Hardly Delicate Violets
In short, the women in Genesis were not delicate violets, but tough, pioneer women. One cannot approve of everything they did, by a long shot. But their toughness and courage demolish any theory that women are, by nature, weak. They used every advantage they had, fairly or unfairly - and did it skillfully. For instance, Rachel displayed classic chutzpah in facing down her father as he searched for some idols she had stolen. She sweetly claimed she couldn't standup because she was having her period. In truth, she was sitting on the goods, knowing perfectly well even Laban lacked the nerve to try moving a woman in that condition (31:25-35).
They were a match for their men: in courage, in character, in independence, in determination, in orneriness. In that culture they were second-class citizens. But human nature eludes attempts to hem it in. In real life these women were, as God intended, the equal of anybody.
Life Questions: Creative people often find ways to transcend the limits put on them. What do you feel hemmed in by? How can you achieve God's will despite that? |
