In this story, Jael and Deborah crank up the girl-power! Deborah was a judge- she settled disputes between her countrymen and helped organize the people in times of disaster or military campaigns. She is the only female we are aware of that held this position of respect. (You go, girl!)
She was also a prophetess- she gave the Jewish people messages from God. Barak, one of Israel's generals, asked Deborah to come with him to fight Jabin, King of Canaan, and his general, Sisera, because of Deborah's position and ability to rally the people. She agreed, but told Barak God would deliver Sisera into a woman's hands instead of Barak's.
Jael was that woman- read the Bible to find out what happens next. As you are reading, imagine the 6th grade putting on a skit on Baskin-Robbins patio about this subject. It was great- and I guarantee we were the first to ever do "Tent Peg Theater" there.
One of the things I always like to ask the kids is "What is it about this story that God wants us to understand? Why is it in the Bible?" I think a big reason for this story is one that is repeated time and again in God's story. Courage that is based on faith in God is important- God's strength can get us through any tough time this world throws at us. And of course, God loves to show that strength through the most unlikely of people. In this story, it is two women vs an enemy army- Deborah and Jael. In other stories, it's David vs. Goliath, Moses vs. Pharaoh, or Jesus vs. the world which largely was not ready for him.
For more, check out the below link for some cool Lego pictures of this and other Bible stories (warning for parents: not all the Lego pics on this site are as child-friendly as others; there are of course some Bible stories best saved until kids are older)
http://www.thebricktestament.com/judges/massacre_of_the_canaanites/jg04_21b.html
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