Global Hermeneutics? - International Voices in Biblical Studies ...

40 GLOBAL HERMENEUTICS?
There are also instances of women tormenting other women. The dismissal of
Hagar from the house of Abraham and Sarah appeared to be the best solution to the
mental agony these two women were undoubtedly undergoing (Gen 21:8–21).
Again, the childless Hannah did not find it easy with Peninah (1 Sam 1).
An inventory of such unconstructive depictions of women in the Bible can still
continue, but a quick look at how some passages from the Book of Sirach
(Ecclesiasticus) 9 presents this will highlight the picture vividly: “Do not give
yourself to a woman and let her trample down your strength” (Sir 9:2). This is
reminiscent of the dissolute Eve and her children, who were instrumental in the fall
of “men of strength”. Sirach 25:24 further expresses this sharply: “From a woman
sin had its beginning, and because of her we all die”. Another text compares both
genders: “Better is the wickedness of a man than a woman who does good; it is the
woman who brings shame and disgrace” (Sir 42:14). For similar texts in the Book
of Sirach see Sira 9:3, 8; 25:13, 16, 21; and 42:13. Besides all these, the author of
the Book of Ecclesiasticus has a beautiful ode to women (see Sir 26:13–18).
The part many women played in the history behind the Old Testament texts is
sometimes emphasised. Those who composed the story of Moses underscored the
importance of women in the life of Israel’s leader. His father is barely mentioned at
the beginning of the story (Exod 2:1); the rest of the narrative places women in the
forefront. His mother and sister saved him from an untimely death to which other
male children were destined. The daughter of his persecutor rescued Moses and
adopted him. When he was fleeing for dear life, women helped him to find asylum
and one of them, Zipporah, became his life partner (see Exod 2:11–22). The same
Zipporah saved his life when he was again in danger (see Exod 4:24–26). In the
same line with these brave women in the life of Moses are Deborah, a prophetess
and a judge (see Judg 4–5), Judith and Esther. The faithful woman, Ruth, should
also be mentioned for she paved the way for the royal lineage. These women
played significant roles in the life of the Chosen People. 10
THE READERS’ VARIED RESPONSES TO THE OLD TESTAMENT
Nigerian women reading Old Testament texts find themselves reading stories
that echo their life situations. Their reactions to their social background determine
their internalisation of the message of the Sacred Texts. Here the three groups of
readers mentioned above represent the three major different types of
internalisations of the message of the Bible among Nigerian women.
§Though the Book of Sirach is not recognised by many Christians as canonical, it
forms¨©Acritical part of the Bible widely read and cited by many.
study of the roles of women in both the Old Testament and the New
Testament is the main subject of a contribution by T. Okure, “Women in the Bible,” in With
Passion and Compassion: Third World Women Doing Theology (ed. V. Fabella and M. A.
Oduyoye; Maryknoll, New York: Orbis, 1988), 47–59.