Women in the Word – Naamah

Naamah is one of only three females included in the genealogies of the early chapters of Genesis. Those lists of names serve the literary purpose of expanding the world’s population from the primal pair (Eve and Adam) to the populated territories of the known world that form the backdrop to the emergence of the Israelite ancestors (Sarah and Abraham) at the end of Genesis 11. The three females are the two wives and one daughter of Lamech, whose offspring constitute the seventh generation after creation. The symbolism of the number seven in the Bible points to the seventh generation as significant: humanity is now fully launched. Lamech’s children thus are the human founders of vocations, in contrast to divine creators of cultural roles that characterize many mythological beginnings tales.

As the daughter of Zillah, Naamah is the sister and half sister of three brothers, all founders of an aspect of human culture. Their names are linked to their archetypal occupation (for example, the name Jubal, ancestor of instrumental musicians, may be related to the Hebrew word for “horn” or “trumpet”). No vocational role is ascribed to Naamah; however, her name may signify one. It comes from the Hebrew root n‘m, which means “to be pleasant” or “lovely” (compare Naomi); but the same stem can mean “to sing,” which would make her the ancestral singer. The intimate connection between women and song, going back to the maternal tuneful, rhythmic soothing of infants and found widely across cultures, would support the idea that Naamah is the archetypal founder of vocal music.

We read about Noah and his sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth (Genesis 5:32), but we are not told the names of Noah’s wife or his sons’ wives. So we only know the names of four of the eight people who survived the global Flood.

Much speculation has arisen about the name of our great, great . . . grandmother (we all go back to Noah and his wife, and further back to Adam and Eve). Numerous books about Noah and his family have been written over the centuries, and several names have been given for his wife.

Perhaps the most common name given to Noah’s wife is Naamah. The Jewish writing known as Genesis Rabba (c. 5th century AD) states, “Naamah, daughter of Lemech and sister to Tubalcain, was Noah’s wife.” Near the end of the listing of Cain’s descendants in the Bible we read these words: Then Lamech took for himself two wives: the name of one was Adah, and the name of the second was Zillah. And Adah bore Jabal . . . his brother’s name was Jubal . . . And as for Zillah, she also bore Tubal-Cain . . . and the sister of Tubal-Cain was Naamah. (Genesis 4:19–22)

The rationale for choosing Naamah as the name for Noah’s wife is that some interpreters believe the mention of Naamah in Genesis 4:22 must have some special significance not explained in the text. She may have been an important person, but the Bible does not tell us anything other than her name and the names of a few immediate family members. She may have lived close to the same time as Noah, although she was in the eighth generation and Noah was in the tenth.

The work known as the Book of Jasher, mentioned in Joshua 10:13 and 2 Samuel 1:18, also calls her Naamah. While we can’t be sure of Mrs. Noah’s name, we do know that she survived the Flood along with seven of her family members on the Ark. The Bible doesn’t specifically tell us about her character either, so we really don’t know if she was a faithful follower of God and loyal wife to Noah. However, it is difficult to imagine that she didn’t faithfully support and assist Noah through the incredible task of building the Ark and during the year-long stay aboard the vessel during the Flood.

 

Women in the Word -Lois

Scripture Reference—2 Timothy 1:5

Name Meaning—Agreeable or desirable

While there are numerous grandmothers mentioned in the Bible, as these cameos show, the term “grandmother” itself is only used once in the Bible, and that is in connection with Lois, the mother of Eunice, and grandmother of Timothy . Lois preserves in her name an old Greek word and corresponds to Naamah and Naomi, both of which carry a similar significance. We can imagine how the nature of Lois corresponded to the implication of her name.

Lois was a devout Jewess who had instructed her beloved daughter and grandson in Old Testament Scriptures. The family lived at Lystra, and it is possible that Paul, during his visit there, had the joy of leading Lois, Eunice, and Timothy to Christ (Acts 14:6, 7; 16:1), and then wrote of the “unfeigned faith” that dwelt in all three. We have no record of Timothy’s father apart from the fact that he was a Greek and apparently not a Christian (Acts 16:11). (Lois’ husband was most likely dead since he is not mentioned at all).,dly, and win the child to Christ” (1 Corinthians 7:14; 2 Timothy 3:15). Paul dwells upon the faith of the mother and grandmother alone in the spiritual instruction of Timothy who became his son in the faith.

The faith that Timothy knew first started in his grandmother Lois, but it also lived in her daughter, Eunice. Both women had a big impact on Timothy’s life. Lois built that faith and then handed it off.

She was a support to Eunice as Eunice discipled her son, Timothy.. Grandparents should always recognize and honor their supporting role in building up the faith of their grandchildren. Sometimes grandparents finds themselves the only spiritual influence on the life of a grandchild. If that’s the case, consider four suggestions:

• Don’t hound your adult kids about going to church.
• You take your grandchildren to church as much as possible.
• You speak Jesus into the lives of your grandchildren at every opportunity.
• The gospel came to Lois late in life. She didn’t raise her daughter, Eunice, as a Christian. Timothy was not raised as a Christian. In fact, he was probably raised with no religion at all. The fact that Timothy had to be circumcised as a young adult reveals that he had little to no spiritual affiliation up to that point (Acts 16:3). They didn’t have a male figure in the family as a spiritual leaderIn spite of all that, Lois and Eunice worked together to build up the faith of Timothy. In so doing they left a legacy of faith that would change the Mediterranean world!

  Even if you feel like you failed with your children, you can still have a powerful impact on your grandchildren. You can still work on building a legacy of faith for future generations. As long as you have breath in your lungs, you can speak Jesus into the lives of the people you love.

  Paul probably met Timothy on his first missionary trip through Asia Minor, an area then known as Southern Galatia. Paul and his friend Barnabas started several churches, winning both Jews and Gentiles to the faith. One of the villages where Paul started a church was Lystra. This is where Timothy’s family lived. It is likely that on that first missionary journey, or shortly thereafter, Timothy’s grandmother, Lois accepted the Lord.

  By the time Paul came through that region a third time (probably about 5 years later), Lois’ faith had led her daughter, Eunice, and her grandson, Timothy to the Lord. When Paul visited Lystra on his way to regions unknown, he saw something special in Timothy. His faith had matured rapidly and he exhibited such potential that Paul invited him to join his traveling missionary team.

  Timothy would go on to be one of the most important early Christian leaders. His faith was born out of the love and witness of his grandmother and mother. Lois created a legacy of faith that would make a difference far beyond her own circle of influence.

   

 

Women in the Word – Ruth

There is perhaps no greater love story than that of Boaz and Ruth in the Bible.  No matter how many times one reads the Book Of Ruth, the excitement of the romance orchestrated by God never becomes old and stale.  This is just not a story of a love relationship  between a man and a woman but of a prophetic love relationship between God and the Gentile people.  In fact, new meaning rises to the surface as the story of redemption becomes clear to the reader.  All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, reproof and instruction in righteousness.  The Book of Ruth is no exception.

The Story begins with the unwise decision of  Elimelech and Naomi to relocate to the land of Moab because there was a famine in their land of Judah.  Instead of trusting God to provide for food, this Jewish couple packed their bags, loaded up their two sons and sought for food in the ungodly land of Moab.   Moab was difficult in a spiritual way. In Bethlehem almost everyone worshiped the God of Israel. But in Moab the people worshiped a god called Chemosh. God warned the Israelites many years earlier not to get involved with the rituals of the Moabites. The price of this carnal decision resulted in the death of not only Elimelech, but also of their two sons.  Naomi and her daughters-in-law remained.

The distraught widow had enough common sense to realize that the best thing for her to do was to return to her former home in Judea and her people.  The Jewish law had provision for the care of Widows and at least she would not starve. . She admonished her daughters-in-law to return to their own country where they could find food and possibly remarry.  Orpha, desirous of another husband, returned to her native country but Ruth made the wise decision to follow Naomi. Ruth’s reply has been a timeless memorial until this day:  Whiter thou goest, I will go and whither thou lodgest I will lodge, thy people shall be my people  Ruth 1:16   So the humbled back-slidden Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth, returned to Bethlehem of Judea,

Naomi had a ‘woe is me ‘attitude when she arrived in Bethlehem.  Her demeanor was so pitiful that she asked to be called ‘Mara’  which means bitter.  Ruth on the other hand was purpose driven. Their arrival in Bethlehem coincided with the spring grain harvest. She immediately sought to gather grain to provide food for herself and Naomi. It was the custom to allow the poor to glean in the fields and gather the stalks of grain that fell to the ground.  Gathering grain required much courage on Ruth’s part. The summer temperatures made the hard work uncomfortable, but she was also subject to ridicule from the workmen because of her nationality.  Nevertheless Ruth persevered and her determination did not go unnoticed.

The providence of God had led her to the fields of a man named Boaz.  He was a Godly man, kind and wise.  In addition Boaz was a prophetic picture of Jesus, our Redeemer. Apparently, his workers loved him and had a good relationship with him. You can often tell the real character of a man in authority by seeing how he relates to his staff and by how they think of him. He took his responsibility seriously and showed a caring interest in the workers.  And so it was that he noticed a young maiden gathering barley.

Ruth may not have known it, but she was under inspection. The supervisor was looking and was impressed that she did a good job. And the fact that she did a good job was important, because it made a good impression on Boaz.  We are under inspection also. At times when we don’t know it, we are being watched by others to see how we will walk with God. And what they see will make a difference.

Ruth returned home that evening with an overflowing bushel of barley that truly impressed Naomi. Her instincts knew that someone had abundantly blessed Ruth so she inquired as to whose field she had gleaned in.  When Ruth answered ‘Boaz’ Naomi’s heart jumped for joy and she began praising the Lord.  It was then that Ruth learned that her benefactor was a near kinsman.   Naomi shared with Ruth what that meant and set in motion a plan that would include the provision set in Deuteronomy 25: 5-10 by which a near kinsman was obligated to marry a childless widow. At the instruction of Naomi, Ruth agreed to help remind Boaz to exercise his kinsman responsibilities.

“Therefore wash yourself and anoint yourself, put on your best garment and go down to the threshing floor; but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking. Then it shall be, when he lies down, that you shall notice the place where he lies; and you shall go in, uncover his feet, and lie down; and he will tell you what you should do”. 

 Ruth bathed herself, put on her prettiest clothes, perfumed herself and set out for the threshing floor. Naomi was wise and  had a keen awareness of the male behaviour.  After a hard days work a man is most interested in filling his hunger needs rather than his heart needs.  So it was that when Boaz finished eating he went to lie down and rest.  Timing  was everything and Ruth waited until all were asleep and then went and lay down at his feet as Naomi had instructed her.  This was understood as an act of total submission.Naomi wisely counseled Ruth to not come as a victim demanding her rights, but as a humble servant, trusting in the goodness of her kinsman-redeemer.

One can easily note that Ruth is portrayed as the Gentile Nations.  God in his providence offered redemption to the Gentiles after being rejected by the Jewish Nation.

Because Orpah shed  four tears when she parted from her mother-in-law Naomi, (Babylonian Talmud, Sotah 42b) she was granted the privilege of giving birth to four giants. Goliath was the strongest and the greatest of these. And because she walked forty steps with Naomi before turning back to Moab, Goliath was permitted to show off his great strength and skill to the Israelites for forty days before being killed by David.

Interestingly, David and Goliath were cousins. David’s great-grandmother was Ruth the Moabite, and Goliath’s was Orpah, Ruth’s sister and sister-in-law. Both women were daughters of Eglon, King of Moab.

Women in the Word – Joanna

Joanna,  was a woman mentioned in the gospels who was healed by Jesus and later supported him and his disciples in their travels; one of the women recorded in the Gospel of Luke as accompanying Jesus and the twelve and a witness to Jesus’ resurrection.

Joanna is shown as the wife of Chuza, steward to Herod Antipas while being listed as one of the women who “had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities” who accompanied Jesus and the Apostles, and “provided for Him from their substance” in Luke 8:2–3.

• Joanna was an upper-class Jewish woman in the 1st century Palestine
• She married Chuza, an influential member of the staff of Herod Antipas, the Roman- appointed ruler of Galilee,  whom some writers identify as the Nobleman of John 4:46-54.
• We do not know how closely Joanna’s life was intertwined with the royal household, but she would certainly have known everything that went on: servants know everything, and their master Chuza would have known everything.  She knew Jesus at least as well as any of the apostles did, and was committed to his mission.

• The Hebrew name of this woman who was numbered among Christ’s disciples  means, “Jehovah hath shown favor” or, “The Lord is grace” or, “The Lord give graciously.” It was because the Saviour showed favor unto Joanna that she rose up and followed Him.

• Tradition has it that Chuza lost his position in Herod’s palace because of  Joanna’s conversion to Christianity and her courageous testimony among Herod’s servants. If this really happened we know that both of them were sheltered by the Lord.  Much of the inside information about Jesus’ trail and torture may have come from Joanna.  She had access to buildings and people that the Galileans did not.

Women in the Word – Jochebed

 

The Woman Whose Children Became Great

Scripture References—Exodus 1; 2:1-11; 6:20; Numbers 26:59; Hebrews 11:23

Name Meaning—Jochebed implies, “glory of Jehovah” or, “Jehovah (is her or our) glory.” It is plain from this name of the mother of Moses, that the announcement of Jehovah, as the name of God, was not made for the first time when God revealed Himself in a special manner under that title to Moses in the burning bush. Jochebed is the first person in Scripture to have a name compounded with Jah—or Jehovah. According to the Bible, Jochebed was a daughter of Levi and mother of Aaron, Miriam and Moses. She was the wife of Amram, as well as his aunt. No details are given concerning her life. According to Jewish legend, Moses’s Mother is buried in the Tomb of the Matriarchs, in Tiberias. She is praised for her faith in God

It is very tantalizing to be told her remarkable name and to be told no more. Was Godthy-glory the remarkable name that Moses gave to his mother as often as he looked back at all that he owed to her, and as often as he rose up and called her blessed? Or was her very remarkable name her own invention? Was her striking name her own seal that she had set to her own vow which she made to her own God after some great grace and goodness of her own God? Or, again did the angel of the Lord visit that daughter of the house of Levi or some Jabbok-like or Annunciation-night, and so name her as the sun rose upon her prayer?

 

—Jochebed is spoken of as a daughter of Levi who married a man of the house of Levi (Exodus 2:1; Numbers 26:59), whose name was Amram. Strange though it may seem, she married her nephew, and was thus both the wife and aunt of Amram, seeing his wife was his father’s sister (Exodus 6:20). Marriages with aunts and nieces were not unlawful before the giving of the law by Moses. They were very common throughout the East.

To Amram and Jochebed were born three children each of whom became renowned in their own sphere (Numbers 26:59). She bore and suckled all three on the same strong milk, till she weaned them from milk and put them on the marrow of lions. The oak has its roots around the rock, and the children of Jochebed had their roots around their godly mother.

There was Moses, who became one of the greatest national leaders and legislators the world has ever known.

There was Aaron, who became Israel’s first high priest and the founder of the Aaronic priesthood.

There was Miriam, the gifted poetess and musician, who was intimately associated with her two brothers in the history of Israel.

Jochebed’s prominent place in the divine gallery is secure, then, and the aspect of her career especially emphasized in Scripture is that of her clever design to preserve the life of her baby boy. It was for her courage and trust in such an act that had far-reaching consequences for the nation that she is placed among the heroines of faith in Hebrews 11:23. Let us recall the circumstances of the preservation of Moses which caused his mother to be included among that “great cloud of witnesses” whose lives and labors testified of their faith in God’s providential care and goodness.

At the time of Pharaoh, the Hebrews had multiplied so greatly as to cause the monarch to fear lest they should outnumber the Egyptians and take over the nation. Thus he commanded that all newly-born Hebrew boys be thrown into the Nile—a most dastardly edict! Jochebed was heavy with child. Already there were Miriam, about ten years of age at the time, and Aaron, possibly about three, in the home. Now another child was on the way. Knowing of Pharaoh’s command and that, as a rigid executive, he closely checked up on all male births, Jochebed must have had intense suspense as she awaited her third child. Would it be a boy that would be wrenched from her and thrown into the Nile? What were her feelings when the child was born and the midwife told her it was a boy? What maternal grief must have been hers!

But the horror of that crocodile-infested Nile transforms Jochebed into a heroine and the preserver of a boy who became one of the world’s greatest figures. The moment she saw her baby, she was determined to fight for his life. Three times over we read that “she saw that he was a goodly child” (Exodus 2:2; Acts 7:20; Hebrews 11:23). This means that Moses was not only a lovely child to look at, but also, as the margin explains, he was “fair to God,” implying that there was something other-worldly or angelic about his features. As the little one lay in her lap, Jochebed felt that he had been sent from God, and that He, along with her mingled faith and love, would somehow preserve the child.

How Jochebed managed to hide her baby, who doubtless cried as lustily as other babies, in some secret place where he could not be seen or heard, is a mystery! When she was unable to conceal him any longer, “God through the intensity of her faith caused her to inherit a vision of what He had appointed for Moses.” She made a little cradle of plaited reeds which were believed to be protection against crocodiles, then placed the cradle with its treasure secretly among the rushes at the river’s bank, and told Miriam her young daughter to stand near to watch over the small craft. The brief but vivid account of what happened is given by the historian, even by Moses himself who, in his latter years, by divine inspiration, wrote the first five books of the Bible.

At her usual time Pharaoh’s daughter came to the feathery greenness edging the ancient Nile to wash herself, and her maidens walking by the river side saw the cradle among the rushes. When the royal lady saw the beautiful baby and heard his cry she had compassion on him. A Hebrew woman must be found to nurse the child. Jochebed was fearfully watching the fate of that precious child she had borne and the rough cradle she had fashioned. Young Miriam was also near at hand, and quite naively said to Pharaoh’s daughter, “Shall I go and call to thee a nurse of the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for thee?”

Pharaoh’s daughter said, “Go!” Miriam was not long in calling her mother and presenting her as a nurse. Pharaoh’s daughter asked her to nurse the child for her at a given wage. Thus Jochebed’s baby was not only saved, but Jochebed was paid to care for him until he was weaned. Pharaoh’s daughter must have loved the child for she brought him up as her son. However, Moses later refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, even though she had given him her name, Moses, which means “drawn out of the water” (Exodus 2:10). If Jochebed was guided by God to make that small cradle and place her three-month old baby in it, and hide him among the rushes, surely the steps of Pharaoh’s daughter were ordered by the same God, even though she was an idolater. It was to her that Jochebed owed the saving of her son, as well as the royal protection and all the advantages of Pharaoh’s palace as his home for the first forty years of his life.

How long Jochebed lived after her delivered child no longer required her nursing, we are not told. Doubtless she was dead by the time Moses fled into the wilderness when he was forty years of age. Although she did not live to see how famous her children became, dead, she yet spake again in their utter devotion to God. She had lived her life as unto Him, and her sons and daughter lit their torches at her flame. Jochebed was the chief influence unto God in their preparation for the great tasks they were to accomplish in leading His people out of Egyptian bondage. It was Jochebed’s love, faith and courage that saved her child from a cruel death and preserved him to bless the world. A mother who loves the Saviour, and who has a more severe anguish when she knows that, not the life of her child is at stake, but its soul, can rest in the assurance that Jochebed’s God still lives, and is able to save her dear one from eternal death.

Women in the Word – Salome

Salome is not one of the women in the New Testament that one is likely to hear mentioned frequently.  This lady was a follower of Jesus and had the honor of being among the first to learn of his resurrection.  Prior to that, she cared for his needs in Galilee.

The fact that only her name was known is very important.  To God, your name is important, even the number of the hairs on your head are taken into account, meaning God has designed each person and knows them well, even what is hidden.

Hephzibah

חפצי־בה

Hephzibah, the daughter of Isaiah the Prophet, became the wife of Hezekiah after her father rebuked the king for not being married.  She became the mother of Manasseh and of a daughter, Bilhah who later married a foreign  prince.  Growing up in the home of a prophet would have prepared her for the tumultuous life she was to experience.  Her name means “My delight is in her.”  2 Kings 21:1

Hephzibah was blessed in that her husband, Hezekiah, was considered the second best king of the Southern Kingdom.  Hezekiah passionately pursued pleasing God.  Ironically, righteous Hezekiah was born the son of a wicked man. As a youth, Hezekiah turned to God when almost everyone else busied himself satisfying selfish cravings and pursuing evil desires.  He ascended the throne when he was only 25. The young king smashed the pagan altars and images that polluted all of Judah. “And he did what was right in the sight of the Lord.”  This being her life, it was easy for Hephzibah to “delight in her Lord.”  More blessings were to come in the birth of a son, Manasseh.

Hephzibah would remain in the royal household for a very long time which would have given her the golden opportunity to have a spiritual influence on her son and even her grandchildren.  One would think that with the Godly influence not only of his mother, but also of his father, that young Manasseh would follow in their footsteps in serving God.  This was not to be the case.  In the years to follow her ‘delighting in the Lord’ would be tested over and over.

Hephzibah’s son would assume the throne when he was only twelve, and would reign for fifty-five years (2 Kings 21:1).. Manasseh reigned for about ten years as co-regent with his father. Then when he was twenty-two his father died and Manasseh took over the throne.  This young ruler enjoyed a rich heritage.  He had a godly father and mother, and lived in a time of spiritual vitality and prosperity. He had the words of the prophets Isaiah and Micah ringing in his ears. He had seen the Lord deliver Jerusalem in a very miraculous way when it was under siege by the Assyrians. And yet :  he did evil in the sight of the Lord, according to the abominations of the nations whom the Lord dispossessed before the sons of Israel.   His mother must have been heartbroken.

What went wrong? Perhaps that is a question that Hephzibah asked herself over and over.  Like many mothers throughout history who witness the  waywardness of their children, she must have berated herself for not being a better mother.  Her heart-wrenching intercession to her Heavenly Father on behalf of her prodigal is likened unto many mothers today.  Yet, the delight of the Lord was in her soul.  As she watched her son destroy all that her husband and her father had worked so faithfully in restoring the nation to Godliness, Hephzibah did not lose faith in what her Heavenly Father could do in the life of her child, and neither should we in the life of our prodigal. Her love for her son could not compare to the love that God had for Manasseh.  It is the sin that God hates, not the sinner.

Hephzibah must have been grieved that her son was the worst of all the kings of Judah.  Yet, her faith prevailed and it did come to pass that after much harsh chastening, Manasseh repented of all his evil works.    And when he was in affliction, he besought the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers, And prayed unto him: and he was entreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom” (2 Kings 33:12 and 13).     God’s mercy is always available to those who develop a repentive attitude, acknowledging their wickedness and choosing to serve God instead.

Whether Hephzibah was alive when her son repented I know not, but most assuredly wherever she was, she rejoiced with the Heavenly host when he did.  Let us not lose faith in God as to what he can do in the life of our prodigals.

 

 

 

Huldah the Prophetess

 Many of the Saints in the Old Testament who were used of God are often times overlooked; seemingly overshadowed by those who are more familiar in their ministry for the Lord.  One of these Saints is an obscure handmaiden of the Lord which is  introduced to us in the books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles.

The young King Josiah, appointed workers the task of restoring the Temple of God.  In the process of doing so, Hilkiah, the Priest, discovered the lost Books of the Law, The Torah.  He gave the books to Shaphan, the scribe, to take to the King.  Once Shaphan read the Law, King Josiah rent his clothes and directed a group of men to inquire of the Lord concerning the words of the book. The Prophet Jeremiah, was out of town at the time of the discovery so these men traveled to Jerusalem to seek Huldah the Prophetess. Actually it was deemed that since Huldah was compassionate and tender of heart thereby she would soften a possibly harsh prophecy that awaited them

King Josiah, the last righteous king of the Southern Kingdom became king at a very young age.  Josiah had developed a personal bond with Hulda because she had a prominent position in the royal court and helped nurtured him into the God-fearing man he was to become.  Therefore he had no qualms about consulting her to verify the authenticity of the Books of the Law.  This would indicate that she was an educated woman, one capable of discerning whether or not the scroll was authentic.

Actually there is more known about Huldah’s husband than there is about her, which would indicate that she was a seemingly humble lady. esteeming her husband more than herself.   Huldah’s husband. Shallum. was a nephew of Jeremiah. Ironically Jeremiah was a kinsman of Huldah in that both descended from Joshua and Rahab.  While Jeremiah admonished and preached repentance to the men,  Huldah could be found in the midst of the city giving counsel to women and children who wished to inquire of Jehovah God.  This devoted woman may have had more testimonies of the Lord than many of the men whose office it was to explain and enforce the laws.

She apparently manifested the feminine grace of speaking with kindness.  Although some have criticized her for not addressing the King respectively (2 Chronicles 34:23);  but then  in verse 26 she address Josiah as the king.  Perhaps this is addressing not only Josiah’s  human nature but also his spiritual condition as well.  Her confidence in the King’s wisdom was a reflection of her ability to discern the focus of Josiah’s heart.

Huldah actually ranked with Deborah and Hannah when it came to the outstanding women of the Old Testament.   Her word was accepted by all as  divinely revealed.    Huldah, after attesting to the genuineness of the scroll,  then prophesied national ruin because of the nations disobedience to the commands of God.  This prophetic message and the public reading of the law brought about a revival whereby the King rent his clothes and set out to institute a reformation.  With a renewed spiritual life not only the King but also the people vowed to follow the God of their fathers more faithfully and to forsake their wicked ways.  Even today when men discover the truths of scripture, and apply them to their lives and morals, great and mighty changes take place.  Huldah was one of the main players in this revival.

he name Huldah means weasel.   Although these aggressive mammals are notorious for feasting on poultry, the damage they do is far outweighed by their value as destroyers of rodents.  These Carnivorous mammals are usually brown, with white underparts. Species living in snowy regions acquire white coats in winter and are then known as ermine.  Historically, ermine was the status quo fur for royalty, and the most sought-after fur for court presentations and official portraiture. Ermine, as it turns out, became linked with Western European courts due to a symbolic legend stating that an ermine would “rather die than be defiled/soiled”, as translated from the  Latin, “potius mori quam foedari”. Hence its representation of royal “moral purity.”

Huldah can be likened unto the weasel in that she was actively pursuing the rodents of sin in the lives of the people.  Like the ermine, she was used in God’s court of royalty.  Her life represented the “rather die than be defiled” symbol associated with the ermine.  May each of us desire to emulate this Godly woman in our ministry and lives.

 

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2 Kings 22:14-20;  2 Chronicles 34:22-33

 

 

 

Women in the Word – Hagar

Life is not always fair and there are times when the sins of others have a dramatic impact on the events which transpire in one’s pilgrimage on this earth.  Such is the case of Hagar, an Egyptian slave to Sarah, the wife of Abraham.   Given that her name means ‘stranger’ she indeed was unfamiliar with the tenets of the Jewish faith.  Many commentators believe that Hagar eventually converted and became a believer in Jehovah God.  This fact is substantiated on two specific occasions in Hagar’s life.  Journey with me in Genesis as we familiarize ourselves with the life of this young Egyptian and how God intervened in her life.

Hagar became the helpless victim of the scheming of Sarah.  Abraham’s elderly wife had not been able to conceive and bear him a son.  In Jewish culture, this was a disgrace upon a woman.  To avoid the scorn and ridicule of others, Sarah gave Hagar to Abraham to bear a child.  Since Hagar was owned by Sarah, the child born to the slave girl would also become the property of Sarah.  This entire plot was a sin before God. and all three participants were equally guilty.  Sarah distrusted God in that her weak faith gave way to taking matters into her own hands.  Abraham, the ‘friend of God’, should have obeyed the law of God and refused to participate in Sarah’s scheme.  Hagar, the lesser of the three should not have yielded, but then as Sarah’s slave, perhaps she did not have a say in the matter.  As we learn in Genesis 16,  the end result of this arrangement led to tears, heartache and strife.

Once it was discovered that Hagar was with child, jealously engulfed Sarah.  It is conceivable that in her humanness, Hagar chided her mistress.  Her pregnancy had elevated her into a new position in the world.  Perhaps for the first time in her life, Hagar was treated with respect.  This only heightened the tensions between Hagar and Sarah to the point that it became quite difficult for them to dwell together.  Thus, Hagar fled into the wilderness only to have God intervene and redirect this distraught fugitive.  Hagar was in awe that “Thou God seest me”.  She accepted God’s counsel and returned to Sarah.  Although this must have been a very difficult thing in which  Hagar to submit, it was comforting to receive the promise from God that her son would become the father of a great multitude.  She must have realized that she was the object of God’s special care when He gave her the name of her son, Ishmael which means “God hears”.

Fourteen years later, God opened Sarah’s womb and she bore a son, Isaac.  Tensions manifested once again between, not only the mothers but also the sons, Isaac and Ishmael.   Sarah could take it no more and she demanded Abraham to cast Hagar and Ishmael out into the wilderness.  In actuality, she was condemning the mother and child to death.  However, once again, God intervened provided water, and we are told that Ishmael grew and became an archer in the wilderness of Paran.  In spite of God’s divine intervention in her life, Hagar seemingly failed in rearing her son in the faith that she had embraced while living in Abraham’s household.  Not only was this evident in the fact that she found a wife for her son in Egypt, instead of the Israelites, but also in the realization that Ishmael is recognized as the ancestor of the Arabs and the prophet Mohammed.

Once can only speculate why this religious cult evolved from a son of Abraham.  Perhaps it was anger toward Jehovah for allowing Hagar and Ishmael to be cast out into the desert.  Maybe they give Mohammed the credit for leading Hagar to the well of water.  Whatever the reason, these folk became the instrument of Satan in warring against God’s people. For thirteen centuries, the Muslims have performed the ‘Hajj’, retracing Hagar’s steps in search of water in the wilderness.  This is one of the 5th Pillars of Islam.  Muslims are commanded in the Koran to carry our this pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime if they are physically able.  In 1999, 2 million Muslims journeyed to Mecca in Saudi Arabia.

Hagar was indeed a victim of other’s sins, but she had a free will and did not exercise it for righteousness.  The life of Hagar teaches us that the temptations of a new position often lead to foolish actions, especially in times of trial and difficulty.  Had she patiently trusted God to work out his divine purposes instead of taking matters into her own hands, perhaps she would not have become the mother of the wicked Muslin religion.

Women in the Word – Michal

The fate of single women in Bible times was often left in the hands of the father.  Arranged marriages were commonplace and were often used as a way to obtain power, prestige or provision.  Love or romantic feelings were not considered, rather, the need of the father or the husband was the determining factor.  Sometimes there were situations where one or both of the betrothed parties actually did have affections for each other.  Although this was not the norm, our story is about a woman who was passionately in love with her promised husband.  Her life was going to be one of great joy and happiness, till death do them part.  Sadly, through the events of others, she is forced into making some choices which changed her outlook on life,  Her fairy tale existence turns into a bitter, sorrowful, lonely existence. Come with me as we learn what the Lord has to share with us, starting in 1 Samuel 14:49.

Michal was the youngest daughter of King Saul and his wife Ahinoam, from the tribe of Benjamin. Commentators record that she was very beautiful and lusted by all men who saw her.  She had an older sister, Merab, whom had originally been promised to David, but instead was given to another.  Her brother, Jonathon was a beloved friend of David.  When Saul learned that Michal loved David, he arranged for her to marry David, taking advantage of an opportunity to use her as a snare in arranging David’s death.   Saul was insanely jealous of David and saw him as a threat to his kingship.

Whether Michal was aware of her fathers deceitful plan, the Bible does not state.  Saul did not request a dowry for his daughter; instead the conniving King Saul demanded the foreskins of 100 Philistines.   Knowing that the Philistines would be somewhat reluctant to part with their foreskins, Saul knew that there would be an excellent chance that David would be killed by the hand of the enemy.   David was apparently aware of Saul’s scheme and countered the kings request by obtaining 200 foreskins.  What a despicable dowry for a kings daughter, however,  Michal was passionately in love with David, with a devotion recognized by being the only woman in the Bible who was described a loving a man.    Although Michal was excited about marrying David, the Bible does not indicate that David was in love with her; to him,  marrying Michal was too good of an opportunity to pass up.  1 Samuel 18:17-28

Michal’s emotional desire for David was not necessarily a genuine heart-felt love.  She was most assuredly infatuated with his charismatic personality and probably swooned over his good looks.  The excitement of David being a national hero which would provide political stature as well as the prestige of being married to the next king, was alluring for sure.  In the beginning it was most assuredly a storybook wedding for her.  But then life for Michal took an unanticipated detour.

Michal’s devotion to David was exemplified when she helped him escape her father’s fervent desire to have him killed.   Her loyalty to David over her father led her to help David escaped by lowering him out of the window.  She then proceeded to deceive her father by faking David to be ill.  Saul was beside himself.  His own daughter had turned against him! 1 Samuel 19: 11-17

Her beloved husband was now a fugitive.  Months passed. lonely months; perhaps years, and David had not sent for her.   She may have reasoned in her heart that her presence would be too distracting and David would be concerned for her safety.   Heartbreaking news began to arrive at the palace.  David had taken another wife, and then another one.   How devastating!  How could he?   Only a woman who has been lured into the excitement of a romance and then………………….swoosh, it’s gone, can fully understand the emotional trauma associated with such abandonment.  The emotions of love and anger consume one’s very being.

After a period of time, Saul decided to marry Michal off to Phalti, a trusted friend.  1 Samuel 25:44  It seems to have been a mutually happy arrangement and Michal’s bitterness and lingering affections for David began to fade.  Her life had stability and purpose once again………………..and once again,  another life changing event begins to take shape.

In 2 Samuel:3:13-16, David requires as part of a league agreement, that Michal be returned to him.  Having her in his harem would bolster his claim to the throne.  He sent messengers  to the house of Phaltiel to fetch her.  Michal begged to stay with her husband.    This was indeed a tear-jerking event, so much so that Michal’s husband followed the entourage, hoping to rescue his wife, but was ordered to return to his home.  Understandably, Michal was a tad bit upset.

Relations between David and Michal were strained to say the least.  It would be quite likely that she rejected any amorous advances that he made.  She was a prisoner in the harem of a man whom she despised.  One day she was watching David making what she considered to be a fool of himself. immodestly dressed in public, dancing and singing.   Some commentators believe that he even exposed himself either intentionally or unintentionally.  He was celebrating because  the Ark of the Covenant had been brought inside the wall of Jerusalem.  Michal went out to meet David and all of the pent up anger came pouring out of her bitter heart as she berated him for not acting like a King.   2 Samuel 6: 20-23, relates this event and the subsequent rebuke which David gave her.    Such a sad ending to the life of a woman who never fulfilled her vocation as a helpmeet to her husband.  She was never to be brought into the bed chamber of King David again, and she died childless.

Neither the Bible nor historical records indicate that Michal believed in David’s God.  Even though she was an Israelite there is no indication that she sought wisdom or help from the Lord God Jehovah.  Perhaps her life would have turned out differently……………………….