So far, the readings from the Bible have not done any favors to women everywhere. Daughters are sold into slavery. Women are snatched up like booty after a battle. Marriage and divorce are purely at the male whim. Life is not easy for women of the ancient world. It's not much better in the book of Judges...except for some very interesting stories. I'm tempted, even, to call Judges the feminist manifesto of the Old Testament. Look at all the strong women here... Deborah is judge and prophet whose mere presence assures victory in battle. Jael kills an enemy general by hammering a tent peg in his skull (that ought to give every man a little pause before going to bed each night). Samson's mother seems exceptionally intelligent, especially compared to her dullard husband. And Delilah is, well, you'll have to judge for yourself, but she certainly is competent.
Not all is well for the women of Judges. Caleb gives away his daughter as a prize for whoever can be victorious in battle. And Jepthah's daughter comes to a bad end. But she takes it well.
The Bible seems to repeatedly favor the downtrodden. And perhaps this is why women do so well given the cultural context of the time. God can work through all of us. Most of all, it is God, not us, who is the strength behind it all.
No comments:
Post a Comment