Since women’s rights didn’t start until about 1848 during The Women’s suffrage movement; it’s understandable why so many women weren’t noted more during Biblical times. You also have to remember that a lot of records (if any) were destroyed during the Flood. (Yes Noah’s Ark’s Flood). Women mentioned in the Bible were only about 8% or less of the total people mentioned in the Bible.
The majority of the women that are mentioned in the Bible rose to prominence, where other’s were mentioned almost as an after thought. (like “oh by the way his wife was, or his mother was”). I’ve chosen to take this further into research that if I can figure out who the wife or mother was, and perhaps who her parents or other relatives were then it will tell us a lot about her as well. What I mean is that her father or a brother may be a character we can relate to another story. One that we’ve all heard growing up. I think that in itself is interesting. It’s even better however when we can actually dig up tidbits about them individually.
I say this because the next few folks in the family tree of Jesus consist of the following individuals per the Gospel of Matthew: Soloman & Naamah (this was the last blog), Rehoboam, their son (whom I incorporated into Naamah). Abijah, the son of Rehoboam & Maacah. Maacah was the daughter of Absalom (the 3rd son of King David). Asa, the son of Abijam & Arsah. The next in line is Jehoshaphat-the son of Asa & Azubah. After some reading and researching it appears that there was still a lot of “idol worshiping” going on. People who still haven’t fully decided to follow God’s plan. (I’m starting to find a theme here, that WE ALL NEED TO JUST FULLY RELY ON HIM). Proverbs 3 verses 5-6 tells us,
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Jehoshaphat, along with his father whom he succeeded was one of the first successful leaders because he did the right thing by following God. When a new political candidate takes office we’ve grown used to their “promises”. Jehoshaphat followed through with his and removed all the false idols throughout the land. He also drove out all the prostitutes and instead sent out prophets and priests to travel and teach about God’s law. Unfortunately, he made an unholy alliance by marrying his son Jehoram to Athaliah, the daughter of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. They were both known for their wicked ways. This alliance drew Jehoshaphat into a war that ended up killing King Ahab. God spared “J” (I’m calling in J-ok? lol). After the battle, it created a lot of problems and to address the people “J” appointed Judges to address their concerns. The Book of Judges is very relevant in that it address the descent of the Israelites into sin and it’s consequences. It reminds us that “God punishes sin, but is always ready to take the repentant back into his heart”.
The women during the Bible times, appears to have been used as “pawns” in a way in order to gain power and strengthen ties to another country. We can learn so much from “J” by learning to “rely on God and his plan, obeying God’s commands, and that while God does punish for our sins, he is a forgiving God.
Father, I pray that if someone needs to ask forgiveness for their sins that they come to you right now and know that they will be forgiven. You are a loving and caring God. If they seek you and take refuge you will give them rest. Lord, please put your arms around them and let them know that without you they are alone but with you “all things are possible”. Amen.
NOTE: Suggested reading is Psalms 71.
The Carpenter’s Daughter 