Just Wives: Stories of Power and Survival in the Old Testament and Today

by Katharine Doob Sakenfeld

Giving astute attention to social worlds of women of both ancient and modern times, Katharine Sakenfeld explores the stories of eleven women in the Old Testament. In clear and engaging fashion, she reveals the complexity of these women's lives, drawing out the issues they faced and relating their struggles to those women around the world face today. By encouraging women from across the world, in various cultures, to bring their own experiences to the biblical texts, and sharing the interpretation of some who already have, Sakenfeld allows her readers to see new possibilities for meaning in the Scriptures. Issues discussed include violence, sexual allure, personal betrayal, marginalization, power, and economic survival. Includes study questions for group discussion.

Genres: Theology, Nonfiction

136 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2003

Reviews

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just Wives: Stories of Power and Survival in the Old Testament and Today is a series of Bible studies on women of the Bible, specifically wives and the cultural assumptions they made then and we make today. The book covers Sarah & Hagar (of Genesis), Ruth and Naomi (of Ruth), Queens Vashti & Esther (of Esther), David's wives Michal, Abigail and Bathsheba (of 2 Samuel & 1 Kings), Gomer (of Hosea), and the Good Wife (of Proverbs 31).

Sakenfeld was one of my first professors in seminary. When I first started, I had difficulty adjusting to studying the Bible academically and I remember feeling frustrated with her and my Old Testament class in general. Looking back upon those times, I realize that it was more my fault in adjusting to this new world, than it was what that class and professor were saying. So, it is interesting for me to go back and read this book (as well as her commentary on Ruth - of the Interpretation series) and see how much I value Sakenfeld's ability to both look at the book and the characters critically, while still holding the text up to be the inspired Word of God.

[Jamie Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

While it is difficult to compare and contrast women of the Old Testament verses out modern 21 century stories I enjoyed the authors perspective and attempt. Overall a good read. Good points and pondering that make you think.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting take on a handful of OT women. Esther and Vashti will probably stick with me the most. Sakenfeld has good insights all around.

[Grace Lynch · Rating 1 out of 5]

It’s just bad.