March 18 – Reading 77

MARCH 18 – Reading 77

by Chris Rainey | March 18

“WOMEN’S WORK?”
(Joshua 16:1 – 18:28 & 1 Chronicles 7:14-29; 7:6-12; 8:1-40)

“Now Zelophehad the son of Hepher, son of Gilead, son of Machir, son of Manasseh, had no sons, but only daughters, and these are the names of his daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. 4 They approached Eleazar the priest and Joshua the son of Nun and the leaders and said, “The Lord commanded Moses to give us an inheritance along with our brothers.” So according to the mouth of the Lord he gave them an inheritance among the brothers of their father. – Joshua 17: 3-4

“If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman.” – Margaret Thatcher

Elizabeth Cady Stanton, a prominent figure in the US women’s rights movement, resided in North Jersey during her most active years. While living at 135 Highwood Avenue in Tenafly, she played a crucial role in the development of what would become the 19th amendment, granting women the right to vote. While Stanton also held a critical stance towards organized religion, it was the Christian scriptures that provided the perspectives that made her work possible.

The Bible has been criticized for its portrayal of a male-dominated society that subordinates women, leading to questions about whether it actively promoted this structure or merely reflected the prevailing cultural norms. An examination of the story of Zelophehad’s daughters suggests the latter as they receive the land inheritance that previously could only have gone to male descendants.

It is unlikely that the nascent nation of Israel would have disregarded the precedent set in the case of Zelophehad’s daughters under Moses. This case established that daughters could inherit land in the absence of sons. This legal development challenged the traditional male-dominated inheritance structure, demonstrating that the Mosaic Law was not strictly patriarchal and could adapt to ensure equitable treatment for women.

By operating within the cultural norms of inheritance while also providing legal mechanisms to address potential injustices within that system, the Bible demonstrates a nuanced approach to gender roles. It acknowledges the reality of male-dominated structures without presenting them as divinely ordained. This suggests that the Bible’s treatment of women should be interpreted within its historical and cultural context, recognizing that it contains both reflections of male-dominated norms and instances where those norms are challenged or overturned.

In essence, while the Bible reflects the patriarchal nature of its time, it also subtly undermines it and elevates the status of women, giving everyone–male or female– a reason to thank God that they are fearfully and wonderfully made!

Application:
In living out the requirements of the Hebrew Bible, Jesus’ treatment of women is described as revolutionary for his day. He taught women, involved them in his ministry, spoke to them in public, and defended them. In other words, he was kind and respectful to both men and women, just as we should be.

Reflections:
How do Paul’s words in Galatians 3:28, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” shape our attitudes toward others in the Christian community? Family? Workplace? Society?

Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, We thank You for creating humanity as male and female in Your image. We are grateful for the complementarity of the sexes and the beauty we see in all of humanity. We ask that You guide those who are confused about their identity and comfort those who have been mistreated.

Inspired by Jesus’ example of uplifting and respecting women, we pray for a world where all are treated with dignity and compassion. May Your kingdom come and Your will be done. In Jesus’ name,  amen.