Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, maid-servants, or female servants, played a significant role in the household and social structures of ancient Israel and the surrounding cultures. The term "maid-servant" is often used interchangeably with "handmaid" or "female servant" in various translations of the Bible. These women were typically employed to perform domestic duties and assist their mistresses in managing household affairs.Old Testament Context Maid-servants are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, reflecting their integral role in the patriarchal society of ancient Israel. In Genesis 16:1-2 , we encounter Hagar, the Egyptian maid-servant of Sarai (later Sarah), who becomes a pivotal figure in the narrative: "Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children, but she had an Egyptian maidservant named Hagar. So Sarai said to Abram, 'Please behold, the LORD has prevented me from bearing children. Go, sleep with my maidservant; perhaps I can build a family by her.'" The account of Hagar illustrates the complex relationships and social dynamics involving maid-servants, who could be elevated to the status of concubines or secondary wives, especially in cases of childlessness. This practice was not uncommon in the ancient Near East, where producing offspring was of paramount importance. In Exodus 20:10 , the Ten Commandments include maid-servants in the Sabbath rest: "But the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God, on which you must not do any work—neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your livestock, nor the foreigner within your gates." This inclusion underscores the recognition of maid-servants as part of the household, deserving rest and respect. Legal Protections and Social Status The Mosaic Law provided certain protections for maid-servants, reflecting a degree of concern for their welfare. In Exodus 21:7-11 , specific regulations are given regarding the treatment of female servants: "If a man sells his daughter as a servant, she is not to go free as the menservants do. If she is displeasing in the eyes of her master who has designated her for himself, he must allow her to be redeemed. He has no right to sell her to foreigners, since he has broken faith with her." These laws aimed to prevent the exploitation and mistreatment of maid-servants, ensuring they were treated with dignity and fairness. The provision for redemption and the prohibition against selling to foreigners highlight the protective measures embedded within the legal framework. New Testament References In the New Testament, maid-servants are mentioned less frequently, but their presence is still acknowledged. In Luke 12:45 , Jesus uses the example of a servant's behavior to illustrate readiness for His return: "But suppose that servant says in his heart, ‘My master will be a long time in coming,’ and he begins to beat the menservants and maidservants, and to eat and drink and get drunk." This parable reflects the continued existence of maid-servants in the societal structure of the time and serves as a moral teaching on the responsibilities of those in authority over them. Cultural and Theological Implications The role of maid-servants in biblical narratives often serves as a lens through which to view broader themes of servitude, authority, and God's providence. The accounts of maid-servants like Hagar and others reveal the complexities of human relationships and the divine orchestration of events, even through the lives of those considered lowly or marginalized. Maid-servants, while often occupying a subordinate position, are depicted as individuals with their own accounts and significance within God's unfolding plan. Their inclusion in biblical accounts underscores the value and dignity accorded to all individuals, regardless of social status, within the biblical worldview. Strong's Hebrew 8198. shiphchah -- maid, maidservant... maid, maidservant NASB Word Usage female (9), female servant (3), female servants (5), maid (20), maids (5), maidservant (15), maidservants (1), servants* (6 ... /hebrew/8198.htm - 6k Library Meeting a Brother who had Been Wronged When Herod Made Inquiry About Pheroras's Death a Discovery was ... Ephesians iv. 31 The Seventh Book Acts of Paul and Thecla. Thou Shalt Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother. Judging, Therefore, that it Stood Thus with this Matter... That we Ought to Give Ourselves to God with Regard to Things Both ... Leadership for Service Abraham, the Man of Prayer Thesaurus Maidservants (28 Occurrences)... and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and maidservants? (KJV RSV NIV). Ezra 2:65 beside their men-servants and their maid-servants, of whom there ... /m/maidservants.htm - 15k Maid-servants (25 Occurrences) Menservants (19 Occurrences) Men-servants (22 Occurrences) Maids (28 Occurrences) Subdue (26 Occurrences) Asses (68 Occurrences) Maid-servant (49 Occurrences) Freed (32 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about covetousness? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to be a servant of Christ? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of the Parable of the Ten Minas? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Maid-servants (25 Occurrences)Luke 12:45 Acts 2:18 Genesis 12:16 Genesis 20:17 Genesis 24:35 Genesis 30:43 Genesis 32:5 Genesis 32:22 Genesis 33:1 Genesis 33:2 Genesis 33:6 Deuteronomy 12:12 Deuteronomy 28:68 Ruth 2:13 1 Samuel 8:16 2 Samuel 6:22 2 Chronicles 28:10 Ezra 2:65 Nehemiah 7:67 Esther 7:4 Ecclesiastes 2:7 Isaiah 14:2 Jeremiah 34:11 Jeremiah 34:16 Joel 2:29 Subtopics Related Terms Maid-servants (25 Occurrences) |
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