The city was surrounded, the army outside was preparing to attack, the people inside were in panic because they knew that before long they will be killed or taken away as slaves. The men prepared for battle with their meager resources, while the women stored up food, water and other necessities. The tension inside was great and someone had to act quickly before the inhabitants were destroyed. One could see a lot of fear and trembling among the children as they watched their parents. There was no way to escape from the enemy as the city was besieged on all sides. No one volunteered to be a mediator or speak to the enemy leader, who had come to devour them. If someone would go and plead on their behalf perhaps the battle could be abated. The city leaders looked at one another and each one hoped that another person would brave the situation. It was better for one to die than all the people. No one was ready to go first to face the foe.

Suddenly a woman stood on the walls of the city of Abel and shouted, ?Listen! Listen! Tell Joab to come here so I can speak with him? (2 Sam.20:14-22. KJV)

This is a true story that should encourage and challenge every woman who puts her trust in God. Very often we shun our responsibility by waiting for someone else to do it. We are slow to attempt jobs that we feel we cannot do well and forget that the Lord is with us to give us the victory. Here we see the wise woman of Abel act quickly and decisively to avert disaster, and to save many innocent people from disaster. She challenged Joab and we read the details in the above Bible passage. She was able to keep the peace and spare lives on both sides of the city wall. Can you imagine the risk she took? One arrow shot from Joab?s camp could have leveled her to the ground. Did she think of her own safety or did she act courageously on behalf of her people?

Regardless of what she did, there is no mention of her name or family background, except that she was from Israel. Many Bible students pass her story by as insignificant, ?Just a woman without a name or fame?. I strongly feel that this Wise Woman is one of the unsung heroes in history. She did so much depending on God and won the victory for her people. Remember true wisdom has nothing to do with intelligence but its humble dependence on God. Proverbs 2:3-6(NIV) explains that the Lord gives wisdom and from His mouth comes knowledge and understanding. Are we willing to face the foe even if no one sings our praises, but for the honor of His name and His people? If God be for us then who can be against us?

May the Lord forgive us for our shortcomings, and the hesitation to face the enemy with courage. May the Lord give us the wisdom to discern what is right and the ability to do it cheerfully as unto Him.