Definition: Then Jael Heber’s wife took a nail of the tent, and took an hammer in her hand, and went softly unto him, and smote the nail into his temples, and fastened it into the ground: for he was fast asleep and weary. So he died.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Judges 4:21. It’s a really disturbing and violent scene, but it tells us about a brutal act of violence. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: A Woman is Involved: The verse focuses on a woman named Jael. She was the wife of a man named “Heber’s wife.” She’s Planning to Kill Him: Jael, feeling angry and frustrated with her husband, decided to kill him. She took a nail from a tent (likely used for shelter or a makeshift bed) and a hammer. She Hits Him With the Nail: She hammered the nail into his temples – this is a very painful act of violence. She Leaves Him Dead: She then left him to die peacefully, exhausted and asleep. What’s the Big Picture? This story is about revenge . It highlights that sometimes, people are driven to extreme actions when they feel wronged or angry. It's a stark reminder of the potential for violence when it becomes uncontrolled. Key Interpretations & Context: The Root Cause: The story is part of a larger conflict in the Old Testament. The men of Israel were constantly fighting and vying for power, which led to this violent act. Justice vs. Revenge: While it's understandable that Jael was angry, her actions were ultimately not justified. She wasn’t acting out of justice – she was acting out of revenge. It shows how anger can sometimes lead to terrible things. Important Note: This is a very difficult passage to read and understand. It’s important to remember that the Bible doesn't glorify violence. It presents a harsh reality about human nature and the consequences of unchecked anger. Do you want me to: Explain any specific part of the story in more detail? Discuss the context of this passage within the larger narrative of the Old Testament? Talk about the potential meaning of revenge itself?