Judges, Ruth and Judith: Women in the Bible
Woman; the word is hard to define for it connotes so many varied meanings. The Merriam- Webster's Dictionary defines "woman" as, "an adult female; a person belonging to a specific group; or a servant or attendant." Yet, within the New American Bible's books of Judges, Ruth and Judith, various other definitions of woman may be derived from these stories. The role of women becomes one of a servant of God, an example of strength, and an integral character to deliver a message. These women are willful, intelligent and determined, proving that God's mission carries a universal message crossing both gender and ethnic lines. Judges, Ruth and Judith relay stories not of victims, but of resolute people whose conviction serves the message of faith over physical strength. Why are written records of women in the Bible important? Do women actively seek out roles to play in society? Is there a set of rules to be upheld and/or broken? All of these questions, and more, seek an answer that reflects the position women took in traditional Judaic societies. In analyzing the books of Judges, Ruth and Judith, a background of the typical Jewish woman may be formulated, and then ultimately challenged by female characters. Using the Bible as
She thus reaffirms the idea that conviction in faith will save, not strength of numbers, through the universal message that has been delivered to her by God. Each rule of the covenant, such as dietary laws and abstinence during menstruation, were to be followed in order to reap the benefits of the covenant with God. Though she acts without even so much as a reassuring sign from God, Judith knows her duties and performs them with such fervor that she alters the perception of widows and women alike. " Her statement is effective in noting that the Lord has chosen Deborah to deliver the Israelites from the Canaanites, not a male figure, and that the prestige will fall into the hands of a female. Yet, Judges, Ruth and Judith convey the idea that God's mission reaches all who hear with powerful influence, no matter what adversity or stigma might come in their path. Deborah shows that a woman's intelligence and fearlessness can be inspired by God to accomplish his tasks, for she is both an enlightener and a leader. Judith disagrees with the elders appeasing attitudes towards the public, and scoffs at the community for believing that God can be given an ultimatum. In a time when rules and restrictions shaped the lives of many women, Judges, Ruth and Judith portray women as ready and willing to re-shape their abilities and aide in the formation of a more unified Jewish state. That victory will arrive if the people can place the faith back into the will of the Lord, as Judith acknowledges. The role of women in each of these books is to deliver a message, one of strength or ability, or fateful purpose in the shadow of sin. This may be because of the patriarchal society in which most Jewish societies functioned during the times of the Old Testament. It is subversive and zealous all at the same time. However, it is important to note that in a book written by males, these women are documented for the ability to prove their conviction to God or to be an example of God's will in action. Why a woman to do this task? Judith is well qualified as intelligent, obeys the laws, she thinks out her plan and attacks with force in mind as well as in heart to overpower the Assyrians. She serves as the downfall Samson, while maintaining an aura of intelligence as the mastermind behind her husbands' demise.
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Acceptance Essays
