EXPLANATION: If we assess Jael’s action merely on the surface, disregarding the deeper implications, it may seem that she committed an unjust act, leading observers to conclude that she was in the wrong for several reasons: a) She appeared to violate the fifth commandment, which states, "Thou shalt not kill" (Exodus 20:13). b) She killed a man who was a commander under the king and an ally of her husband, suggesting treachery. c) Jael had no authority to kill Sisera, as she was not an Israelite but rather of Kenite descent. d) She breached the code of hospitality, having welcomed him under the pretense of offering safety. e) To kill one who is helpless, having entrusted his life to another, seemed cruel and inhumane. f) Her actions might be seen as deceitful, ostensibly friendly while harboring an intent to harm. This analysis considers only the surface aspects of the incident, so we must delve deeper.
EXHIBIT: When Jael, the wife of Heber, executed Sisera, she did not sin at all. Firstly, it was God's command to eliminate all Canaanites, and particularly through the prophetess Deborah, it had been foretold that Sisera would fall by the hand of a woman. Therefore, Jael was fulfilling God's decree. Secondly, she was inspired by the Holy Spirit, who guided her in the fulfillment of Deborah's prophecy, and her brave deed is consistently recognized positively. Thirdly, Israel's conflict was just, and Jael and Heber participated in that righteous cause. Fourthly, Heber and Jael were much closer in allegiance to the Israelites than to Jabin or Sisera, who were devoid of true worship. For Heber descended from the line of Joab, a relative of Moses; he shared the faith and devotion of Israel and was well-regarded by them. Fifthly, had Jael concealed Sisera and failed to inform Barak, who was seeking him, she would have committed a grave sin against God's will, the prophetess's prophecy, the cause of righteous warfare, the necessity of adherence to the law, and against the holiness of true devotion.
Furthermore, one could object to these reasons through another lens: a) Lower laws yield to higher ones; thus, the commandments concerning faith and divine service take precedence when weighing duties towards one’s neighbor. It is indeed illegitimate to commit harm against those with whom one has obligations of kinship and hospitality, yet these actions may be justified if commanded by a higher authority. Many biblical examples illustrate this principle. b) Though Jael acted against Sisera, who was allied to her, she did so in service to those with whom she shared a deeper loyalty. c) Jael had divine permission to slay Sisera, aimed at fulfilling God’s purposes for Israel. d) In a just war, cunning against one’s adversaries is permissible. e) Principles of truth must take precedence over personal loyalties. f) Ultimately, while Jael's words and actions might appear duplicitous, they were not lies. Her endeavor, though it differed from her verbal assurances, aligned towards a righteous outcome and was executed with good intentions.
THEOSIS