The Power of Women

Women seem to believe that they get short shrift in the Bible. The problem is that there is that rule that women must do what men say, as well as the proscription against teaching. However, even a cursory reading shows that women are a powerful force within the Bible, and a force that needs to reckoned with. There are a number of powerful women in the Bible, and these women have earned some respect.

Consider Ruth, a humble woman who only wanted to make sure that her mother-in-law was taken care of. Her book introduces us to Boaz, who is a major figure in some rabbinical texts; Boaz seems to be the symbol of the converted Jew. Her book also shows the limitations of Leviticus and Deuteronomy as actual guides to living. Ruth is also almost the definition of loyalty, as she does everything she does out of loyalty to those around her, and eventually everything falls into place as a result of that loyalty.

There is always Mary. If you ever want a biblical rebuttal to the idea that women should bow to men, note the miracle at Cana. As the wine disappears she goes up to Jesus and tells him to do something about it. Jesus originally gives her the hairy eyeball; he feels he shouldn’t do anything. She glares at him, and any parent can visualize the upwards glance and fallen shoulders he gives her as he goes to deal with the wine. Jesus would have been well within his rights to ignore her, but he does what she wants. That’s a powerful woman that can tell the Son of God what to do and expect him to obey. Sure, you can argue the importance of respecting your parents in this case, but it’s still interesting that Mary did this on her own authority, without the backing of Joseph or God.

If you really want to see some power, consider Sarah, wife of Abraham. This is a woman who created two religions with one fell swoop. Although Ishmael was her child by law, when she had Isaac she began to dislike having Ishmael and his mother Hagar around. Eventually she had Abraham send the two away, telling him that Ishmael would have none of his inheritance. Admittedly he did seek guidance from God, but in the end he did as Sarah requested. Yeah; this is THAT Abraham, the common ancestor between Judaism and Islam, and it was a woman’s decision that caused that parting of the ways.

There are numerous other examples of powerful women in the Bible, for both good and ill. However, it’s important to note that women are part of almost every important decision in the Bible, be that decision well or otherwise. Eve and the apple; Noah and his daughters; Delilah, barber of Samson; Achsah, bargainer supreme; Deborah, Judge of Israel: The list of women who stepped up at one point in order to fight for their children, husbands, fathers, whose very actions had very definite effects in the Bible, is a long one and one that contains its own heroines. If someone tells you that women are second-class citizens, just smile at them and remember that the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world, and that is power that cannot be denied for long.