Women in biblical society participated in family life, work, worship, celebrations, and sometimes public leadership. Scripture records women such as Miriam, Deborah, Huldah, Anna, and others exercising notable influence and faithful service.
Definition
Women in the Hebrew commonwealth enjoyed notable liberty and participated openly in ordinary social and household life. They contributed to domestic management, public celebrations, intellectual expression, and religious service. Some also held public roles as prophetesses or inspired teachers.
Biblical Usage
Rebekah, Rachel, Miriam, Deborah, Hannah, Huldah, Noadiah, and Anna illustrate women’s presence in family, celebration, poetry, prophecy, and public influence. The management of the household chiefly devolved upon women, and Proverbs frequently commends the value of a virtuous and active housewife.
Historical Background
The supplied material contrasts ancient Hebrew society with later Oriental customs in which women were secluded or veiled. Hebrew women are described as mingling freely and openly in ordinary life, appearing unveiled, and exercising significant influence within the household and community.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Smith's Bible Dictionary
The position of women in the Hebrew commonwealth contrasts favorably with that which in the present day is assigned to them generally in eastern countries. The most salient point of contrast in the usages of ancient as compared with modern Oriental society was the large amount of liberty enjoyed by women. Instead of being immured in a harem, or appearing in public with the face covered. The wives and maidens of ancient times mingled freely and openly with the other sex in the duties and amenities of ordinary life. Rebekah travelled on a camel with her face unveiled until she came into the presence of her affianced. (Genesis 24:64,65) Jacob saluted Rachel with a kiss in the presence of the shepherds. (Genesis 29:11) Women played no inconsiderable part in public celebrations (Exodus 15:20,21; Judges 11:34) The odes of Deborah, Judg 5, and of Hannah, (1 Samuel 2:1) etc., exhibit a degree of intellectual cultivation which is in itself a proof of the position of the sex in that period. Women also occasionally held public office, particularly that of prophetess or inspired teacher. (Exodus 15:20; Judges 4:4; 2 Kings 22:14; Nehemiah 6:14; Luke 2:36) The management of household affairs devolved mainly on the women. The value of a virtuous and active housewife forms a frequent topic in the book of Proverbs. ch. (Proverbs 11:16; 12:4; 14:1; 31:10) etc. Her influence was of course proportionably great.
