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”.
I'm a non-practicing something-or-other, but I have read the Bible. Where does Jesus state opposition to homosexuality?
Yea, hath God said?
The author seems to echo the sentiments of the world against a previous female ruler; a woman ruler would be weak and her country would fall out of favor with God. That ruler was Elizabeth I and England seemed to be in good standing with God for most of her reign. Just ask the Spanish.
At least Elizabeth had the faith...
“This is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes.”
-Elizabeth qouting Psalm 118 upon hearing she was Queen because of the death of her half sister Mary.
Yes.
But then, there are the Christians who essentially believe monarchy is the way of God (remember the Divine Right of Kings?), and that willful usurpation of rulers (i.e., the AmRevWar) is sinful and against God, who is to plant our rulers for us - how He tells us constantly it really is His will, I don’t know.
Of course, that all gets very circular. But I think you know what I mean.
If God’s not available to answer, can we ask Deborah?
Let the reader understand...
I agree with what he says. A woman ruling means that men haven’t answered their call as leaders. Same in churches that ordain female pastors.
God will set up a Godly woman, ala Deborah, if Godly men refuse to step up to the plate.
I toooo have read. John 1:1 IN the beginning (note no date given, but does refer back to Genesis 1:1) was the WORD, and the WORD was with God, and the WORD was GOD.
Now given you have 'read' I do not think one must quote the numerous times where homosexuality is described an abomination... Even describes a couple of towns destroyed for that abomination and a women turned to a heap of salt for her longing look back...
“I think you are wrong.”
-—> based on ...
I posted this several years ago. With all the Biblical quotes, I think the time is ripe again:
www.snopes.com/politics/religion/drlaura.asp
Dear Dr. Laura,
Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God’s Law. I have learned a great deal from your show, and I try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind him that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination. End of debate.
I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some of the specific laws and how to best follow them.
a) When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord (Lev 1:9). The problem is my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?
b) I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?
c) I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanliness (Lev 15:19-24). The problem is, how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.
d) Lev. 25:44 states that I may indeed possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can’t I own Canadians?
e) I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself?
f) A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an Abomination (Lev 11:10), it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don’t agree. Can you settle this?
g) Lev 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle room here?
h) Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev 19:27. How should they die?
i) I know from Lev 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?
j) My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev 19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? (Lev 24:10-16) Couldn’t we just burn them to death at a private family affair like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14)
I know you have studied these things extensively, so I am confident you can help.
Thank you again for reminding us that God’s word is eternal and unchanging.
Your devoted disciple and adoring fan.
Because the men refused to do so!
Where He says, 'Go and sin no more.'
One has to assume He was using the word, 'sin' as it is defined in the Holy Scriptures during his time on earth, for He was using the Holy Scriptures as confirmation of his Godhood and authority.
And women love the NANNY STATE!!!
As was Moses...
Here come the pedants. Here come the pedants!
No condemnation of women prophets, judges or queens in the Old Testament. The scripture about women ruling over men is less of a condemnation against women in leadership positions than it is an insult to men for becoming androgenous, girly men metrosexuals.
Because the men wouldn’t. That’s usually the reason.
Deborah led the Nation of Israel in a Godly way because no man would step up to the job.
Why don't fish have wings?
Why don't birds have gills?
Who said, "My kingdom is not of this world?"
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