Difficult Passages Series: Judges 19 and The Gospel

Identity & the Gospel in Judges 19
Difficult Passages for Women Series


Whenever speakers or expositors read the passage in Judges 19:1-30, they invariably take great care to caution their listeners about the horrific events contained therein. Such is the depth of the concubine’s suffering, degradation, and circumstances of depravity. At the end of the chapter, even the author declares:

All who saw it said, “Nothing like this has ever happened or been seen from the day when the sons of Israel came up from the land of Egypt to this day. Consider it, take counsel and speak up!” (Judges 19:30, New American Standard Bible).

Placing the Judges 19 account within the larger context of the book of Judges brings out the doctrine of the depravity of man and the wretched state of the culture in those days, whereby everyone did what was right in his or her own eyes, because there was no king to rule (Judges 17:6, 19-1, 21-25). 


The story of the Judges 19 woman begins with a magnifying glass on her own sinful condition (v. 2), but quickly turns to the sinfulness of those around her and the culture at large. By the end of Judges 19, the concubine's story graphically depicts the reality that in a culture, given over to autonomous self-gratification, the death wages of sin typically pour out on its weakest members.

With that backdrop, I also hope that women will come to see how the truth of the Gospel of Christ can speak into even the dark, hopeless state of the Judges 19 woman. We can and should bring the Gospel message to bear even in these utterly hard passages.


Covenantal Nature of Identity.

First, let’s consider the covenantal nature of our identity. Contrary to covenant, none of the characters in Judges 19 account are named. Each of the participants is essentially an anonymous entity, likely intended to convey meaning on several levels. For instance, the Levite, the stranger, the father, and the concubine are representatives, like the literary “everyman,” who in this case ties us back to the point at the time of the Judges, when everyone was doing what they saw as right in their own eyes. The collective identity of Israel was indistinguishable from the depraved, Gentile surrounding culture. In those days, Israel's depravity had become as bad -- or worse -- than that of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:1-29)

In this way, the concubine represents the people of Israel as a whole, individually enslaved by sin, and collectively abandoned to wickedness by the very leaders (represented by the father and the Levite) who were responsible for their well-being. But other layers of meaning concerning the anonymity of the concubine apply here as well. For instance, concubines who were barren or who did not provide a male heir to their masters were not named in the Hebrew Scriptures. A concubine derived her identity in the covenant community from fulfilling the particular role of heir-bearing. Otherwise, she would typically not be remembered by name within the historical covenant narratives.

Individual Nature of Identity.

Similarly, today, women associated with the dehumanizing acts of sexual abuse, or perhaps enslaved to sexual sin, suffer greatly with issues of identity, due to inherent objectification in society, along with perhaps finding themselves defined by past sexual relations. The shame they bear, both spiritually and culturally, often causes women to become silent, hidden, and even go underground. They, like the Judges 19 concubine, become anonymous entities whose lives matter little to their depraved masters, or the culture around them.


But…. these deep issues of identity as women in societies where illicit sexual circumstances anonymize and silence its victims are redeemable by our Lord Jesus, who is our true King.

True Identity.

Even in a land where people are selfishly and murderously doing only what they want to do, Jesus really is the true and better Israel. He stepped up as King, also took the place of the priest — and the concubine. He became the true Everyman, for those who believe on him.

He is the perfect Husband who protects his bride. He doesn’t treat her as a concubine, but rather as his cherished possession. Jesus, unlike the Levite and the stranger, doesn't give his bride over to the enemy to have his way with her and abuse her. Instead, our King Jesus leaves his Father's house to reverse the curse. He comes to his Bride and offers his own body to go out in the bride’s place — to be torn apart for the twelve tribes of Israel.

Instead of allowing her to be given over, without hope or any possibility for rescue and to forever have her name forgotten, Jesus gave himself up on the cross for his bride. Now, her name is written on his hands (Isaiah 49:16) and she is his eternally. His body, battered and bloodied, serves as a reminder to the Church, that we are his people, and that he is our true King, Redeemer, Priest, and Husband.
 Jesus's broken body calls us to assemble together in unity and peace because of his blood sacrifice, much like the oxen Saul cut to pieces to call the Israelites together for war (1 Samuel 11:7).

Remembering and Reminding.

Likewise, the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper is a corporate reminder of the reality of Christ’s rescue. We need to remind one another and to be reminded of this Gospel truth. The prophet Hosea in chapters 9 and 10 looks back to the days of the Judges in order to warn Ephraim that they are behaving as those in Gibeah (Judges 19:15) by going after false gods and idols (Hosea 9:9). They had forgotten who they are; Whose they are; to Whom they belong. They were forgetting their husband, over and over and over.

Do we remind each other that we are his bride and that he has redeemed us as the prophet Hosea was called to redeem his bride, Gomer? That at one time we were not a people (Hosea 1:10; 1 Peter 2), but we too were delivered out of bondage and slavery (Exodus 20:2) and out of the kingdom of death and darkness (Col. 1:13) -- by the One who took our place and has called us by name? 


We are all prone to wander and forget our True King and Redeemer. He calls us to seek refuge in his Father's house; unlike the Levite, the strange, and the father in Judges 19, our Lord will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).


To be continued...

Women in Scripture: Ruth and Naomi (Titus 2 in Reverse)

Ruth 1:16 But Ruth said (to Naomi), “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God."

Like most women, I've always had a particular affinity toward the portrait of redemption handed down in the story of Ruth. The sweeping tale of Boaz, the kinsman-redeemer, restoring the line of Elimelech by taking Naomi's daughter-in-law, Ruth, as his beloved wife upstages Disney by a mile. That such a noble man as Boaz would be willing to risk his own inheritance so that the inheritance of a deceased family member would be left intact defies conventional wisdom and truly boggles the rational mind. This is a man who understands love and covenant. Learning that the son of this Gentile widow and her kinsman-redeemer would not only become the grandfather of King David, but eventually would even be named in the bloodline genealogy of the Messiah, ought to inspire us all, especially those of us who were not born into the covenant and raised in the church.

An equally inspiring relational dynamic in this redemption story tends to be overlooked.  Ruth's relationship with her mother-in-law, Naomi, models something of a role reversal between the younger and older women. Both women suffered devastating losses, as told in first chapter of the narrative. During a time of great famine in the land of Moab, both Ruth and Naomi lost their husbands. Naomi suffered greatly in a land far from her original, because she not only lost her husband, but also both of her sons as well. Several times in the first chapter of Ruth, Naomi stated that she believed the Lord's hand had gone out against her. She even told Ruth and the other women to no longer call her Naomi, changing her name to "Mara" instead, which meant bitter. Naomi had grown bitter in Moab and believed the Lord had dealt bitterly with her by bringing great calamity upon her family.

After Naomi's pleas for Ruth to stay with her own family and with her Moabite god, Ruth, the younger woman, responded in a surprising way. Ruth, in faith, chose to bind herself to her mother-in-law Naomi, to Naomi's people, and to Naomi's God - the only One, true God. Ruth's dedication and commitment was no small sacrifice. Ruth chose to forsake her family, her ethnic culture, her past, and her previous belief system to follow Naomi into a completely different community and way of life.

Meanwhile, Naomi seemed have forgotten her true identity as child of the God. She lost her Biblical and covenantal perspective. Naomi's example is far from the Titus 2 ideal of the older woman of the covenant community. Yet, because of Ruth's covenant commitment to Naomi and her people, God not only restores Naomi to the covenant community, but He also provides a kinsman redeemer who blessed them both -- and eventually redeemed the rest of us, too. 

This was no ordinary friendship. The younger woman, Ruth, demonstrated real covenant commitment through active faith, love, and encouragement to the older woman, Naomi, to Naomi's people, and most especially to the Lord. Because of Ruth, the Lord redeemed the devastation that Naomi and Ruth experienced in Moab, while Elimelech and Naomi were separated from their covenant community. Because of Ruth, we see the Lord's providential provision to transform Naomi's life from an untimely tale of loss and discouragement to a phenomenal epic of life-giving rescue.  In this regard, the text and the older women in Naomi's life speak for themselves: 

Ruth 4:14 Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a redeemer, and may his name be renowned in Israel! 15 He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age, for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has given birth to him.”

We could use a new generation of younger women like Ruth who make the active decision to commit to their local covenant community and to the older women in their midst, like Naomi. During seasons of trial and suffering, whether dealing with the loss of a loved one, ill health, or just lagging faith, most older women could really use the energy and enthusiasm that younger women often bring to their interactions. As a middle woman, I feel the tug to be both a more committed younger woman, as well as a more gracious older woman. 

May I be willing to open up my life and share it with those who are newer in the faith -- and to sit, listen, and learn from the older and wiser women around me.

Women in Scripture: Mary the mother of Jesus, Part I

Mary the Mother of Jesus

   It's always a delight to study this wonderful woman who is the earthly mother of our Savior. The Angel Gabriel greeted her this way ”Greetings O favored one, the Lord is with you!” Mary would be in sore need of that comfort in the days and years to come in her life of service to God as she raised and trained Jesus.

  It’s always sad to me when I consider the fact that the Roman Catholic Church has deified Mary and proclaimed her to be sinless from conception, a co-redeemer with Jesus, and other heretical ideas that I won’t waste words on here, because what’s true about her is so much more fascinating than the untruths made up by a false religious system.

   Doubly sad is the fact that as this heretical teaching about her from the RC Church grew the Protestants largely ignored her-the first is sinful heresy and the second is harmful, because it is harmful to ignore one of the richest character studies in the entire Bible. Mary is the epitome of everything a godly woman should desire to be. She is chaste–humble-submissive-full of faith-and brave beyond what words can convey. This godly woman’s life stands out as a one of a kind never to be repeated story and it behooves us as Christian women to know her life and know it well.

  Here are some facts about Mary that you may or may not know. This young woman was chosen by God before the foundation of the world to be the mother of God’s Messiah-the One who would save his people from their sins. Highly favored indeed! She was probably in her teens when the Angel made his announcement because in that culture with the life expectancy so short women married early. Mary was betrothed to Joseph and in spite of all the efforts by scholars to understand him-we really know very little because the Bible, after stating that he was a righteous man, gives us very little other information. We do know that he was from the royal line of David through Solomon. Mary was from the royal line of David through David’s son Nathan. Make no mistake-when Jesus walked the streets of Jerusalem during his ministry-he should have had on royal robes-He was the true King of Israel. Pilate had it right when he said “behold your King”.  Scholars have always said that women were discouraged in that day from studying God’s word-but you could never prove that by Mary because as I have studied her life over the years it has become clear that she studied and memorized the Hebrew scriptures. I wonder if she may have had Hannah’s song memorized. It looks as though she delighted in the story of Hannah and Samuel because so much of her own song of praise is strikingly similar to Hannah’s(see 1 Samuel 2:1-10).

   In those days when you were betrothed it was a binding covenant-so much so that in order to break the betrothal a divorce had to be sought. The betrothal lasted for about a year while the groom prepared a home for his bride. Mary was betrothed to Joseph when the Angel came and made his announcement. As was Jewish custom in Israel the marriage was not consummated until the wedding ceremony. Mary was a virgin and the scripture leaves no doubt of the fact. that Joseph had no relations with her until after the birth of Jesus(Matt. 1:18-25). Scripture is also clear that she had a normal marital relationship with her husband which produced other children after the birth of Jesus(Matt. 13:55-56; Mk. 6:3).

  I want us to think about her encounter with the Angel in Luke 1:26-38 when he announced what was about to happen to her. She was greatly troubled. Of course she was. She questioned him. Of course she did. How could this be? She was a virgin and to her this thing was impossible. But in the end when Gabriel had finished telling her what was going to happen she simply said this “Behold I am the servant of the Lord, let it be to me according to your word”. The stunning simplicity of her humble words and obedience to God’s will is a powerful inspiration to me. I would have had 500 more questions I wanted answered and a certificate of authenticity from God that the angel was who he said he was. I think sometimes we read biblical accounts like this and fail to think deeply of the faith, humility and unquestioned submission displayed by people like Mary. The young woman had no idea of the full meaning of the words of Gabriel found in Luke 1 verses 30 through 37, but she did know God and she trusted him fully as is shown in her response in vs. 38 and her song of praise. 

   In Luke 1:39-55 we are treated to the account of Mary’s visit to her cousin Elizabeth. After the angel told Mary that Elizabeth had conceived, miraculously in her old age, that’s exactly who Mary wanted to talk to. I think that visit probably encouraged Mary to joyously press on in the days and months to come. All that the angel had spoken to her was here confirmed by an older, wise and godly woman. The encouragement that could should and ought to happen between women of God is a gift to be freely given and joyously received and it was that day. I love how Elizabeth commends Mary’s faith in God in vs. 45. I am now at that age in my life when I need to spend my days encouraging young women in the faith-it’s what older women are called to do-and it’s so necessary! We are blessed to see two women called by God to a very special task building each other up. We are allowed a glimpse of real camaraderie and soul refreshing in this passage. Mary needed this as did Elizabeth.  

Ladies, may we ever cherish and follow God in humble obedience in this very same way that Mary did. We will not always understand the mysteries of God’s dealings with us as we live lives of faithful obedience. We can ponder and treasure the deep things of God in our hearts as Mary did. We may never know all the whys-but the Who is all we need at the end of the day.

   

  Because there is so much more to examine in the life of Mary we will have a second part to this post. Thanks to Diane for approving that.

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About the Author: Vicki Lynch. Is a wife, mother, homemaker, women’s Bible study teacher and amateur theology student. She has been married to Bill for over 46 years. Their lives were forever changed in 1999 when they tragically lost their only child in an auto accident. He was a young adult and unmarried. Vicki says” It was a make or break time for my faith…but our faithful God brought us through.”

This post originally appeared on October 7, 2013 

Women in Scripture: Euodia and Synteche

 Euodia and Syntyche

An Open Letter to Euodia and Syntyche

Based on Philippians 4:2-3 (ESV)

"I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.”

To the beloved sisters in Christ at Philippi, 

Greetings in the Lord. I pray my letter finds you both in good health and I trust your souls to prosper, even as you have been taking pains to seek the Lord during this difficult season. May God be pleased and His Name be hallowed among us and among all the saints throughout the world. 

I write to you both, Euodia and Syntyche, as your names and faces have come to mind repeatedly, oftentimes late in the night. I believe God’s purpose has been for that of prayer on your behalf. Over the past few months, I’ve spent many fitful nights weeping over things I’ve hardly understood. I only know the burden has been great, and the urgency relentless. Countless times I have wrestled until my entire body ached while holding you both before the Lord in prayer. Most days, when I was not occupied looking after the widows in our midst and other certain needs among the brethren; I’ve gone about as though a part of me were missing, as if to be left standing without eyes or limb. The sense of loss has been diminishing. And my longing for you in the Lord is equal to my affection for the Lord Himself. 

As you know, it has been some time since our beloved Paul wrote to the church at Philippi. You recall his pleadings — that you settle your differences in the Lord — and how he had called on me to come alongside to help you. Now, after much concerted prayer, I believe time has come to assist you further. Through this open letter, I’m compelled to share with you and the church at Philippi what has been my observation and that which burns continuously in my heart. 

You are both true servants of God. Your love for the Scriptures is without question. You are like the noble Bereans, and I commend you for holding fast to sound doctrine. Your faithful service to the ministry and your loving care for the flock here at Philippi has been evident to all. By God’s grace, you have both worked untiringly to advance the gospel. Whether by keeping prayerful watch or diligent study, or by washing the feet of the saints or cooking meals for the infirm, you have proven yourselves in these things, thinking nothing of yourselves. The entire province has heard of your good works, and it’s been clear to all that your greatest privilege has been to serve God with an undying love. These things have been a great example to me and the rest of the family of God. We remain indebted to you for your zeal and gracious service. 

But now, as I have waited upon the Lord, I must unburden my heart and speak of difficult things I fear may pain you to hear. But I trust the mighty God within you to convince you against any petulance. 

Thus, here is what I have observed: You’ve allowed troubled waters to run dry under the bridge. Although you have seemingly forgiven one another, having formally reconciled, and that in the presence of the elders, I’ve noticed you no longer come together in prayer like you did in times past. The friendly banter and warm smiles exchanged at mealtimes have all but stopped. You have somehow become polite, to the point of coldness, even avoiding one other before and after the meeting! What is more, you have become selective with whom you speak. There is, I daresay, a stale air within your circles of fellowship. The proof of such has borne out, as I am pained over the two sisters who have recently come to us from Troas. They were reluctant to say at first, but a few days ago they told me of how they have not been well received, as no one has offered to disciple them. They are feeling bruised and disheartened, and are making plans to visit the church at Ephesus soon. 

Disagreements are inevitable. The Lord Jesus said offenses would come. I well understand how tensions can easily mount when there is no singular vision on a matter. But disputes are such that they prove our discipleship: are we serving God or are we still trying to please ourselves? How many occasions are there to see things differently than our brother or sister? Innumerable! When provisions are limited or when guests are hungry and tables have not yet been set, Greeks do it one way, Jews another. Like-mindedness is a holy challenge to which we mortal creatures must aim. Granted, it would be much simpler to be a Stoic, but that is not our goal, to stand apart and self-sufficient. Ours is a higher calling. His blood was shed for each member of the Body of Christ that we be one, even as Christ and the Father are one. 

Now, I say this in all humility, while you may have done everything right outwardly, we know from the scrolls that God looks on the inward parts. If I am to serve you honestly, I must make my appeal to you forthrightly. Be reconciled to one another in truth, from the heart. 

You have been amply supplied with instruction to know what you ought to do when disputable matters arise. Even you yourselves have said, “Is food more important than Christ and our brother for whom Christ died? I implore you, my dear sisters, on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to one another. Cast away your silent stones. Remember Jesus. When the saints are assembled, come together again; lay down your pride, your will, and your heart. As you kneel before the throne of God, raise your hands in declaration of the cross of Christ, forsake your own way and surrender your spirit to Him once more. 

As for the elders, deacons, and all the saints at Philippi, we shall continue to pray, asking God to heal the delicate rift in His precious body. May the Lord bind your hearts once more unto full restoration. And may righteousness, joy, and peace be found again in the house of God.

Your loyal brother, 

Syzygus

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End Note: The name “Syzygus”- Gk. syzygos means “true yokefellow” (ESV footnote). Not all Bible commentators agree as to who is the “true companion” to whom Paul refers in his letter. It is not made clear. Some say Syzygus could be the proper name of a certain individual, while others suggest Epaphroditus. 

About the Author: Elizabeth DeBarros makes her home in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in northern Virginia with her husband of 24 years, their two sons, and beloved cat, Adagio. She cares deeply for people, words, theology, Darjeeling, and likes taking long walks in any kind of weather. She can be found at Finding the Motherlode sharing her thoughts, observations, poems, and the occasional firebrand.

Note: This post originally appeared on September 30, 2013.

Women in Scripture: Priscilla

Priscilla

“Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well.” - Romans 16:3-4

    Prisca (also known by the diminutive name Priscilla) and her husband Aquila were special to the Apostle Paul. Tentmakers who had been forced to leave Rome when the Jews were exiled by Claudius, the couple first met Paul in Corinth. They took him into their home and allowed him to work alongside them in their trade while he proclaimed the gospel there (see Acts 18:1-3). After remaining with them for 18 months, Paul departed for Syria and took the couple with him (vv. 11, 18). He later left them in Ephesus to establish the church there (v. 19).  In his letter to the Romans, Paul doesn’t elaborate on how Priscilla and Aquila “risked their necks” for him, but it may have been during his stay in Ephesus (see Acts 19:23-41; 1 Cor. 15:32; 2 Cor. 1:8-11).

    The mentions of the couple in Scripture are brief, but one verse in Acts 18 tells us much about them. Hearing Apollos preaching in the synagogue in Ephesus, the couple realized that he did not have a complete understanding of the gospel, so “they took him and explained to him the way of God more accurately.” (v. 26). There is much we can glean from this verse, regarding both women’s roles in the church and the best way to handle conflict.

   First, after realizing Apollos was in error, they went to him privately. The didn’t berate or accuse him publicly, but took him aside to explain (Gk. “ektithemi”: explain, elaborate, expound) his error. Acts 18:26 “provides positive support for the idea that men and women can explain God’s Word to each other in private and informal settings (such as personal conversation or a small group Bible study) without violating the prohibition in 1 Timothy 2:12 against women teaching an assembled group of men.” (ESV Study Bible, p. 2125) 

   How is this so? In  Acts (Reformed Expository Commentary), author Derek Thomas explains that Ephesians 5:22,24 requires a woman to be subject to her own husband, but not to every man. 

“Priscilla could teach Apollos, and she did this within the confines of her own home and not in public. Even so, she must do it without crushing the role that Aquila must play in this instruction, even if he was less able than she was.” (p. 533)     

Given the fact that Acts 18:26 tells us both Priscilla and Aquila took Apollos aside, we can conclude that Priscilla had her husband’s blessing to be part of this interaction with Apollos.

 Acts 18:26 not only sets a precedence of women instructing men privately (as long as their husbands are present and approving), the verse also gives us a biblical example of how handle conflict. My pastor is preaching through the Book of Acts and he used this verse to bring out some points of consideration when differences arise among believers.

   First, is it a disagreement or a matter of miscommunication? Priscilla and Aquila knew that Apollos had limited knowledge, even though he “had been instructed in the way of the Lord.“ (v. 25) They didn’t want to discourage him, but they understood that he was miscommunicating the gospel. Thomas says, “[T]his is an example of what a godly couple can do for a young man who shows promise of future usefulness...Their generous hospitality and encouragement ensured that the church was better served.” (pp. 532, 533)

   Second, is this necessary for salvation? Apollos was a genuine believer who had the Spirit (v. 25). As believers, we will likely find ourselves in arguments over matters that are necessary for salvation. In those times, we must stand firm and speak the truth in love. (see Ephesians 4:10-16)

   Third, do believers have a history of disagreement on this? There are non-salvific matters some believers will never agree upon (e.g. the millennium, election, alcohol). In these situations, we must ask ourselves if continual debate is beneficial to those involved and those witnessing it. 

  Fourth, have I prayed about my position and searched the Scriptures? In other words, have I merely assumed my position because it’s what I’ve been taught, or someone I respect holds the same belief?

    Fifth, have I sought the counsel of others? Priscilla and Aquila had spent quite a bit of time under the Apostle Paul’s tutelage. They knew their theology was correct.

And last, have I counted the cost if I adopt the alternative position? Will changing my position make me a better Christian or will my theology suffer? We don’t know for certain, but we can assume that Apollos was affected by his encounter with Priscilla and Aquila. His ministry thrived. Verses 27 -28 tell us that “...he greatly helped those who through grace had believed, for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus.”

 In one of my favorite lines from Anne of Avonlea, Mr. Harrison describes Rachel Lynde, “She can put a whole sermon, text, comment, and application, into six words, and throw it at you like a brick.”  Christian women may be tempted to do that more often than we care to admit when we run into someone who disagrees with us. Priscilla gives us a Scriptural example of how to behave otherwise.

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About the Author:  Melissa Jackson is a working mother, living a quiet and simple life in rural Virginia with her husband and teenage daughter.  She enjoys reading, writing, coffee, and chocolate. She is passionate about the Word of God, her family, and discipling teenage girls. She blogs at One Quiet Life.

  

 This post originally appeared on September 27, 2013

Women in Scripture: Hannah

Hannah

Servant of our Sovereign God

   The story of Hannah in 1 Samuel 1 and 2 has been a comfort and hope through the ages.  A cursory reading may lead one to believe that the account is merely about a woman’s longing, praying and the ultimate blessing of the birth of her baby.  A deeper look, though, reveals that there’s more to the story.

   During this time in Israel, about 1050 B.C., “Everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25).   Israel as a whole had forsaken God.  They forgot their deliverance from Egypt and turned to the worship of idols.  God was about to raise up a righteous leader for his people, one who would point toward the promised Savior.  As God often does, he chose a humble, insignificant woman through whom he would bring it to pass.

  

    Hannah was the wife of Elkanah, a man from a priestly family of the tribe of Levi.  Two circumstances caused great sorrow for Hannah: her childlessness and Peninnah (1:2).  It’s probable that Elkanah’s polygamy was due to Hannah’s inability to bear children.  Offspring were important for economic survival as well as for lineage and carrying on the family name, so he took Peninnah as his wife and she bore his children.

   In obedience to the law Elkanah journeyed with his family to the tabernacle in Shiloh for annual sacrifice and worship.  It was during the post-sacrificial meal that the relationship of the two rivals (1:6) reached a level of sheer misery.  Elkanah provided food for Peninnah and her children, but to Hannah he gave a “double portion.”  Peninnah had his children; Hannah had his heart.  Envious of the favor Hannah received, Peninnah retaliated and undoubtedly flaunted her own fruitfulness in front of Hannah.  Her unbecoming behavior struck angry discord in what should have been a worshipful, joyful occasion.  Year after year, it was so unbearable that Hannah could only weep, unable even to eat.  Elkanah attempted to comfort her, his words revealing the depth of relationship between them.

   

   Notice, though, the real comfort and hope for Hannah in this fact: “the Lord had closed her womb.”  Her barrenness wasn’t random; there was purpose in it because the Lord had done it! 

   

Our personal trials are never just about us.

“There are many reasons why God brings trials into the lives of his people, often to stimulate our faith, but in the case of the mother of so important a figure as Samuel, the point has to do not with Hannah but with Israel. The Lord closed Hannah’s womb to remind Israel that he had also caused the people to be spiritually barren because of their idolatry and unbelief.” (1)

 If we have true faith and trust in God, our longings and disappointments will lead us to an understanding that God’s purpose for our lives is far greater and wider than we can see.   Our myopic view of life distorts the reality of what he is doing, but when we go to God and the Scriptures to find the help we need, he meets us there.

  After the family finished their meal, the deeply distressed Hannah rose and went alone to pour out her heart to the Lord (1:10-11).  Eli the priest noted the absence of sound as her lips moved as she prayed and wept, erroneously concluding that she was drunk.  Convinced by Hannah of his error (1:15-16), he bade her go in peace and spoke encouraging words to her (1:17).  She was then able to eat and was no longer sad.  They returned to their home, “And in due time Hannah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Samuel, for she said, “I have asked for him from the Lord” (1:20).

   

   Hannah stayed at home with Samuel until he was weaned, about three years old.  Then keeping her vow (which was confirmed by Elkanah), she and Samuel went with Elkanah to Shiloh, bringing their sacrificial offerings with them.  When the sacrifice was complete, they brought Samuel to Eli the priest.

   How was Hannah able to leave her longed-for son at the tabernacle, knowing that he would be under the care of Eli who had not raised his own sons in the fear of the Lord?   It wasn’t because she trusted Eli; it was because she trusted God.  Her barrenness and grief caused her to turn to God in desperate dependency.  Her faith and trust in him brought her to the point of being able to relinquish her child to God for his service.  She didn’t know what God was going to do through Samuel, but as she burst into her prayer/song in 1 Samuel 2, it’s evident that her joy overflowed because God is holy, he is sovereign and his ultimate work is the salvation of his people.   She rejoiced to participate in whatever he was doing to bring it about.  Each year as she went with Elkanah to offer the sacrifice, she brought a little robe she had made for Samuel and gave it to him; and she left him there, where he “grew in the presence of the Lord” (2.21).   The Lord further blessed Elkanah and Hannah with three more sons and two daughters.

  

   God’s purposes are far greater than our own.  Some women long for a child but remain barren their whole lives.  Some give birth, but their child dies or is disabled.  Some long for marriage, but a proposal never comes.  Unfaithfulness, disease—suffering comes in endless ways.  What does the story of Hannah say to us in those instances?

   In the moment of our despair, we must keep at the forefront of our minds that all of God’s works have always been about the salvation of his people.  We can be certain that whatever our circumstance, it’s necessary for what he’s doing in our life and/or someone else’s life.  When through the Scriptures and prayer we are increasingly made aware of the magnitude of our sin and how dependent we are on God to deliver us, the more gladly we bow our longings to his will.  When we learn to embrace God’s sovereign works we can at that point rejoice in our suffering.  If we rejoice only in getting what we want, we miss the point of what God is doing in his greater plan of salvation history and our own part in it.

“Hannah came and poured out her soul before God, and he quieted her mind, and took away her sadness. This seems to have been from refreshing discoveries which God made of himself to her, to enable her quietly to submit to his will, and trust in his mercy.  Do not conclude that the particular thing for which you prayed will certainly be given in answer to your prayers.   Yet, God may and doubtless does testify of his acceptance of our prayers, and this we may confidently rest in his providence and in his merciful ordering and disposing with respect to the thing we have asked for.  God manifests his acceptance of our prayers by dong for us that which is agreeable to our needs and our supplications.” (2)

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(1) Richard D. Phillips, 1 Samuel Reformed Expository Commentary (Phillipsburg: P&R Publishing, 2012) 8

(2) Jonathan Edwards, quoted in Richard Rushing, ed., Voices from the Past, Puritan Devotional Readings (Carlisle: The Banner of Truth Trust, 2009) 133 

About the Author: Rosemary lives in Cedarburg, WI and has been wife and ministry partner to Harry for forty-four years. They have two adult sons and a daughter who awaits them in heaven. A homebody at heart, Rosemary enjoys nothing better than good conversation, a good book, and a good cup of coffee.

This post originally appeared on September 25, 2013 

Women in Scripture: Manoah's Wife

Manoah's Wife 

Judges 13

   She had neither children nor name.   Married to Manoah, a man from one of the lesser-known tribes of Dan, she lived among a people who had forgotten their God, who had turned their backs on Him and all His goodness.   They had been handed over to their enemies in His great mercy that they might cry out to Him for deliverance.   Manoah’s wife was crying out to Him, for she had nowhere else to turn to, no one else to trust in.   Her faith in Him marked her out as different among her people, her barrenness was a sorrow she carried daily, and her longing that she and her husband would walk in step together in their faith was a hope that she could not let go of.      Lament was the song of her heart.

   But her God saw her. El Roi.    The Father is seeking those who will worship Him in spirit and in truth, and in Manoah’s wife,   He found such a worshipper.    

    An angel appeared with a message that she who was barren would bear a son who would bring deliverance to his people.   The echo of words delivered  1,000 years later to another woman hangs in the air:   “Greetings, you who are highly favoured! The Lord is with you!”   She is told her son will be a Nazirite, set apart to God from the womb, and she is to observe the Nazirite vow with regards to what she eats and drinks until he is born. 

   Her husband had not been present when the angel came.   So she became a prophet to her husband, and shared the word from God that she had received with him.   And Manoah, being a man of faith, responded with faith.   He believed the words his wife shared, and he trusted her, for he knew her to be a trustworthy woman.   And he himself was led to beseech the Lord that the man of God might return to them.

   And look how God responded!   He heard Manoah!   He graciously responded to this desire, this hunger and thirst in Manoah, to know Him better.   This is our God!   He hears our requests, and responds – the word of God came a second time.  

   Yet when the angel returned, it was again to Manoah’s wife, when she was in the field.  “But her husband Manoah was not with her.” Oh!  What pain and sorrow lie behind these words - to be in a covenant marriage, given by God, serving and loving Him, and yet to not share in the experience of their God together.   There is further work yet to be done.   Manoah’s wife again responds in great faith, rushing to tell her husband that the man who looks like an angel of God has returned, trusting that he will respond. And he does!  What great humility – “Manoah got up and followed his wife”. This may denote a disorder in the marriage – but God wastes nothing.   He is seeking those who will worship Him in spirit and in truth. 

    Manoah’s next words, together with their answer, are revealing.   “When your words are fulfilled, what is to be the rule that governs the boy’s life and work?”   Isn’t this the nature of religion, to want rules to follow, so that we can judge our performance?   But see how graciously the Lord responds. There is no rebuke, but instead a reminder that all that is required of them has already been said. “Your wife must do all I told her.”   Manoah has asked  “What must we do to do the works God requires?”  The works required of Manoah, once the child is born, are this – to believe in the One He has sent.   Faith!  To trust in Him!  To walk in the Spirit!

    

   Manoah seeks to honour their visitor by preparing a meal.   Echoes of Abraham’s plea to his 3 visitors here – “Do not pass your servant by”.  There is no greater delight for the children of God than to fellowship with Him.   And when we ask of Him to stay with us, again, see how He delights to meet our request, and how He provides further instruction – prepare a burnt offering to the LORD.   For as we fellowship with our God, He constantly transforms us, as He seeks to form in us the image of Christ.

   And through the course of their fellowshipping with the LORD together, the Spirit is working to bring greater unity, until we read these most profound words, which I believe are the highest blessing that can be given to a marriage:

“And the LORD did an amazing thing while Manoah and his wife watched”. 

   It is as Manoah and his wife were watching, together, watching Him, together, that He did an amazing thing.    Will we watch Him, together, in our marriages?    Will we cry out to Him that we might share a greater depth of fellowship in our marriages?   The Lord will respond as we do so, and the dew of Hermon will fall on Mount Zion.

   What was this amazing thing that the LORD did while Manoah and his wife watched?   As the flame blazed up from the rock, the altar, where Manoah sacrificed a young goat to the LORD, the angel of the LORD ascended in the flame.    Manoah and his wife, united in their understanding of the greatness of God, of His holiness, and of their own humility, do what all those who worship Him in spirit and truth do in His presence – they fell with their faces to the ground.

   

   When they saw their visitor no more, Manoah finally saw the spiritual truth that his wife had already seen (and which demonstrates her spiritual faith) – this was no man they were speaking to, but an angel of the LORD.   Manoah had received revelation as he fellowshipped with God, and so was able to understand spiritual truth.   His spiritual eyes were opened.  

   Yet even as his spiritual eyes were opened, he utters words of unbelief, of fear – “We are doomed to die!  We have seen God!” 

   It is here that his wife comes forth with words of truth to strengthen, encourage and comfort her   husband, words uttered in a prophetic spirit:   “If the LORD had meant to kill us, he would not have accepted a burnt offering and grain offering from our hands, or shown us all these things or now told us this.”   How her husband needed to hear these words, to be encouraged to hear his Father’s voice. 

   Manoah’s wife.   A worshipper of God in spirit and in truth.   The Father sought her out, blessed her, blessed her husband, blessed her womb, and through her son, Samson, pointed to the One who was coming to bring deliverance to His people, upon whom the Spirit of the LORD would rest in all His fullness.    And having overcome through her faith, this nameless woman now has the promise that she will receive a white stone from His own hands, with a new name written on it (Rev 2:17).  May God be glorified!

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 About the Author:  Diana Lovegrove lives in England with her husband and their 8-year-old son.   A part-time bookkeeper, tea is her drink of choice (PG Tips, hot), and she loves nothing better than when her guitar is in her hands so she can praise her God. She loves writing, and deep one-on-one chats with close friends.  Diana blogs at  Waiting For Our Blessed Hope

This post originally appeared on September 23, 2013