Topical Encyclopedia Throughout the biblical narrative, women have frequently been depicted as victims of the brutalities of war. The Scriptures provide numerous accounts that highlight the harsh realities faced by women during times of conflict, reflecting the broader historical context of ancient warfare.In the Old Testament, the treatment of women in war is often mentioned in the context of conquest and judgment. For instance, in Deuteronomy 20:10-14, God provides instructions to the Israelites regarding the treatment of cities they besiege. While the men are to be put to the sword, women and children are often taken as captives. This reflects the common practice of the time, where women were seen as part of the spoils of war. The book of Judges provides a vivid illustration of the cruelty faced by women during wartime. In Judges 5:30, the song of Deborah and Barak mentions the expectation of capturing women as part of the victory spoils: "Are they not finding and dividing the spoil—a girl or two for each warrior?" . This passage underscores the objectification and dehumanization of women in the context of military conquest. One of the most harrowing accounts is found in Lamentations, which describes the aftermath of the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem. Lamentations 5:11 states, "Women have been ravished in Zion, virgins in the cities of Judah" . This verse poignantly captures the suffering and violation endured by women during the destruction of their homeland. The prophets also speak to the atrocities committed against women in times of war. In Amos 1:13, the prophet condemns the Ammonites for their cruelty: "They ripped open the pregnant women of Gilead to enlarge their territory" . This act of barbarity highlights the extreme violence inflicted upon women, even those who were with child, during territorial expansion. Despite these grim realities, the Bible also offers glimpses of hope and redemption. The account of Rahab in Joshua 2 demonstrates that even in the midst of war, God’s grace can reach those who seek Him. Rahab, a woman living in the doomed city of Jericho, is spared along with her family because of her faith and assistance to the Israelite spies. The New Testament, while not focused on warfare, continues to affirm the dignity and worth of women. Jesus’ interactions with women, such as the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4) and the woman caught in adultery (John 8), reveal a counter-cultural respect and compassion that stand in stark contrast to the treatment of women in war. In summary, the biblical portrayal of women in war reflects the harsh realities of ancient times, where they were often subjected to cruelty and exploitation. Yet, amidst these accounts, the Scriptures also reveal a God who sees and values women, offering them dignity and hope even in the darkest of circumstances. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Kings 8:12And Hazael said, Why weeps my lord? And he answered, Because I know the evil that you will do to the children of Israel: their strong holds will you set on fire, and their young men will you slay with the sword, and will dash their children, and rip up their women with child. Torrey's Topical Textbook Lamentations 5:11 Ezekiel 9:6 Hosea 13:16 Library The First Crusade (Ad 1095-1099) Progress of Calvinism Are You Mocked? From the Close of the General Conference of 1792 to the Close of ... Scriptural Predictions of an Apostasy. The Many-Sided Contrast of Wisdom and Folly Women who Witnessed the Fall of Rome St. Gregory the Great. Cambyses. Biographical Sketch. Resources What does the Bible say about being a godly woman? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to be a woman of God? | GotQuestions.org What can we learn from the woman caught in adultery? | 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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