Martti Nissenen

Gods, Goddesses, and the Women Who Serve Them

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“Ackerman invites her readers to a fascinating retrospective exhibition of three decades of her work on women and religion. She highlights the biblical and Levantine religious landscape from the perspective of women, whether human or divine, private or public. Ackerman turns the spotlight on female functionaries in Israelite worship—not only that of Yahweh but also of Asherah and Astarte. She investigates the religious roles of women in different texts and times, arguing that the opportunities available to women diminished in the aftermath of religious reforms in Jerusalem, enforcing the exclusive worship of Yahweh.”