Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the role of women in pastoral activities, including tending sheep, is acknowledged and illustrated through various narratives. The occupation of shepherding, while predominantly associated with men, also saw the involvement of women, particularly in familial and tribal settings where every member contributed to the sustenance and prosperity of the household.Old Testament References One of the most notable examples of a woman engaged in tending sheep is found in the account of Rachel. In Genesis 29:9, Rachel is introduced as a shepherdess: "While he was still speaking with them, Rachel arrived with her father’s sheep, for she was a shepherdess." Rachel, the daughter of Laban and future wife of Jacob, is depicted as actively participating in the care of her family's livestock. This passage highlights the acceptance and expectation of women to partake in shepherding duties, especially in pastoral societies where livestock was a primary source of wealth and sustenance. Similarly, the daughters of Jethro, the priest of Midian, are described as tending their father's flock. In Exodus 2:16-17, it is recorded: "Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters, and they came to draw water and fill the troughs to water their father’s flock. And when some shepherds came along and drove them away, Moses rose up to help them and watered their flock." This account not only underscores the involvement of women in shepherding but also highlights the challenges they faced, such as harassment from other shepherds, which Moses intervened to resolve. Cultural and Historical Context In ancient Near Eastern cultures, shepherding was a vital occupation, integral to the economy and survival of communities. Women’s participation in this role was often dictated by necessity, especially in nomadic and semi-nomadic societies where labor was divided among family members. The involvement of women in shepherding tasks reflects the broader biblical theme of women contributing significantly to the household and community, often stepping into roles that required diligence, strength, and resilience. Symbolic and Theological Implications The image of a shepherd is rich with symbolic meaning throughout the Bible, often used to describe leadership, care, and guidance. While men predominantly fulfill this role in biblical narratives, the inclusion of women as shepherds serves to broaden the understanding of leadership and stewardship within the biblical framework. It suggests that the qualities associated with shepherding—such as vigilance, protection, and nurturing—are not confined to one gender but are virtues that can be embodied by all who are called to serve and lead. Conclusion The biblical portrayal of women engaged in tending sheep provides insight into the diverse roles women played in ancient societies. It reflects a recognition of their capabilities and contributions within the family and community, offering a nuanced understanding of gender roles in biblical times. Through the examples of Rachel and the daughters of Jethro, the Bible acknowledges the active participation of women in pastoral life, underscoring their importance in the narrative of God's people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 29:9And while he yet spoke with them, Rachel came with her father's sheep; for she kept them. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 2:16 Library The Life of Anne Catherine Emmerich Providence The Third Continental Journey. The Destruction of Jerusalem. Hindrances to Revivals. The Second Oration on Easter. From the Close of the General Conference of 1812 to the Death of ... From 1787 to 1791 Inclusive An Examination of the Treatise of William Perkins Concerning the ... Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ... Resources Is it wrong for a Christian girl/woman to be a tomboy? | GotQuestions.orgWhat can we learn from the woman at the well? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of the story of the woman with the issue of blood? | 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) |
    |