Mary's Literal Words on Israel's Restoration from Luke Chapter Two

Chapter 4: From Henceforth All Generations Shall Call Me Blessed (Luke 1:48b)

Mary's proclamation, "for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed" (Luke 1:48), captures the essence of her profound humility and the astounding grace of God in his prophetic program. Mary recognizes her unique position, and yet, she is part of a broader tapestry woven through the fabric of biblical history—of women who serve the Lord. Among them is Jael, a woman whose story stands out in Israel's history during the time of the Judges, and who was explicitly described as "blessed above women" in Judges 5:24.

"Blessed art thou among women" some prayers may say about Mary, but as it is written, Jael was "blessed above women". Something far greater than the biblical Mary we're examining.

Now, at first glance, one might assume that Mary and Jael occupy similar places in God's narrative—the blessed women chosen for important tasks. However, the nuances of their accounts reveal differences in status, role, and meaning. Mary is revered for bearing the Messiah, who is to bring salvation to the world. In contrast, Jael holds a different kind of blessing—a dynamic act of courage and decisiveness amidst turmoil.

Jael appears in the Book of Judges during a time when the Israelites were oppressed by the Canaanite King Jabin. Deborah, the prophetess, had summoned Barak to lead an army against Jabin's general, Sisera. In this context, Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, plays a pivotal role. When Sisera, fleeing from defeat, seeks refuge in Jael's tent, she initially welcomes him, providing him with food and comfort. However, the twist of her fate lies in her ultimate choice. When Sisera falls asleep, Jael takes a tent peg and a hammer and decisively drives the peg through his temple, killing him and delivering Israel from the Canaanite oppression (Judges 4:17-24).

"Howbeit Sisera fled away on his feet to the tent of Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite: for there was peace between Jabin the king of Hazor and the house of Heber the Kenite. And Jael went out to meet Sisera, and said unto him, Turn in, my lord, turn in to me; fear not. And when he had turned in unto her into the tent, she covered him with a mantle. And he said unto her, Give me, I pray thee, a little water to drink; for I am thirsty. And she opened a bottle of milk, and gave him drink, and covered him. Again he said unto her, Stand in the door of the tent, and it shall be, when any man doth come and enquire of thee, and say, Is there any man here? that thou shalt say, No. 

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. And, behold, as Barak pursued Sisera, Jael came out to meet him, and said unto him, Come, and I will shew thee the man whom thou seekest. And when he came into her tent, behold, Sisera lay dead, and the nail was in his temples. So God subdued on that day Jabin the king of Canaan before the children of Israel. And the hand of the children of Israel prospered, and prevailed against Jabin the king of Canaan, until they had destroyed Jabin king of Canaan."

Jael's act is one of bravery, tenacity, and unexpected deliverance. In the Song of Deborah, she is honored with the title "blessed above women," a significant acknowledgment of her key role in God's deliverance plan for Israel during the time of the Judges. This blessing underscores the active participation of women in fulfilling God's purposes, albeit through different means in different times. While Mary is a chosen vessel for the arrival of the Lord Jesus and the fulfillment of prophecy, Jael represents the empowerment of women to act decisively in times of crisis. Her blessed status indicates that God's opeation is not confined to any single narrative but rather embraces various contexts and circumstances. We too can learn this understanding in the Body of Christ today.

The distinction between Mary and Jael highlights God's multifaceted nature and His way of using women for His glorious purposes throughout history. Each woman responds to her circumstances uniquely, yet both are participants in his operation. Mary's blessing signals the arrival of salvation, whereas Jael's blessing signifies the courage and strength found in the midst of conflict.

Mary's declaration that "all generations shall call me blessed" (Luke 1:48) speaks to the enduring legacy of her faith and obedience to God throughout the generations there in Israel.  In Psalm 33:11, it is written, "The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations." Just as God's earthly dominion purposes were established long before Mary, her role aligns with the divine will that stands unchanging through the ages. Mary's faithfulness to God's call assures that her story, interwoven with the grand narrative of salvation, will be recounted, honored, and celebrated by countless believers in Israel (generations) in the years to come.

Furthermore, Psalm 89:1-4 emphasizes the theme of God's faithfulness in keeping His promises, affirming that generations will sing of His goodness. It states, "I will sing of the mercies of the Lord for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations. For I have said, Mercy shall be built up for ever: thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens." Mary's faithfulness is intertwined with God's covenant promises, affirming that the blessings bestowed upon her resonate throughout history. 

As seen in Psalm 72:5, "They shall fear thee as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations," the idea of lasting recognition extends not only to Mary but also reflects the eternal significance of the Messiah she bore. Thus, as generations rise and fall, Mary's role serves as a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness, ensuring that her place in the story of redemption will be recognized for all time, just like Jael and many other godly women.