The Lord said, “It is not good that the man should be alone. I will make a helper suitable (complementary) for him. (Genesis 2:18) Let’s clear up the meaning of the word “helper.”

We are not talking about, “Honey can you hand me the screwdriver.” As a matter of fact the Hebrew word for “helper” is “ezer.” It is mostly used in the Bible in reference to God himself; at times it is used to describe military assistance that comes from another nation, as in help or reinforcements. To truly help another we make up what is lacking in their strength.

In this adventure battle we call life, my wife has come to my aid time and again. We are complementary to one another; each of us incomplete without the other. Naturally, as a man I am the primary warrior in the house. If a window breaks in the middle of the night, it will be “yours truly” that risks life and limb to go investigate. I would never consider staying safe under the covers while sending my beloved wife out on the mission.

As a general rule of life however, over thirty five years of marriage, we have fought side by side, the stronger among us carrying the load in alternating seasons.

Speaking of powerful women…

Deborah was a prophetess and one of the judges in Israel. She called for a man named Barak, commissioned him to take 10,000 troops and go out to battle against the evil commander, Sisera. Barak’s response: “If you go with me, I will go; but if you don’t go with me, I won’t go.” (For gosh sakes Barak, man up!!) Her reply: “I will go with you, but because of the way you are going about this, the honor will not be yours, for the Lord will hand Sisera over to a woman.”

Once on the battlefield, Barak bravely led his troops at Deborah’s command. The army of Sisera was routed and the evil king fled on foot, ending up hiding in the tent of a woman named Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite. Sisera asked her for a drink and for protection. Once he was asleep Jael took a hammer and a tent peg and drove it into Sisera’s head and into the ground. That which Deborah had prophesied came to pass. (The Lord handed Sisera over to a woman.)

The celebration of this victory is told in the “Song of Deborah” found in Judges chapter five. “On that day Deborah and Barak son of Abinoam sang this song.” (v.1) Take note that they sang the song together, and in one place they give honor to Jael: “Most blessed of women be Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, most blessed of tent-dwelling women.” (v.24)

I honor my wife today as a woman who has stood steadfast with me in fighting the fight of faith.

She is a warrior wife and I am blessed to share a tent with her.