When interpreting the Hebrew Bible from a feminist perspective, many are quick to decry the subjugation of women at the hands of men and the lack of female representation in dominant roles in biblical literature. However, although some women are objectified or possibly marginalized, this claim of inequality does not always hold true. Especially in the book of Judges, women are not discarded as characters and are not wholly unappreciated. In fact, the book of Judges features many strong female characters who serve in significant roles, and who are effectively portrayed as leaders, heroes, and capable, resourceful individuals. An excellent example of an influential woman in Judges is Deborah. From the beginning, Deborah is identified …show more content…
It is even Deborah herself who gives the call to charge against Sisera’s army, while Barak and his soldiers comply. In Judges 5, commonly referred to as the “Song of Deborah”, praises are sung in honor of this female military leader, who acts as a “mother in Israel.” Some scholars have even noted parallels drawn between Deborah and the Canaanite war goddess, Anat (Ackerman 177).
Additionally, Deborah is respected as a religious figure. For example, Barak refuses to go to war without Deborah by his side. According to Jo Ann Hackett, Barak’s refusal to fight without the presence of Deborah is not indicative of his ineptitude or of her military prowess. Rather, Hackett proposes that Barak requests Deborah’s participation because, as a prophetess and as a leader chosen by the Lord, her presence indicates divine support (Hackett 357). If Deborah were visible to the Israelite soldiers, morale would be lifted with the thought that the Lord would deliver the enemy into their hands. This shows that Deborah is thought to represent the will of God.
Rabbi Steinsaltz notes that “the phenomenon of prophetesses in the history of nations is usually relegated to women who are outside the circle of life (e.g. hermitesses, or virgins dedicated to this specific role)” (Shapira 28). Deborah, however, is an exception. Although she is a prophetess, she is also relevant in society, and fulfills multiple roles. She successfully leads the charge
Deborah was a judge, meaning tribal leader in those times, who when outnumbered led the Israelite troops to a great victory, like the David and Goliath story. Like Deborah,
The first chapter in “Song of Solomon” immediately sets a precedence for the traditional gender roles for this particular community of the man working and of the woman taking care of domestic duties and ensuring her outward appearance matched the societal expectations (Morrison 3-4). The Author writes “men were at work; and most of the women were fastening their corsets and
The status of women in Palestine during the time of Jesus was very decidedly that of inferiors. The women is, ‘in all things inferior to the man,’ as stated by first century
The stories told about women in the bible illustrate the importance of their role and contribution to society. Although the Bible does not explain God’s relationship with women as with Moses and other prophets, it illustrates love and devotion women had for Him. The stories of the bible describe brave, nurturing, and God fearing women whose decisions impacted the existence of the Israelites.
Even till today not most women were recognized for fighting in war, until a woman named Deborah Sampson changed that. Deborah Sampson was a woman who disguised herself as a man to fight in the revolutionary war in 1775. Including Deborah’s childhood, adulthood, and during and after she fought in the revolutionary war.
The story of the Concubine of a Levite in Judges 19-20 may be one of the harshest examples of female objectification throughout the Bible. The story takes place during a period without a monarch. It begins with the Levite Husband leaving his home to fetch his concubine who fled to her father 's home in Gibeah. This story showcases the brutal rape of a nameless woman.
Deborah Sampson Gannet is known for her courage, devotion and her female heroism. Her theme of her story is she is constantly being separated from her family and getting hurt in the Revolutionary War. Deborah Sampson disguised herself as a man to fight in the Revolutionary War. Deborah Sampson was born on December 17, 1760 in Plympton, Massachusetts.
In the Hebrew Bible, the Book of Genesis and the Greek play Medea, by Euripides, contain female characters that can be seen as complex and have significance and meaning in the text. There are many interpretations involving the female characters, some characters may be portrayed as weak and irrational or strong-willed and wise. I will argue that, women are portrayed in the Hebrew Bible and Medea as irrational and senseless, in order for the men to be portrayed as superior and for women to be seen as inferior. This idea of the female characters being irrational and senseless can be seen in Genesis 4, Genesis 18, Genesis 29, and throughout the Medea play.
After the war Deborah got married to Benjamin Gannet, and they had three girls and one boy. People finally found out what Deborah had done during the war, and she was considered a hero. She was featured in many newspapers, and she also gave a lot of speeches. Sometimes during her speeches she would put on her uniform from war and talk about everything that she had done. The government had decided in 1805 to give money to the soldiers who had been wounded. Deborah also received money from it. She received eight dollars a month until she died. She died on April 29, 1827. She was living in Sharon, Massachusetts, where she had raised her family. Deborah's house that she lived in is still there, as well as a street named after
Ehud * Rescued the Israelites from Moabites. Shamgar – next judge of Israel. * Delivered them from Philistines. Deborah – 21 Century B.C. * First female judge.
Unlike the other two women, Shahrazad, the vizier's daughter, used her womanly powers to save instead of destroy or deceive. Even though her life was at stake, she put herself in the position to be the heroine for the kingdom.
She is one of God 's women, fashioned by His own hand to show us men and other women that there is a heaven where we can enter, and that its light can be here on earth. So true, so sweet, so noble, so little an egoist… (Stoker 2002: 198)
as seeing with the eyes of society which is falsely assumed to be in a
The Bible is controversial on the matter of gender equality. There are numerous contradictions about the status of women in Christian society. Historically, the most prominent interpretation has been rather negative toward women. The Christian Church, with principally male authority, emphasizes the idea that women are inferior to man. They focus on Eve’s sin leading to a punishment that “her husband will have authority over her.” (Drury, 34)
Upon losing the election to become the 45th president of the United States, Hillary Clinton gave a concession speech and told “all the little girls who are watching this...never doubt that you are valuable and powerful and deserving of every chance and opportunity in the world to pursue and to achieve your own dreams” (Clinton). While Candidate Hillary Clinton said these girls are “deserving of every chance,” our society may prove otherwise. Although women today are no longer denied basic rights such as voting, our patriarchal society still sets up barriers, which limit a woman’s ability to be considered equal to a man. Here, “equal” would be defined as being perceived in the same light for equal opportunities and outcomes. Similarly, Christian women today are not limited in the same ways they were in early Christianity; however, the Bible still presents women in subalternate roles, compared to men. In American society today, there are double standards in the way men and women are perceived that date back to “traditional” Biblical expectations of women being subservient to men.