On the face of it, the book of Esther is about a pagan king who trafficks young women, a plucky queen who refuses to come when called, and a humble girl of unknown birth who, together with her uncle, braves her way into the king’s harem and saves her people. I used to read theContinue reading “Vashti and Esther: His banner over me is love”
Tag Archives: Women in the Bible
Even the women and children rejoiced
In Ezekiel 8, the Spirit lifts Ezekiel up between earth and heaven and brings him in the visions of God to Jerusalem, to the entrance of the north gate of the inner court, where the seat of the idol of jealousy is located. There, Ezekiel witnesses women sitting and weeping for Tammuz, an ancient Mesopotamian god believed to beContinue reading “Even the women and children rejoiced”
The Gentle Heart of Christ
In Matthew 11:29, we find the heart of Jesus Christ. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. The word translated here as “gentle” is πραΰς, whose four uses in the New Testament convey a concentration of brilliant and heavenlyContinue reading “The Gentle Heart of Christ”
The Dream of Pilate’s Wife
19 While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him a message, saying, “Have nothing to do with that righteous Man; for last night I suffered greatly in a dream because of Him.” 20 But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to put Jesus to death.Matthew 27:19-20 Pontius Pilate was the fifthContinue reading “The Dream of Pilate’s Wife”
Wife of the Keeper of the Wardrobe
In 2 Chronicles 34, God begins the story of Josiah, eight years old when he becomes king of Judah. Eight, the number of circumcision, a sign of new creation (see Rom. 2:28-29, Col. 2:11-13). And in case God didn’t catch our attention the first time, He gives us a few more sparks from His guidingContinue reading “Wife of the Keeper of the Wardrobe”
Queen Mothers of Judah
In 1 Kings 2, King David goes the way of all the earth, and his chosen heir Solomon inherits the throne. But Adonijah, “a very handsome man” and Solomon’s older brother, has already set his sights on ruling Israel. Adonijah has already previously been put quickly in his place (1 Kings 1:50-53), and so nowContinue reading “Queen Mothers of Judah”
Into the Hands of a Woman
She said, “I will surely go with you; nevertheless, the honor shall not be yours on the journey that you are about to take, for the Lord will sell Sisera into the hands of a woman.” Then Deborah arose and went with Barak to Kedesh.Judges 4:9 I deliberately didn’t mention the verse above in yesterday’s post because itContinue reading “Into the Hands of a Woman”
Deborah, Wife of Flames
One of the crucial elements of a redemptive reading of a text is to answer the question: How is Christ embedded in this text? This means rather than tacking a call to the Gospel on the end, we consider how the text itself is revealing Jesus’s Person and Work, including His plan for union withContinue reading “Deborah, Wife of Flames”
Daughter, take courage.
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Six times He spoke, separating light from darkness and water from land, calling into life all vegetation, plants and trees. He made the two great lights, the stars also, and placed them in the expanse of heaven. He formed all fish, the great sea monsters,Continue reading “Daughter, take courage.”
Colours of the Gospel
The Bible is a Book of Colours, all carrying meaning and purpose in the story of God’s Redemption of His People. As Israel journeys away from slavery in Egypt towards the promised land across the Jordan, God gives them instructions for His Tabernacle in the wilderness. The Israelites are to weave together blue, purple andContinue reading “Colours of the Gospel”
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