Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, women, like men, were expected to hear and obey the Law given by God. This expectation is rooted in the understanding that the Law was intended for the entire community of Israel, encompassing both genders. The Law, as given through Moses, was a covenantal framework that governed the spiritual, moral, and social life of the Israelites.Old Testament Context The Old Testament provides several instances where women are included in the communal reception of the Law. In Deuteronomy 31:12-13 , Moses commands, "Assemble the people—men, women, children, and the foreigners within your gates—so that they may listen and learn to fear the LORD your God and follow carefully all the words of this law. Then their children, who do not know the law, will listen and learn to fear the LORD your God as long as you live in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess." This passage explicitly includes women in the assembly, emphasizing their role in hearing and adhering to the Law. The inclusion of women in the covenant community is further illustrated in the narrative of Joshua. In Joshua 8:34-35 , after the Israelites' victory at Ai, Joshua reads "all the words of the law—the blessings and the curses—according to all that is written in the Book of the Law. There was not a word of all that Moses had commanded that Joshua did not read before the entire assembly of Israel, including the women and children, and the foreigners who lived among them." This reinforces the idea that women were integral participants in the covenantal life of Israel. Role of Women in Observing the Law Women in ancient Israel were expected to observe the Law in their daily lives, which included adherence to dietary laws, purity regulations, and participation in religious festivals. The Law provided specific instructions for women, such as those concerning childbirth and menstruation (Leviticus 12, 15). These laws, while distinct in their application to women, were part of the broader legal and religious framework that governed the community. The Proverbs 31 woman is often cited as an exemplar of a woman who lives in accordance with the Law. She is described as fearing the LORD (Proverbs 31:30), which implies a life lived in obedience to God's commandments. Her diligence, wisdom, and piety reflect the virtues upheld by the Law. New Testament Affirmation The New Testament continues to affirm the importance of women hearing and obeying God's Word. In the Gospels, women are frequently depicted as followers of Jesus who listen to His teachings. For instance, Mary of Bethany is commended for choosing "what is better" by sitting at Jesus' feet and listening to His word (Luke 10:39-42). The early church, as described in the Acts of the Apostles, included women who were active participants in the community of believers. Acts 1:14 notes that women were among those who joined together in prayer with the apostles. This inclusion underscores the continuity of the expectation that women, like men, are to hear and obey the teachings of Christ, which are the fulfillment of the Law. Conclusion Throughout the biblical narrative, women are consistently portrayed as integral members of the covenant community, called to hear and obey the Law alongside men. This expectation reflects the inclusive nature of God's covenant and the shared responsibility of all believers to live according to His commandments. Torrey's Topical Textbook Joshua 8:35There was not a word of all that Moses commanded, which Joshua read not before all the congregation of Israel, with the women, and the little ones, and the strangers that were conversant among them. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Faustus is Willing to Admit that Christ May have Said that He came ... What Befell the Jews that were in Babylon on Occasion of Asineus ... John vii. 45, 46 Jesus' Conditions of Friendship. Faustus Fails to Understand Why He Should be Required Either to ... John iii. 35, 36 Law and Grace Prison Experiences for Conscience' Sake --Our Prison Faustus Avows his Disbelief in the Old Testament and his Disregard ... The Two Yokes 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) |
    |