There is a difference between reading text and understanding text. It is truly fascinating that numerous people can all read the same text, yet each understands it differently. The Bible is made up of several stories, all of which are interpreted and criticized in a variety of ways. After reading Judges 4-5, two biblical criticisms that present themselves are feminist and grammatical-philological. The feminist approach focuses on the representation of the protagonist females in the text; Deborah and Jael while the grammatical-philological approach focuses on the specific importance and meaning associated with the various uses of the word mother throughout.
Judges 4-5 is a great story with strong meaning. The story starts out telling us how…show more content… Jael is not only considered a warrior woman like Deborah, but she is also considered “most blessed of women.” This label means she is a role model to other woman for her courage, beauty, love, and strength. Many times we are told that strength and determination are solely for men, or at best should only be exercised under the direction of a husband. But Jael takes the initiative not only without her husband's consent, but also against her husband's wishes. We assume that Jael’s husband Heber would not have supported her killing Sisera, "Now Sisera had fled away on foot to the tent of Jael wife of Heber the Kenite; for there was peace between King Jabin of Hazor and the clan of Heber the Kenite" (Judges 4:17) but that is what makes Jael such a hero and such woman warrior. Jael took the matter into her own hands and even though she did not go out to battle, she was still the savior of Israel. Rather than acting nurturing and warm like Jael was expected to because of her femininity, she kills. Jael did what she had to do to act for…show more content… “In the days of Shamgar son of Anath, in the days of Jael, caravans ceased and travelers kept to the byways. The peasantry prospered in Israel, they grew fat on plunder, because you arose, Deborah, arose as a mother in Israel." (Judges 5:6-7) Although, this does not hold the typical meaning of mother, it is a representation of her being fiercely protective of her own. Deborah’s accomplishments described in judges 4-5 include counsel, inspiration, and leadership. A mother in Israel is one who brings release from tyranny, provides protection, and ensures the wellbeing and security of her people. Even though she is not the biological mother of all of Israel, Deborah’s presence as a leader and hero among a biblical cast of mostly male leaders and heroes is a mirrored role to that of a mother. When we think of mothers, we think of women who take charge, lead, and protect but can also be there for guidance and advice when needed; in short, this was Deborah’s role in