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Lead Like Jael: 7 Timeless Principles for Today's Women of Faith
History and literature are rife with stories of great men–but what about the women? From girlboss feminism to the tradwife movement, culture has tried to offer a meaningful vision of what it means to be a great woman. The answer, however, lies in the example of Lady Wisdom and the seven principles biblical women embody.
The girl-boss is dead. Long live the tradwife! The pandemic delivered the final blow to the normative expectations of girl-boss feminism. Forced isolation ignited a long-dormant appreciation within women for domestic life. The work grind and nights out were replaced with homemaking projects from sourdough bread to creative home improvements nearly overnight. Formal, often masculine, clothing was replaced with athleisure and bright floral sundresses. For many women, as pandemic restrictions were lifted and many offices went back to business as usual, they found that they did not want to leave the home or their children to return to life as it was. Many left the workforce altogether, while others pursued flexible at-home arrangements.
Such trends have overcorrected, going too far in the opposite direction, too. For example, Generation Z (many of whom came of age in high school and college during the pandemic) are disproportionately “soft quitting” their jobs, social lives, and ambition for a relaxed lifestyle.
At the same time, the online tradwife movement has seen an unprecedented rise in popularity, especially since 2020, with millions of followers flocking to these accounts. While many provide wholesome, albeit superficial and limited depictions of femininity, such trends point to a much deeper need that this book aims to fill.
Neither girl-boss feminism nor the so-called femininity of the tradwife movement are quite right when it comes to the depiction of womanhood that they offer. Instead of relying on revised forms of first-wave feminism or secular role models, women deserve to encounter the fullness of the biblical narrative. Women in the Old and New Testament played decisive roles in the political and social leadership of their nation, offered wise counsel to leaders, played indispensable roles in battle, extolled their femininity in marriage and childbearing, and practiced righteous deception. Notably, they did it all without ever picking up a sword. This book will offer women a deeper and truer vision of what it means to be a strong, intelligent, and proactive woman through her unique identity as a woman, wife, and mother.
The girl-boss is dead. Long live the tradwife! The pandemic delivered the final blow to the normative expectations of girl-boss feminism. Forced isolation ignited a long-dormant appreciation within women for domestic life. The work grind and nights out were replaced with homemaking projects from sourdough bread to creative home improvements nearly overnight. Formal, often masculine, clothing was replaced with athleisure and bright floral sundresses. For many women, as pandemic restrictions were lifted and many offices went back to business as usual, they found that they did not want to leave the home or their children to return to life as it was. Many left the workforce altogether, while others pursued flexible at-home arrangements.
Such trends have overcorrected, going too far in the opposite direction, too. For example, Generation Z (many of whom came of age in high school and college during the pandemic) are disproportionately “soft quitting” their jobs, social lives, and ambition for a relaxed lifestyle.
At the same time, the online tradwife movement has seen an unprecedented rise in popularity, especially since 2020, with millions of followers flocking to these accounts. While many provide wholesome, albeit superficial and limited depictions of femininity, such trends point to a much deeper need that this book aims to fill.
Neither girl-boss feminism nor the so-called femininity of the tradwife movement are quite right when it comes to the depiction of womanhood that they offer. Instead of relying on revised forms of first-wave feminism or secular role models, women deserve to encounter the fullness of the biblical narrative. Women in the Old and New Testament played decisive roles in the political and social leadership of their nation, offered wise counsel to leaders, played indispensable roles in battle, extolled their femininity in marriage and childbearing, and practiced righteous deception. Notably, they did it all without ever picking up a sword. This book will offer women a deeper and truer vision of what it means to be a strong, intelligent, and proactive woman through her unique identity as a woman, wife, and mother.
240 pages, Hardcover
Published March 24, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
May 6, 2026
Started out strong.... but once I got into the chapter on marriage, I had some disagreements (which is ironic considering who she quotes). I would be curious to read an update when she's 70+ years old.
Still, overall, I think she has some great insights. The book would be good for a discussion group.
Still, overall, I think she has some great insights. The book would be good for a discussion group.
April 1, 2026
Lead Like Jael was devotional and convicting. I found Waters' insights about shrewdness and resourcefulness particularly keen. An accessible and quick read without compromising intellectual heft.
Review of advance copy received from Author
"Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord: And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it. In that day shall the fair virgins and young men faint for thirst." Amos viii.11-12
If there was a constant in our countless parties and events attended in Washington D.C., it was that any mention of Holy Scripture would perk ears and lighten eyes. Time and time again, if our conversation ever circled to the Bible, folks would lean in and ask more questions.
What Emma has done aptly, succinctly, and powerfully in Lead Like Jael is take the narratives of Scripture, subject them to the royal wisdom literature, and apply them to our "fair virgins" fainting for thirst. The result is a torrential downpour of Scripture weaved into every corner of the text that doesn't moralize or burden heavy souls, but illuminate a path of life for weary women.
It's also accessible. Bible heavy books tend to lack clear application, and woman-centric books often lack clear intellectual heft. Emma is the perfect person to combine the best of Biblical gravity with clarity and applicability every day women need. Her work in popular writing online for years has meant she is one of the best communicators of her generation, and her robust mind is always going deeper and further and wider.
Emma is also very creative. She takes some of the most creative orthodox Biblical exposition today from JB Jordan, Peter Leithart, and Fr. Mark Brians, and merges it with the underexamined elements of many on the political "right" today. A congresswoman (and grandmother) on leaving the workforce for decades as a mother. A prominent reporter's reflections on supporting her husband's vocation. A controversial political philosopher's decades-old reflections on Esther. The First Lady's new portrait in the White House.
These forays into modern politics do not overshadow the book at any point, but instead reveal a discerning mind taking the cutting edge drama of political life, and critically examining them through the lens of the everlasting.
This is not a book of Law, or simple rules fortradwives children to follow, but an illuminated manuscript of Biblical witnesses crying out "young woman, run the race set before you, and tread every step God has planned for you with joy."
If there was a constant in our countless parties and events attended in Washington D.C., it was that any mention of Holy Scripture would perk ears and lighten eyes. Time and time again, if our conversation ever circled to the Bible, folks would lean in and ask more questions.
What Emma has done aptly, succinctly, and powerfully in Lead Like Jael is take the narratives of Scripture, subject them to the royal wisdom literature, and apply them to our "fair virgins" fainting for thirst. The result is a torrential downpour of Scripture weaved into every corner of the text that doesn't moralize or burden heavy souls, but illuminate a path of life for weary women.
It's also accessible. Bible heavy books tend to lack clear application, and woman-centric books often lack clear intellectual heft. Emma is the perfect person to combine the best of Biblical gravity with clarity and applicability every day women need. Her work in popular writing online for years has meant she is one of the best communicators of her generation, and her robust mind is always going deeper and further and wider.
Emma is also very creative. She takes some of the most creative orthodox Biblical exposition today from JB Jordan, Peter Leithart, and Fr. Mark Brians, and merges it with the underexamined elements of many on the political "right" today. A congresswoman (and grandmother) on leaving the workforce for decades as a mother. A prominent reporter's reflections on supporting her husband's vocation. A controversial political philosopher's decades-old reflections on Esther. The First Lady's new portrait in the White House.
These forays into modern politics do not overshadow the book at any point, but instead reveal a discerning mind taking the cutting edge drama of political life, and critically examining them through the lens of the everlasting.
This is not a book of Law, or simple rules for
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Well, the first thing I must say is that the title of this book is very misleading (and factually wrong as it was Deborah and not Jael who led). The author’s idea of leading seems to be limited to children and other women. By the end of the book, the people she names as leaders are pastors, husbands, mentors, and fathers. Which, in her world, are all men. Women can advise, persuade, and risk their lives, but never seek to lead them. But I digress.
Waters made so many novice mistakes when trying to discuss these women that it was very distracting. She said Naomi sent Ruth to Boaz’s land to glean; she didn’t. She said King Ahasuerus, in the book of Esther, reverses his decree against the Israelite’s; he legally couldn’t. And while I know it’s easy to assume that Solomon wrote Proverbs 31, it was actually credited to King Lemuel as relaying what his mother had told him. These may seem inconsequential but if Waters made such easy errors in her reading comprehension, what is there to say about her exegesis?
Not much, sad to say. She separated the women using the themes of maiden, mother, and matriarch, and tries to squeeze them to fit her modern ideals of womanhood. I can’t say I believe Abigail made a conscious decision to take care to honor her husband, Nabal’s, role when she went out to save a man from slaughtering innocents. I also don’t think Esther’s superpower was the way she hosted a dinner party, or showed “hospitality” as it were. Yes, this was a patriarchal culture, but one that we don’t fully understand as average 21st century Americans. The reason these women’s stories are in the Bible is not to showcase their deference to men, but it many cases to highlight their faith, courage, and righteousness.
But the saddest part for me is that, by the end of the book, you realize the whole thing was just politically conservative propaganda. The Bible disappeared and the Republicans showed up. Throughout the book you understand that the author is politically conservative, and I don’t think there was a single example of a modern women in the book that wasn’t. Now, there’s nothing wrong with that if this was a book about politics or about favorite conservative/Republican women, but it wasn’t. This was to be a book about lessons learned from faithful women of the Bible, not how the Heritage Foundation would prefer them to be.
I’m afraid that with the poor analysis, blatant political propaganda, and occasional mixed messaging, I cannot recommend this book.
Waters made so many novice mistakes when trying to discuss these women that it was very distracting. She said Naomi sent Ruth to Boaz’s land to glean; she didn’t. She said King Ahasuerus, in the book of Esther, reverses his decree against the Israelite’s; he legally couldn’t. And while I know it’s easy to assume that Solomon wrote Proverbs 31, it was actually credited to King Lemuel as relaying what his mother had told him. These may seem inconsequential but if Waters made such easy errors in her reading comprehension, what is there to say about her exegesis?
Not much, sad to say. She separated the women using the themes of maiden, mother, and matriarch, and tries to squeeze them to fit her modern ideals of womanhood. I can’t say I believe Abigail made a conscious decision to take care to honor her husband, Nabal’s, role when she went out to save a man from slaughtering innocents. I also don’t think Esther’s superpower was the way she hosted a dinner party, or showed “hospitality” as it were. Yes, this was a patriarchal culture, but one that we don’t fully understand as average 21st century Americans. The reason these women’s stories are in the Bible is not to showcase their deference to men, but it many cases to highlight their faith, courage, and righteousness.
But the saddest part for me is that, by the end of the book, you realize the whole thing was just politically conservative propaganda. The Bible disappeared and the Republicans showed up. Throughout the book you understand that the author is politically conservative, and I don’t think there was a single example of a modern women in the book that wasn’t. Now, there’s nothing wrong with that if this was a book about politics or about favorite conservative/Republican women, but it wasn’t. This was to be a book about lessons learned from faithful women of the Bible, not how the Heritage Foundation would prefer them to be.
I’m afraid that with the poor analysis, blatant political propaganda, and occasional mixed messaging, I cannot recommend this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Lead Like Jael by Emma Waters is a powerful and encouraging reflection on the often-overlooked story of Jael in the Bible. Emma Waters thoughtfully brings attention to Jael’s courage, obedience, and quiet strength, showing how God can work through ordinary people who are willing to trust Him and act when He calls.
What I found makes this book especially impactful is how it draws lessons from Jael’s story that apply to our everyday lives. Rather than focusing only on leadership in a traditional sense, Emma highlights the deeper spiritual principle of living attentively to God’s guidance. Jael’s story reminds us that sometimes the most significant moments of faith happen in unexpected situations, and that courage often looks like simply saying “yes” when God leads.
I believe the book encourages readers to trust God’s direction even when the path feels unfamiliar or uncomfortable. It’s a reminder that obedience, faithfulness, and a willingness to step forward can allow God to work through our lives in ways we may never fully see.
I would genuinely recommend this book, as its message speaks into every season of life. Whether you are in a season of waiting, stepping into something new, or simply seeking to live more faithfully, this book offers encouragement to follow God’s lead with courage and trust, knowing that a life surrendered to Him can have a powerful and lasting impact.
Thank you to NetGalley and Skyhorse Publishing for providing me with this reader copy.
What I found makes this book especially impactful is how it draws lessons from Jael’s story that apply to our everyday lives. Rather than focusing only on leadership in a traditional sense, Emma highlights the deeper spiritual principle of living attentively to God’s guidance. Jael’s story reminds us that sometimes the most significant moments of faith happen in unexpected situations, and that courage often looks like simply saying “yes” when God leads.
I believe the book encourages readers to trust God’s direction even when the path feels unfamiliar or uncomfortable. It’s a reminder that obedience, faithfulness, and a willingness to step forward can allow God to work through our lives in ways we may never fully see.
I would genuinely recommend this book, as its message speaks into every season of life. Whether you are in a season of waiting, stepping into something new, or simply seeking to live more faithfully, this book offers encouragement to follow God’s lead with courage and trust, knowing that a life surrendered to Him can have a powerful and lasting impact.
Thank you to NetGalley and Skyhorse Publishing for providing me with this reader copy.
March 30, 2026
This book is a fantastic book for strong women living strong lives. 10/10 recommend for young women especially!
I enjoy Christian and fantasy literature and found this book accessible and practical to my life.
I enjoy Christian and fantasy literature and found this book accessible and practical to my life.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews