Introduction: Who Run the Bible? Women
The Old Testament mentions about 368 women; the New Testament, about 70. Many have names, although a good number of them are simply known through descriptors. The widow at Zarephath. The woman at the well. The woman caught in adultery. These women may have lived virtuous lives, or they may have turned from wicked ways to teach valuable lessons.
What would life have been like during their time on earth? What made them strong or heroic? Why should we care about them today? What makes them - dare we say - just as important as their male counterparts?
We’ll explore all of this over the next several Sundays.
How to use this weekly segment.
The main purpose is to highlight the strength of women in a book that typically is seen as male-dominated. By focusing on the accomplishments of women in the Bible, I hope to show women (and men) the important roles they have played throughout history and continue to play today.
It’s understood that people will read from different perspectives. These might be biblical, historical, educational or recreational. Some readers may believe in the validity of the women who will be mentioned; others will see them as fictional characters. Whatever angle a reader enters into the weekly segment, the goal is for everyone to walk away with a greater understanding of women and their place in the world.
As you read each week, think about the characters being described and try to imagine their lives as they were then and how they might be today. Ask questions in the comments section. I hope to build a strong and supportive community along the way.
Resources.
Research is ongoing for this project. My goal is to gather reputable resources from various institutions, organizations and individuals. If stronger information becomes available, the content will be updated. Because the goal is to take what’s being written here and turn it into a book, fact-checking will be used along the way and at the completion of the book. Reader involvement is highly encouraged. If you know of a good resource, or if you question information contained within the content, please share.
Here are resources that were used for this segment:
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Kings%2017%3A7-16&version=NIV
https://www.womeninthescriptures.com/2011/03/setting-record-straight-there-really.html
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%208%3A1-11&version=NLT
Next Week
Chapter 1: Women who didn’t make the cut.
To me, giving comes from the heart. There’s also a fine line when giving to our children; it has to be in a way to avoid spoiling them. They need to work and appreciate the fruit of their labor.
The story of the widow at Zarephath is compelling. Despite being left with only a small amount of food and feeling hopeless for herself and her son, she selflessly used what little she had to bake bread for the prophet. Why did she share her last bit of food? Did she feel obligated because he asked?
While few of us in the USA are independently wealthy or living off trust funds, many of us can afford occasional dinners out, concert tickets, or vacations. How much of our money should we use for pleasure? For helping our kids? For others outside our immediate family? Are we only obligated to help if asked?
In Zechariah 7:9-10, we find the words:
Thus speaketh the Lord of hosts, saying, Execute true judgment, and shew mercy and compassions every man to his brother:
And oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor; and let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart.
How do we operationalize Zechariah 7:9-10? Is charity part of mercy and compassion? Is resentful giving against God’s intent? Does this extend to caring for children in general?