More Than a Womb
Childfree Women in the Hebrew Bible as Agents of the Holy
- Biblical Studies & Commentaries
- Women
- Publisher: Cascade Books (Wipf and Stock)
- Published: 2021
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Publisher's Description
This book lifts up women of the Hebrew Bible who, working with the Divine, play amazing roles in the stories of Israel--prophet, judge, worship leader, warrior, scholar, scribe. They helped people celebrate the Divine's triumph over oppression. They spoke boldly to those in power. They went into battle to secure their people's safety. They gave wise judgments in important legal matters. They authenticated sacred texts and inspired a reform to help Israel return to the way of Torah. In roles that were not tied to their wombs or fertility, these women made Israel's story possible and helped it to continue to future generations.
Endorsements (4)
“In a world that pushes the dangerous myth that a woman’s greatest worth is her womb, Davison’s work is a potent antidote to the poison of believing that motherhood equals womanhood. Anyone who has the instinct that motherhood is not for you, read this book. Better yet, take it to your next group Bible study. Faithfulness is not about fertility, but about how well we follow in the footsteps of these women prophets, priests, and protectors.”
“What defines a woman? A common answer is the capacity to bear a child, a presupposition that Lisa Davison challenges in every page of this fine exploration of childfree women in the Hebrew Bible. Davison slices open our assumptions about the inherent purpose of women and then dissects them through careful explorations of the women to whom children are not attributed. The identity and worth of women, Davison demonstrates, has little to do with childbearing and everything to do with their capacities for wisdom, leadership, courage, and faithfulness.”
“Davison’s work provides a crucial addition to the literature of women in the Hebrew Bible. It is a must-have for those of us who research and teach on this topic, not only because of her unique lens of ‘childfree’ biblical women, but also for her insightful and creative interpretations.”
“Everyone who is serious about understanding women in the biblical world needs to read this book right away. Davison takes the reader on a fascinating journey of women in the Hebrew Bible who are indeed ‘more than a womb.’ This volume gives a much-needed feminist update of women in Scripture who are childfree. They are poets, politicians, prophets, and more. Davison explores their stories with fresh insight and wit-sharp analysis in this significant contribution.”
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