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The Samaritan Woman Reconsidered
The Samaritan Woman is generally portrayed in our Bible studies as a woman of ill-repute. While avoiding people because of her deep shame over her immoral life, she seemingly stumbled upon Jesus resting at a well. However, most people reading this story are left with a nagging question. How could this woman receive an overwhelmingly positive response from her village neighbors, when she called them to drop everything and come with her to meet a Jewish man, she herself had just met? Something does not add up.
83 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 2, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 9, 2019
A quote from Krister Stendahl at the beginning of this book—“Our vision is often more abstracted by what we think we know by by our lack of Knowledge”—gives the flavor of “reconsidered” in the title. Author Eli Lizorkin-Eyzenberg invites us to “reconsider” a familiar Biblical story (and character), adding a very Jewish cultural and historical context to what must surely be a Jewish tale—that of the Samaritan woman at the well, as told in the Gospel of John.
Firstly there the location—Jacob’s well. Almost meaningless as we scan the familiar words, it’s a name and place steeped in history and power. Then there’s the timing—just after a period where Jesus baptizes people, just as John does. And there are the questions we don’t normally ask—like how could a woman, living with a man not her husband, get so many people not only to listen to her, but also to follow her direction and meet a man from the wrong side of the religious divide.
The author takes these questions and more, puts them and the story (together with many other events in John’s Gospel) in context, and invites readers to see and learn far more, not only about the world of Jesus, but also about how the events in Jesus’ life, and the culture his chroniclers relate to our modern world. In reading, we might also learn that it’s okay to ask questions; seeking answers, rather than assuming we already know them, is what helps us learn our faith more deeply.
Disclosure: I was given a copy and I really enjoyed reading it.
Firstly there the location—Jacob’s well. Almost meaningless as we scan the familiar words, it’s a name and place steeped in history and power. Then there’s the timing—just after a period where Jesus baptizes people, just as John does. And there are the questions we don’t normally ask—like how could a woman, living with a man not her husband, get so many people not only to listen to her, but also to follow her direction and meet a man from the wrong side of the religious divide.
The author takes these questions and more, puts them and the story (together with many other events in John’s Gospel) in context, and invites readers to see and learn far more, not only about the world of Jesus, but also about how the events in Jesus’ life, and the culture his chroniclers relate to our modern world. In reading, we might also learn that it’s okay to ask questions; seeking answers, rather than assuming we already know them, is what helps us learn our faith more deeply.
Disclosure: I was given a copy and I really enjoyed reading it.
April 26, 2022
An opened worldview to the story
Dr. Eli Lizorkin-Eyzenberg help the reader to open the mind for others possibility. I love these words: «Interpreting the Bible is a difficult task. We bring our past, our preconceived notions, our already formed theology, our cultural blind spots, our social standing, our gender, our political views, and many other influences to our interpretation of the Bible. In short, all that we are in some way determines how we interpret everything. This does not imply that the meaning of the text is dependent on its reader. The meaning remains constant. But the reading of the text does differ and is dependent on many factors surrounding the interpretive process. In other words, how a reader or listener understands the text can differ greatly from person to person. ... One opportunity to exercise an honest approach is when commentators recognize that there is something in their interpretation that does not seem to fit with the text and they do not quite know how to explain it. ... I realize that getting over preconceived notions and interpretive preconditioning is not easy. It was Krister Stendahl who said, “Our vision is often more abstracted by what we think we know than by our lack of knowledge”. ... How often do we read these stories and allow our own culture to blind us from being able to see the reality? We may never know. But one sure step we can take to correct this is to make a permanent attitude adjustment and realize how the things we think we know can make it hard for us to discover the truth.»
Dr. Eli Lizorkin-Eyzenberg help the reader to open the mind for others possibility. I love these words: «Interpreting the Bible is a difficult task. We bring our past, our preconceived notions, our already formed theology, our cultural blind spots, our social standing, our gender, our political views, and many other influences to our interpretation of the Bible. In short, all that we are in some way determines how we interpret everything. This does not imply that the meaning of the text is dependent on its reader. The meaning remains constant. But the reading of the text does differ and is dependent on many factors surrounding the interpretive process. In other words, how a reader or listener understands the text can differ greatly from person to person. ... One opportunity to exercise an honest approach is when commentators recognize that there is something in their interpretation that does not seem to fit with the text and they do not quite know how to explain it. ... I realize that getting over preconceived notions and interpretive preconditioning is not easy. It was Krister Stendahl who said, “Our vision is often more abstracted by what we think we know than by our lack of knowledge”. ... How often do we read these stories and allow our own culture to blind us from being able to see the reality? We may never know. But one sure step we can take to correct this is to make a permanent attitude adjustment and realize how the things we think we know can make it hard for us to discover the truth.»
June 30, 2021
Bible studies can be enlightening and at times generally repetition of things we have heard most of our life growing up in the Western Christian world. Often times there are parts that border on boring and get skipped over. Other times, the study just operates with the general acceptance of what other scholars and theologians have commented on the particular study one might be doing at the time. Such is the case of the Woman at the Well; the Samaritan Woman. Generally she’s viewed as a woman of a bad reputation, the reason she came to the well at the particular time Jesus happened to be there. Eli Lizorkin-Eyzenberg presents another point of view worth considering. He points out that most people reading the story of the woman at the well are left with a very nagging question: How could this woman receive an overwhelming positive response from her village neighbors, when she called them to drop everything and come with her to meet a Jew, she had just met? Confusion here! This new perspective causes us to dive deep into the Hebrew culture at the time of Christ and to understand it from their perspective and not our Western Mindset. This is a short read, but an eye opening challenge to the old interpretations of the traditional story.
December 22, 2020
Justice served for that Samaritan woman
If this woman was ill refute and morally wrong no one could listen to her to see Jesus because she was an outcast of society. But taking into consideration why she persuaded her neighbors to see Jesus enlightened me that she may not be that bad. It just us that are morally bias. This book is a great read. The event of Samaritan and Jesus encounter is the fulfillment of what Jacob pronouncement to Joseph.
If this woman was ill refute and morally wrong no one could listen to her to see Jesus because she was an outcast of society. But taking into consideration why she persuaded her neighbors to see Jesus enlightened me that she may not be that bad. It just us that are morally bias. This book is a great read. The event of Samaritan and Jesus encounter is the fulfillment of what Jacob pronouncement to Joseph.
July 4, 2020
An alternate perspective
The author challenges the reader to read a familiar story with fresh eyes and a culturally informed point of view. This will take some prayerful consideration.
The author challenges the reader to read a familiar story with fresh eyes and a culturally informed point of view. This will take some prayerful consideration.
August 5, 2020
Well written, recommended
Recommended to all who have interest in the study of the Word of God. Truly thought provoking in our understanding of the Word and how persons interpret God's Word.
Recommended to all who have interest in the study of the Word of God. Truly thought provoking in our understanding of the Word and how persons interpret God's Word.
January 27, 2021
Samaritan history review
Here is a brief study of the story of the woman at the well with historical reviews. It rambles a bit and sometimes a bit over my head but still fascinating. I might read more of this authors books since I like biblical history.
Here is a brief study of the story of the woman at the well with historical reviews. It rambles a bit and sometimes a bit over my head but still fascinating. I might read more of this authors books since I like biblical history.
March 22, 2021
I so appreciate the explanation of historical background of this account, it is very enlightening. However, the author rambles a bit which disrupts the flow of information that is most relevant to the story of the Samaritan woman. The book was helpful overall.
July 11, 2022
Interesting and informative Thoughts on the Woman at the Well
This book is an intriguing study that can cause the Bible student to reconsider some preconceived notions about the Samaritan woman at the well who encounter Jesus. The typos were distracting to me, but I continued to read on. I had hoped the book would be longer with more comparisons to Old Testament writings such as Isaiah 12:1-6 where Living Water is described. The whole chapter sounds like what her praise would be as she left her pot and returned to her town, proclaiming her salvation. Four stars for grammatical errors and typos. I hoped it would have been a longer study.
This book is an intriguing study that can cause the Bible student to reconsider some preconceived notions about the Samaritan woman at the well who encounter Jesus. The typos were distracting to me, but I continued to read on. I had hoped the book would be longer with more comparisons to Old Testament writings such as Isaiah 12:1-6 where Living Water is described. The whole chapter sounds like what her praise would be as she left her pot and returned to her town, proclaiming her salvation. Four stars for grammatical errors and typos. I hoped it would have been a longer study.
May 23, 2023
Fresh look at an old story
Easy read, quick read but I caution you to slow down and take it all in. Its fascinating and the writer brings out views I have never considered before. Very good book. However ,its not always easy to understand the Jewish perspective, but I feel its an aspect that we need to struggle with. Especially if we are in search of the correct meaning. I would encourage everyone to read this book.
Easy read, quick read but I caution you to slow down and take it all in. Its fascinating and the writer brings out views I have never considered before. Very good book. However ,its not always easy to understand the Jewish perspective, but I feel its an aspect that we need to struggle with. Especially if we are in search of the correct meaning. I would encourage everyone to read this book.
January 13, 2022
A new way of seeing
I chose this book because I didn't beliemve many others' interpretations of it. It was good because it clarified the Samaritan woman's character. I didn't have any negative views.
I chose this book because I didn't beliemve many others' interpretations of it. It was good because it clarified the Samaritan woman's character. I didn't have any negative views.
January 16, 2022
Challenge your understanding,re-read the text!
The author asks the reader to put aside our own bias and rethink what we think we know. I enjoyed this short essay and would recommend this to anyone who wants to absorb the truth in the New Testament.
The author asks the reader to put aside our own bias and rethink what we think we know. I enjoyed this short essay and would recommend this to anyone who wants to absorb the truth in the New Testament.
February 15, 2022
This was an eye-opening study of the Samaritan Woman and Jesus' interaction. I especially appreciated the challenge to allow the text and its original context to speak for itself. I highly recommend this book!
December 21, 2024
re-think
It’s beautiful to know that our own way of thinking and our culture can affect the way we understand the Bible’s stories and that this can give us the chance to know the real meaning of it.
It’s beautiful to know that our own way of thinking and our culture can affect the way we understand the Bible’s stories and that this can give us the chance to know the real meaning of it.
March 8, 2025
Excelente
August 4, 2023
Excellent book. Lizorkin-Eyzenberg's main argument is well presented, well thought-out and well-defended. If you have ever read Jesus' "encounter with the woman at the well" within the Gospel of John and some things did not quite add up to how this meeting, conversation and resolution is usually explained, I recommend reading this book.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews