivotal role in the defeat of the Canaanite general by driving a tent peg through his head while he sleeps (Judges 4:21).
Overall, Judges 4:19 offers insights into the character of Jael and the resourcefulness and hospitality displayed during a critical moment in Israel’s history. It encourages us to be attentive to the needs of others, to go above and beyond in our acts of kindness, and to offer assistance and comfort in times of struggle. The passage underscores how unexpected acts of compassion can arise even amid conflict, encouraging readers to consider the value of kindness and assistance in times.
