Posted on 02/01/2008 7:52:05 AM PST by Jonathan
A Question to Ponder
It may too late in the process, but I thought we should ask this question: What is God’s view of a woman as the head of a nation? How we answer that question will, of course, betray our system of Bible interpretation; so, let’s ask the text.
In the midst of his pronouncement of awful judgment, Isaiah states as part of that judgment, “As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths.”
If this were a simple exception, we might pass it by without asking what it means to the whole of mankind. If the scripture speaks for itself, without our isolating texts, then the evidence is compelling. We would begin by asking some overarching questions: Whom did God choose to write the Scriptures? Who did Christ choose as His disciples? Who are those entrusted with the biblical leadership of the local church? This list is a yard long. The short list that includes Deborah and the great lady of Proverbs 31 is the exception, not the rule.
Don’t Miss the Point
This has absolutely nothing to do with the value God places on women. Godly women are important and are greatly used of our Lord, but always within assigned roles. I thank God every day for my godly mother and my godly wife. During my more than thirty-seven years as a pastor, some wonderful women were placed by God to serve with distinction in those local churches. Their servant’s spirits were an inspiration to everyone who knew them.
The protection and grace extended by God to women is a great witness to the heart of biblical Christianity. The elevation of women to a place of respect, as found in the Bible, is in marvelous contrast to other religions. None of this, however, gives us the answer to the proposed question.
Nor is the question answered by the law of any land. I chuckle when I imagine anyone suggesting that Jezebel was a fine individual just because she was a queen! It is true that God sets up and deposes rulers. Romans 13:1 says clearly that “the powers that be are ordained of God”. This tells us that God is sovereign, but it doesn’t answer the question.
One More Time
So, what is God’s view of a woman ruling a nation? Feminists would say there should be no job limitations for women. Those who isolate texts would say on this issue that it is limited to marriage or to the local church; however, that serves only to reveal their system of interpretation. Philosophers would say that it makes a difference if the woman in question is a godly woman. These approaches only frustrate the discussion, because with them we are still asking man what he thinks; and man is such a flawed source.
We end up right back where we began. What does the text say? It says that in the middle of an awful judgment the people get what they deserve, “and women rule over them”.
And the 'man' is to be to the woman as Christ is to the Church.... Christ willingly DIED for the Church... Toooo many men stop reading about their supposed 'authority' and never quite get around to what is their responsibility.
Oh, I think that's obvious.
I'm only taking issue with the writer's silly conclusion that God is opposed to the concept of female leaders.
How come so many women cropped up leading small local congregations?
Your post makes the assumption that this passage, addressed
to the nation of Israel, a Theocracy, is meant for all nations
at all times.
There is dispute among scholars as to the correct meaning of
this passage - just check a number of conservative commentaries
on Isaiah.
The post forms a doctrine on one passage. Never a good idea
when it is unclear.
Generally, when men do not lead, God has a woman willing.
yes, and if they had an iron man then, I think she would have not put herself forward.
“Beelzeflubba”
Because the letters each had a specific purpose. That purpose had nothing to do with secular government.
The Bible has several examples of powerful women.
Because they defied the authority of the Southern Baptist leadership?
“They cried to the rocks and the mountains but despaired because God heard not their cry . . .”
It’s from an old song about judgment.
How sad.
Huh? Really, we’re talking NT here. Also, where is it in the Gospels?
I think you are wrong.
I think that the author meant it as a hermeneutical test on each readers view of Scripture.
Your answer is evidence.
Often when I think of Hilary, and from seeing a book by the same name, she would be thought up as the “American Evita”.
Where is opposition to homosexuality in the Gospels?
Gotta love it when some human tells us what God thinks.
I know. But, in our decline, he prophesied that we would allow women to rule over us.
Maggie Thatcher didn’t want to rule with an iron fist.
The closet “iron men” she had two other leaders, one from across the “pond”, the “Great Communicator”, Ronald Reagan, and of course, from Eastern Europe, the Great Pope, JP2. Those three became a lengendary troaka that helped bring an end to the Cold War.
Deborah, was a Judge..........
Yep, she was.
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