Topical Bible: Servants: Divided Into: Female

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, female servants, often referred to as maidservants or handmaids, played significant roles within the household and society. The Hebrew term "amah" and the Greek "paidiskē" are commonly used to denote female servants. These women were integral to the daily operations of family life, providing essential services and sometimes holding positions of trust and influence.

Old Testament References

1. Hagar: One of the most notable female servants in the Old Testament is Hagar, the Egyptian maidservant of Sarah, Abraham's wife. When Sarah was unable to conceive, she gave Hagar to Abraham as a concubine to bear a child. This act was in accordance with the customs of the time. Hagar's account is found in Genesis 16, where she becomes the mother of Ishmael. Despite her lowly status, Hagar encounters God in the wilderness, who promises her numerous descendants: "The angel of the LORD also said to her, 'I will greatly multiply your offspring so that they will be too numerous to count.'" (Genesis 16:10).

2. Bilhah and Zilpah: These women were maidservants to Rachel and Leah, respectively, the wives of Jacob. In Genesis 30, both Bilhah and Zilpah bear children for Jacob, contributing to the twelve tribes of Israel. Their roles highlight the practice of using maidservants to build a family lineage when the primary wife was barren.

3. Ruth: Although not a servant in the traditional sense, Ruth, a Moabite widow, humbly refers to herself as a servant when she approaches Boaz: "She fell on her face, bowing to the ground, and said to him, 'Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you should take notice of me, even though I am a foreigner?'" (Ruth 2:10). Her account exemplifies loyalty and devotion, qualities esteemed in a servant.

New Testament References

1. Mary, Mother of Jesus: In the New Testament, Mary, the mother of Jesus, refers to herself as the Lord's servant. In her response to the angel Gabriel, she says, "I am the Lord’s servant. May it happen to me according to your word." (Luke 1:38). This declaration underscores her humility and willingness to serve God's purpose.

2. Rhoda: In Acts 12, Rhoda is a servant girl who plays a pivotal role in the narrative of Peter's miraculous release from prison. When Peter knocks at the door of the house where believers are gathered, it is Rhoda who recognizes his voice and, in her excitement, forgets to open the door. Her presence in the account highlights the involvement of female servants in the early Christian community.

Cultural and Social Context

In biblical times, female servants were often part of the household structure, serving in various capacities such as domestic workers, concubines, or attendants. Their status could vary significantly, from being valued members of the household to being considered property. The Mosaic Law provided certain protections for female servants, as seen in Exodus 21:7-11, which outlines the rights of a female servant who is betrothed to her master or his son.

Spiritual Implications

The role of female servants in the Bible often carries spiritual symbolism. Their accounts frequently illustrate themes of humility, obedience, and faithfulness. These women, despite their societal status, are often depicted as pivotal figures in God's redemptive plan, demonstrating that God's purposes transcend social hierarchies and human expectations.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 16:6
But Abram said to Sarai, Behold, your maid is in your hand; do to her as it pleases you. And when Sarai dealt hardly with her, she fled from her face.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 32:5
And I have oxen, and asses, flocks, and menservants, and womenservants: and I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find grace in your sight.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Transformation of Rome from a Pagan into a Christian City.
... descendants, as well as among the servants and freedmen ... lamps and candelabras,
eighty-two female tunics, sixteen ... They may be divided into three classes: In the ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter i the transformation of.htm

Chapter xxxii
... is taken"his entire train is divided into two sections ... for itself, and he said to
his servants: Pass along ... for Jacob committed all the issues into God's hands ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxii.htm

Rom. I. 26, 27
... the two shall be one flesh;" but he divided the one ... it is not the same thing to change
into the nature ... and often even through feeling abashed at servants of a ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily iv rom i 26.htm

Ancestors of the Blessed virgin
... They often divided their herds and everything else into three parts ... the Temple, driving
them there themselves and handing them over to the Temple servants. ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/i ancestors of the blessed.htm

Meeting a Brother who had Been Wronged
... So he divided the people that were with him and the flocks and the herds and the
camels into two parts and ... by itself, in the care of his servants and said ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/meeting a brother who had.htm

Concerning the Unity of God . On the Article, I Believe in one God ...
... d??mons' chariot on the air; but the servants of God ... that He also is both male and
female [898 ... that the Clergy and the Congregation were divided into two parties ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture vi concerning the unity.htm

Appendices
... Cappadocia), Amun, Ra, Sutekh, and the male and female deities of ... to be sent away,
and that one of your servants on whom ... its interior I divided into nine parts ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/appendices.htm

Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes
... a curious circumstances that marriage with a female proselyte was ... Sot.10 b). He struck
the servants of the ... ministry of the Angels may be divided into two parts ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix xii the baptism of.htm

On Pentecost.
... For it is the part of wicked servants to despise ... which he arranged in pairs, male
and female; and these ... first find a system of "??ons," divided into an Ogdoad ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xli on pentecost.htm

Bardesan.
... But all these things are servants, and are subject to ... comes the union of male and
female, and the ... astrologers say that the earth is divided into seven portions ...
/.../unknown/the decretals/ancient syriac documents bardesan.htm