Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, women are often depicted with a complexity that includes traits of subtlety and deceit. This portrayal is not uniform across all texts but is evident in several key accounts and passages. These accounts serve as moral and theological lessons within the broader biblical context.Eve The first woman, Eve, is a central figure in the discussion of subtlety and deceit. In Genesis 3, the serpent, described as "more crafty than any beast of the field" (Genesis 3:1), deceives Eve into eating the forbidden fruit. Eve's subsequent decision to share the fruit with Adam introduces sin into the world. This narrative has often been interpreted as an example of the susceptibility to deception and the potential for leading others astray. Rebekah Rebekah, the wife of Isaac, is another example of a woman using subtlety to achieve her goals. In Genesis 27, Rebekah orchestrates a plan for her son Jacob to deceive his father Isaac and receive the blessing intended for Esau. She instructs Jacob to disguise himself as Esau, exploiting Isaac's blindness. This act of deception results in significant familial conflict and fulfills God's earlier prophecy that "the older shall serve the younger" (Genesis 25:23). Delilah Delilah, a Philistine woman, is famously known for her role in the downfall of Samson, a judge of Israel. In Judges 16, Delilah is approached by the Philistine rulers to discover the secret of Samson's strength. Through persistent questioning and emotional manipulation, she eventually extracts the truth from Samson, leading to his capture. Delilah's actions are emblematic of using cunning and deceit to achieve personal and political ends. Jezebel Jezebel, the wife of King Ahab, is often cited as a quintessential example of a deceitful woman. Her account is recounted in 1 Kings and 2 Kings, where she is portrayed as a manipulative and idolatrous queen. Jezebel orchestrates the false accusation and execution of Naboth to seize his vineyard for Ahab (1 Kings 21). Her actions are condemned by the prophet Elijah and serve as a warning against idolatry and moral corruption. Proverbs on Deceitful Women The Book of Proverbs contains several warnings about deceitful women. Proverbs 5:3-4 cautions, "For the lips of an adulteress drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil. But in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a double-edged sword." These verses highlight the dangers of succumbing to the allure of a deceitful woman, emphasizing the destructive consequences of such entanglements. Contrast with Virtuous Women While the Bible includes narratives of deceitful women, it also celebrates virtuous women who embody wisdom and righteousness. Proverbs 31:10-31 describes the "wife of noble character" whose worth is "far more than rubies" (Proverbs 31:10). This passage serves as a counterbalance, illustrating the ideal qualities of a godly woman. In summary, the Bible presents a nuanced view of women, acknowledging both the potential for subtlety and deceit as well as the capacity for virtue and righteousness. These accounts and teachings provide moral and spiritual lessons that have been interpreted and applied throughout the history of Judeo-Christian thought. Torrey's Topical Textbook Proverbs 7:10And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtle of heart. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ecclesiastes 7:26 Library The Seed of the Woman, and the Seed of the Serpent Dedication. Memoir of John Bunyan Letter cviii. To Eustochium. Christian Behavior The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate, The Misery of Man Without God Period iv. The Age of the Consolidation of the Church: 200 to 324 ... Book Ten from Autobiography to Self-Analysis. ... The Life and Death of Mr. Badman, Resources Is it appropriate for a woman to propose to a man? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the story of Elisha and the Shunammite woman? | GotQuestions.org Can a Christian woman consider getting breast implants / breast augmentation? | GotQuestions.org Woman: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Woman of Distinction: Fair and Graceful Woman of Distinction: Fond of Dress and Ornaments Woman of Distinction: Haughty in Their Deportment Woman of Distinction: Wore Their Hair Plaited and Adorned With Gold and Pearls Woman of the Poorer Classes Swarthy from Exposure to the Sun Woman were Required to Hear and Obey the Law Woman: (At Ease and Careless) of a State of Carnal Security Woman: (Chaste and Holy) of Saints Woman: (Delicate) of Backsliding Israel Woman: (Foolish) of Mere Professors Woman: (Forsaken) of Israel in Her Captivity Woman: (Gloriously Arrayed) of the Church of Christ Woman: (Lewd) of the Roman Apostasy Woman: Allowed to Join in the Temple-Music from the Time of David Woman: Considered a Valuable Booty in War Woman: Frequently: Active in Instigating to Iniquity Woman: Frequently: Fond of Self-Indulgence Woman: Frequently: Silly and Easily Led Into Error Woman: Frequently: Subtle and Deceitful Woman: Frequently: Zealous in Promoting Superstition and Idolatry Woman: Generally Lived in a Separated Apartment or Tent Woman: Generally Wore a Vail in the Presence of the Other Sex Woman: Good and Virtuous, Described Woman: had a Court of the Tabernacle Assigned to Them Woman: Loving and Affectionate Woman: Often Engaged in Agriculture Woman: Often Engaged in Attending Funerals As Mourners Woman: Often Engaged in Celebrating the Victories of the Nation Woman: Often Engaged in Domestic Employments Woman: Often Engaged in Drawing and Carrying Water Woman: Often Engaged in Embroidery Woman: Often Engaged in Grinding Corn Woman: Often Engaged in Spinning Woman: Often Engaged in Tending Sheep Woman: Often Treated With Great Cruelty in War Woman: Origin and Cause of the Name Woman: Originally Made by God in his own Image Woman: Originally Made for Man Woman: Originally Made: from One of Adam's Ribs Woman: Originally Made: Subordinate to Man Woman: Originally Made: To be an Helpmeet for Man Woman: Originally Made: To be the Glory of Man Woman: Punishment for Injuring, when With Child Woman: Safety in Childbirth Promised to the Faithful and Holy Woman: Salvation Promised Through the Seed of Woman: Submissive and Respectful to Husbands Woman: Tender and Constant to Her offspring Woman: To be Governed By, Considered a Calamity by the Jews Woman: To be Slain By, Considered a Great Disgrace Woman: To Wear Her Hair Long As a Covering Woman: Unfaithfulness of, when Married Found out by the Waters of Woman: Virtuous, Held in High Estimation Woman: Vows of, when Married not Binding Upon the Husband Woman: Young of Distinction, Dressed in Robes of Various Colours Woman: Young: Could not Marry Without Consent of Parents Woman: Young: Fond of Ornaments Woman: Young: Inherited Parents' Property when There Was No Male Heir Woman: Young: Kind and Courteous to Strangers Woman: Young: Not to be Given in Marriage Considered a Calamity Woman: Young: Often Taken Captive Woman: Young: Often Treated With Great Cruelty in War Woman: Young: Punishment for Seducing when not Betrothed Woman: Young: Punishment for Seducing, when Betrothed Woman: Young: Required to Learn from and Imitate Their Elders Related Terms Woman-servant (12 Occurrences) |
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