Analysis of Women in the Book of Judges

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When interpreting the Hebrew Bible from a feminist perspective, many are quick to decry the subjugation of women at the hands of men and the lack of female representation in dominant roles in biblical literature. However, although some women are objectified or possibly marginalized, this claim of inequality does not always hold true. Especially in the book of Judges, women are not discarded as characters and are not wholly unappreciated. In fact, the book of Judges features many strong female characters who serve in significant roles, and who are effectively portrayed as leaders, heroes, and capable, resourceful individuals.

An excellent example of an influential woman in Judges is Deborah. From the beginning, Deborah is identified as being an integral part of daily Israelite life. She functions religiously as a prophetess and nationally as a judge and military leader over Israel (Judges 4:4). Judges in ancient Israel were raised up by the Lord to deliver the people from oppression. However, Deborah is not solely accepted due to a belief that she is appointed by God to save them from their enemies. The community actually seems to respect her as a leadership figure, and regularly “[comes] up to her for judgment” (Judges 4:5). Thus, they allow her to act as a national governing figure in times of both war and peace. Deborah “leads because the people being led see something persuasive and powerful in [her] self-presentation” (Hackett 356), which is certainly significant. Even though she exists in a patriarchal society, Deborah has attained a real position of power based upon communal respect for her wisdom.

Deborah demonstrates her power as a military leader when she successfully summons Barak son of Abinoam, and orders h...

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...ry Journal of Jewish Studies 20.3 (2002): 66-90. Web. 17 Apr. 2012.

Kuan, K. Jeffery. "Configurations of Rape: Some Issues for Conversation Configurations of Rape in the Hebrew Bible: A Literary Analysis of Three Rape Narratives." Reviews in Religion and Theology 17.3 (2010): 256-60. Web. 8 Apr. 2012. .

Shapira, Amnon. "On Woman's Equal Standing in the Bible--a Sketch: A Feminist Re-reading of the Hebrew Bible: A Typological View." Hebrew Studies Journal 51 (2010): 564-643. Web. 8 Apr. 2012. .

The New Oxford Annotated Bible: With the Apocrypha, New Revised Standard Version. Michael D. Coogan, editor. New York: Oxford University Press, 2010. Print.

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