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The Most Misunderstood Women of the Bible: What Their Stories Teach Us About Thriving
Understanding Isn’t Overrated.
Ask any woman—most of us know what it’s like to be misheard, mischaracterized, or misrepresented by family, friends, or strangers. Few of us feel deeply known and understood all the time. Worse, many of us have endured long, painful seasons of misunderstanding in which the people around us have questioned—or worse, judged—our motives and actions. We have asked ourselves, How do I correct these misperceptions? Do I try to defend myself—or does that only make me look guilty? How can I recover my joy even if someone believes something about me that isn’t true?
This problem—and your feelings and questions about it—is nothing new. In fact, women have faced it since the dawn of time. In this engaging book, Mary DeMuth tells the tales of ten women in the Bible who were misunderstood in their own time and often still are—bringing to each of them a deep humanity that makes her, and her problems, more relatable to twenty-first-century you. If you are struggling with feeling misunderstood, let these stories inspire you to grow and remind you that you are not alone. And There is always One who understands you perfectly and stands ready to comfort, strengthen, and defend you through every situation you face.
Ask any woman—most of us know what it’s like to be misheard, mischaracterized, or misrepresented by family, friends, or strangers. Few of us feel deeply known and understood all the time. Worse, many of us have endured long, painful seasons of misunderstanding in which the people around us have questioned—or worse, judged—our motives and actions. We have asked ourselves, How do I correct these misperceptions? Do I try to defend myself—or does that only make me look guilty? How can I recover my joy even if someone believes something about me that isn’t true?
This problem—and your feelings and questions about it—is nothing new. In fact, women have faced it since the dawn of time. In this engaging book, Mary DeMuth tells the tales of ten women in the Bible who were misunderstood in their own time and often still are—bringing to each of them a deep humanity that makes her, and her problems, more relatable to twenty-first-century you. If you are struggling with feeling misunderstood, let these stories inspire you to grow and remind you that you are not alone. And There is always One who understands you perfectly and stands ready to comfort, strengthen, and defend you through every situation you face.
203 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 12, 2022
92 people are currently reading
468 people want to read
About the author
Mary E. DeMuth
73 books417 followersMary DeMuth is literary agent, international speaker, podcaster, and she’s the novelist and nonfiction author of over forty books, including Love, Pray, Listen: Parenting Your Wayward Adult Kids with Joy (Bethany 2022). She loves to help people re-story their lives. She lives in Texas with her husband of 31 years and is the mom to three adult children. Find out more at marydemuth.com. Be prayed for on her daily prayer podcast with 4 million downloads: prayeveryday.show. For sexual abuse resources, visit wetoo.org. For cards, prints, and artsy fun go to marydemuth.com/art. Find out what she’s looking for as a literary agent at marydemuthliterary.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
March 17, 2022
MOVE FROM BEING MISUNDERSTOOD TO BEING MISS UNDERSTOOD.
Don’t let Mary DeMuth’s title mislead you: this is NOT just a book for women, authored by a woman, concerning misunderstood women.
This is a book for BOTH men and women that explains how historical preconceptions of women have led to them being misunderstood. And how this gender prejudice still applies today. A prejudice that parallels racial prejudice, where preconceptions bring bias against those from different backgrounds.
Christian books, by male authors, are assumed to be for a wider Christian audience, unless dealing with topics such as being good husbands and fathers. But Christian books, by female authors, tend to be viewed exactly opposite—for just a female audience. Yes, this is a generalisation, but usually holds true. In my view, it has become unspoken “truth” that is no longer questioned, because it has become part of the ongoing misunderstanding that women must face: i.e. we are told that women are not supposed to teach men anyhow.
Mary DeMuth focuses on misunderstood women—female players in various dramas. But men are equally close players, a compelling reason for modern men to engage with these stories of ancient women.
The ten chapters each discuss a particular misunderstood woman, who functions as a misunderstood type e.g. ‘Leah, the Unlovely One’ ; and ‘Rahab, the Prostituted One’. The chapters are bookended by an introduction and a conclusion.
The Introduction outlines the purpose and prayer for her readers:
‘While this book will give you new insight, it’s not for your head only—it’s for your heart, then your feet…My sincere prayer is that you’ll be refreshed and invigorated to face each day with expectation, despite the cacophony of maligning voices our culture seems to coddle.’
This prayer is undergirded by Mary DeMuth’s recognition that Jesus is the archetype of all those of who have suffered misunderstanding. This brings much hope to us, her readers:
‘Jesus understands being misunderstood. And since He has endured misunderstanding, empathy abounds for those of us walking the same path.’
Like misunderstood Hagar, the Forgotten One, we can draw great confidence that He is El Roi, the God who sees us, and who in seeing our needs, gives us confidence that He will provide for those needs.
The Conclusion, “Misunderstood no More,” charges DeMuth’s readers to adopt a new God-mindset. This new mindset becomes answer to the Introduction’s prayer:
‘Don’t allow the narrow boxes people have crammed you in to inform your behavior. Will people misunderstand you? Yes. Will you misunderstand the ones you love? Yes. But God is the one who sees, hears, and perfectly understands you… Even if no one else understands you for the rest of your life, your Savior will perfectly understand everything you’re walking through.’
Each chapter follows a pattern:
1. A retelling of each woman’s story that gives her identity and personality.
2. A discussion of themes raised by the Biblical narrative
3. How the lessons from each ancient story may be applied to modern misunderstood ones.
4. Liberating Truths to take away to receive personally and to confess God’s view of us.
Mary’s text can be used in a number of ways. It provides practical theology, personal devotion, participant group study, and persisting mindset renewal (Romans 12:2).
All the stories are engaging. The ones that resonate most strongly, are those dealing with sexual abuse, in the broad sense. By this, I mean that these women have been reduced to commodities to be sold, stolen or exploited e.g. Hagar, Leah (and Rachel), and Rahab can be added to the more obvious examples such as Bathsheba and Tamar. With each woman, the ‘imago dei’ has been lost sight of.
The title speaks of the most misunderstood women in the bible. I think they are all excellent choices. But I did not discover why Mary chose these particular women.
I think the idea of the ‘ezer kenego’ discussed with Eve, the Blamed One, is fundamental to this book. It is a key theme. It takes us from a theology of the ‘helpmeet’ to a theology of the woman as the powerful one called alongside to rule creation with the man. For each of the women we encounter, this understanding of the ‘ezer kenego’ was lost. It is implied in Mary’s text, but I think it could have been specifically mentioned each time. This would have highlighted the theme.
Male evangelical theology of women has often tended to be post-fall: “He shall rule over you.” But then it forgets that at the cross the curse of the fall was reversed. We need to come back to a pre-fall theology of women, as co-regents with men, and not their handmaids. And even more so, in the new covenant, we need to move into a post-resurrection theology that embraces men and women called together to work with our Lord.
Mary DeMuth has written an excellent book. Go get it. Read it. Be challenged.
Disclaimer.
I received a pre-published copy of this book. This review is my own and I have not received any payment or any other gifts for it. I am a purchaser of the book.
Don’t let Mary DeMuth’s title mislead you: this is NOT just a book for women, authored by a woman, concerning misunderstood women.
This is a book for BOTH men and women that explains how historical preconceptions of women have led to them being misunderstood. And how this gender prejudice still applies today. A prejudice that parallels racial prejudice, where preconceptions bring bias against those from different backgrounds.
Christian books, by male authors, are assumed to be for a wider Christian audience, unless dealing with topics such as being good husbands and fathers. But Christian books, by female authors, tend to be viewed exactly opposite—for just a female audience. Yes, this is a generalisation, but usually holds true. In my view, it has become unspoken “truth” that is no longer questioned, because it has become part of the ongoing misunderstanding that women must face: i.e. we are told that women are not supposed to teach men anyhow.
Mary DeMuth focuses on misunderstood women—female players in various dramas. But men are equally close players, a compelling reason for modern men to engage with these stories of ancient women.
The ten chapters each discuss a particular misunderstood woman, who functions as a misunderstood type e.g. ‘Leah, the Unlovely One’ ; and ‘Rahab, the Prostituted One’. The chapters are bookended by an introduction and a conclusion.
The Introduction outlines the purpose and prayer for her readers:
‘While this book will give you new insight, it’s not for your head only—it’s for your heart, then your feet…My sincere prayer is that you’ll be refreshed and invigorated to face each day with expectation, despite the cacophony of maligning voices our culture seems to coddle.’
This prayer is undergirded by Mary DeMuth’s recognition that Jesus is the archetype of all those of who have suffered misunderstanding. This brings much hope to us, her readers:
‘Jesus understands being misunderstood. And since He has endured misunderstanding, empathy abounds for those of us walking the same path.’
Like misunderstood Hagar, the Forgotten One, we can draw great confidence that He is El Roi, the God who sees us, and who in seeing our needs, gives us confidence that He will provide for those needs.
The Conclusion, “Misunderstood no More,” charges DeMuth’s readers to adopt a new God-mindset. This new mindset becomes answer to the Introduction’s prayer:
‘Don’t allow the narrow boxes people have crammed you in to inform your behavior. Will people misunderstand you? Yes. Will you misunderstand the ones you love? Yes. But God is the one who sees, hears, and perfectly understands you… Even if no one else understands you for the rest of your life, your Savior will perfectly understand everything you’re walking through.’
Each chapter follows a pattern:
1. A retelling of each woman’s story that gives her identity and personality.
2. A discussion of themes raised by the Biblical narrative
3. How the lessons from each ancient story may be applied to modern misunderstood ones.
4. Liberating Truths to take away to receive personally and to confess God’s view of us.
Mary’s text can be used in a number of ways. It provides practical theology, personal devotion, participant group study, and persisting mindset renewal (Romans 12:2).
All the stories are engaging. The ones that resonate most strongly, are those dealing with sexual abuse, in the broad sense. By this, I mean that these women have been reduced to commodities to be sold, stolen or exploited e.g. Hagar, Leah (and Rachel), and Rahab can be added to the more obvious examples such as Bathsheba and Tamar. With each woman, the ‘imago dei’ has been lost sight of.
The title speaks of the most misunderstood women in the bible. I think they are all excellent choices. But I did not discover why Mary chose these particular women.
I think the idea of the ‘ezer kenego’ discussed with Eve, the Blamed One, is fundamental to this book. It is a key theme. It takes us from a theology of the ‘helpmeet’ to a theology of the woman as the powerful one called alongside to rule creation with the man. For each of the women we encounter, this understanding of the ‘ezer kenego’ was lost. It is implied in Mary’s text, but I think it could have been specifically mentioned each time. This would have highlighted the theme.
Male evangelical theology of women has often tended to be post-fall: “He shall rule over you.” But then it forgets that at the cross the curse of the fall was reversed. We need to come back to a pre-fall theology of women, as co-regents with men, and not their handmaids. And even more so, in the new covenant, we need to move into a post-resurrection theology that embraces men and women called together to work with our Lord.
Mary DeMuth has written an excellent book. Go get it. Read it. Be challenged.
Disclaimer.
I received a pre-published copy of this book. This review is my own and I have not received any payment or any other gifts for it. I am a purchaser of the book.
April 1, 2022
My daughter read this book, but she is not on Goodreads.
I learned a lot walking through the lives of 10 women in the Bible. There are many nuggets of wisdom in this book. I liked how much Scripture was used to give context. It's definitely good to savor the truths that resonate. Sometimes it's hard to read about what these women experienced, but it's key that our misunderstandings about them are revealed. The lens that we've seen these women through is often harsh. The book sheds an honest but kind light on what they went through.
The application portion shows how we can process being misunderstood. For example, in the chapter on Eve, the blamed one, "we are not called to micromanage our reputations when we're maligned. We speak the truth, yes, but we need not entangle ourselves in the unfair narratives of another." There is lots of encouragement to move forward despite being labeled. The chapter on how to lament and grieve toward healing is especially helpful. We also misunderstand ourselves. For example, Tamar "did not need to live under the adjective desolate". "What if we have positioned ourselves to believe lies because society cements them as truth?" This is a strong and much-needed chapter.
I liked the emphasis on meditating on truths about ourselves at the end of each chapter. There are some great questions to ponder and would be excellent for a small group study.
I learned a lot walking through the lives of 10 women in the Bible. There are many nuggets of wisdom in this book. I liked how much Scripture was used to give context. It's definitely good to savor the truths that resonate. Sometimes it's hard to read about what these women experienced, but it's key that our misunderstandings about them are revealed. The lens that we've seen these women through is often harsh. The book sheds an honest but kind light on what they went through.
The application portion shows how we can process being misunderstood. For example, in the chapter on Eve, the blamed one, "we are not called to micromanage our reputations when we're maligned. We speak the truth, yes, but we need not entangle ourselves in the unfair narratives of another." There is lots of encouragement to move forward despite being labeled. The chapter on how to lament and grieve toward healing is especially helpful. We also misunderstand ourselves. For example, Tamar "did not need to live under the adjective desolate". "What if we have positioned ourselves to believe lies because society cements them as truth?" This is a strong and much-needed chapter.
I liked the emphasis on meditating on truths about ourselves at the end of each chapter. There are some great questions to ponder and would be excellent for a small group study.
April 20, 2022
I woke up this morning feeling like I personally knew the ten women whose stories I finished reading late last night before I drifted off to sleep. Like I had a tender connection with each one of them. Women like Hagar, Rahab, Tamar, Bathsheba, Leah, Naomi, as well as a few others whose stories I had never taken the time to explore in such a personal, tender way. I felt their pain, their shame, their embarrassment and wanted to carry it for them. I joined in their confusion over why God allowed them to endure what they did. I felt their bewilderment over circumstances they didn't ask for or even see coming, and I stood in awe as I saw their redemption in God's greater story. I admired their humility and determination to keep moving forward, despite their lot or regrettable mistake. Their stories, no matter how hard, unfair, and misunderstood, held a purpose that led to the ultimate salvation of many.
Hagar helped me understand that God sees me intimately. Rahab taught me to leave the past in the past and move forward when God calls. Tamar gave me a deeper compassion for victims of sexual assault. Bathsheba showed me a life of humility that can usher in unexpected peace. Leah challenged me to look to God to fulfill me. Naomi opened my heart to empathize with those in deep grief.
Not only did this book help me see these women in such a new, tender way, but it inspired me to trust God even in the hardest of circumstances, knowing that He sees me and will not abandon me. I highly recommend this book to any woman out there who has felt abused, abandoned, taken advantage of, hurt, or misunderstood. I also recommend it for any woman who doesn't understand why God would allow so much pain in her life. This read will make her feel like she's not alone and will help her to see that God is not unaware and has not left her side. He's still there.
Hagar helped me understand that God sees me intimately. Rahab taught me to leave the past in the past and move forward when God calls. Tamar gave me a deeper compassion for victims of sexual assault. Bathsheba showed me a life of humility that can usher in unexpected peace. Leah challenged me to look to God to fulfill me. Naomi opened my heart to empathize with those in deep grief.
Not only did this book help me see these women in such a new, tender way, but it inspired me to trust God even in the hardest of circumstances, knowing that He sees me and will not abandon me. I highly recommend this book to any woman out there who has felt abused, abandoned, taken advantage of, hurt, or misunderstood. I also recommend it for any woman who doesn't understand why God would allow so much pain in her life. This read will make her feel like she's not alone and will help her to see that God is not unaware and has not left her side. He's still there.
April 26, 2022
The Biblical stories of these ten women are treasures we’ve missed and misunderstood. Mary DeMuth skillfully plucks these gems from the pages of Scripture, shines them up, holds them up to the light, turns them over so that we can see facets we might have ignored before. Her rich retelling of these women’s stories gives them fresh power and beauty. She then offers solid biblical teaching about each woman’s story, and clear, helpful application points. This book is for any woman who’s ever felt misunderstood—but it would also make an excellent resource for small groups. Each chapter includes take-away truths and discussion questions that guide readers toward deeper understanding, growth and transformation.
October 13, 2024
I loved the stories and comparison to our lives today. Definitely a good reminder of how women have been treated since Bilbical times and what we can learn from those lessons. Phoebe was one I was very unfamiliar with, and I learned a lot from her story.
“Jesus reminds us that the Kingdom boils down to two commands: love Him; love others. And often our lack of love for others reveals our lack of love for the God who created everyone.”
“Much of our lives are lived unseen by people. We must rest in knowing God understands us, and when He calls us to a task, He can see the end product. If we let the opinions of others sideline us, we won’t exercise our faith.”
“Jesus reminds us that the Kingdom boils down to two commands: love Him; love others. And often our lack of love for others reveals our lack of love for the God who created everyone.”
“Much of our lives are lived unseen by people. We must rest in knowing God understands us, and when He calls us to a task, He can see the end product. If we let the opinions of others sideline us, we won’t exercise our faith.”
March 21, 2022
The women of Scripture are often overlooked and, even when they are considered, what we’ve been told about them isn’t always correct. Eve is given the title of first sinner, the reason all of this (here I gesture vaguely out at everything) has happened. Leah is seen as jealous, rather than heartbroken. Bathsheba becomes a seductress rather than a victim of sexual abuse. Mary of Magdala is branded a prostitute. And the list could go on. Because of historical, patriarchal interpretations, the women of Scripture have often been robbed of their full dignity with their stories being maligned and manhandled to fit some misogynistic narrative.
In The Most Misunderstood Women of the Bible, Bible teacher Mary DeMuth seeks to realign our misaligned vision and show us who these women actually were. Mixing an imaginative fictional narrative with her non-fiction, DeMuth brings this corrected vision to life, helping readers actively work through what may be a brand-new perspective for them. Combined with just enough personal detail and anecdotes to make it conversational, rather than academic, The Most Misunderstood Women of the Bible is an eye-opening, perspective-shifting, thoughtful, compassionate, and liberating exploration of Scripture.
Each chapter ends with discussion questions that fit the topic, leading readers toward even deeper thinking and exploration of the woman in that chapter. While this is great for individual use, I imagine it being used even more effectively as a group Bible study. DeMuth’s personal, contemporary applications are timely and important. Women will see themselves reflected in these historical figures in positive ways, in ways that lead to healing and redemption.
The ten figures The Most Misunderstood Women of the Bible discusses are:
• Eve: The Blamed One
• Hagar: The Forgotten One
• Leah: The Unlovely One
• Rahab: The Prostituted One
• Naomi: The Grieved One
• Bathsheba: The Harmed One
• Tamar: The Violated One
• The Proverbs 31 Woman: The Perfect One
• Mary of Magdala: The Demonized One
• Phoebe: The Unknown One
While each and every one of these chapters are powerful in their own right, there were a few that stood out to me as exceptionally important. First, the opening chapter on Eve dispels the narrative that burdens her with all of the blame for the Fall. “The serpent deceived me and I ate” has often been seen as Eve passing along the blame, but, as DeMuth notes, Eve is stating the exact truth. She admits to eating. She places blame on the true villain. Adam, on the other hand, blames both God and woman. The church shifts the blame away from God, but has seemed intent on leaving the blame on women. DeMuth uses this to springboard into a conversation about dealing with being misunderstood and being accused of something you didn’t do, or of something you didn’t intend to do.
The second thing that stood out was DeMuth’s unequivocal and firm portrayal of Bathsheba as the victim of sexual abuse. This is so important, particularly in light of the crisis of sexual abuse that has come to light within churches of almost all denominations. The portrayal of Bathsheba as an adulteress or seductress is ensconced in evangelical (and Reformed, particularly) theology. I’ve even seen this viewpoint promoted by popular female Bible teachers. But this view does not take into account the power differential between David and Bathsheba. DeMuth, with clarity and compassion, presents Bathsheba as a victim of abuse. This chapter could be the catalyst for healing for so many that feel guilt or have been shamed because they were abused.
The third is the chapter on the Proverbs 31 woman. As a pastor, I cannot stand this passage of Scripture—at least not how I’ve seen it misappropriated through cutesy Mother’s Day sermons and retrofitted to fall within modern cultural expectations. When interpreted like this, it presents an impossible standard that can leave women feeling like they are constantly coming up short. DeMuth’s capable exegesis infuses grace into the works-filled passage and encourages readers to not compare themselves against a poetic wonder-woman.
The Most Misunderstood Women of the Bible is a liberating work that not only redeems these misunderstood women, but along the way encourages readers to look differently at themselves. Representation is important and women need to see themselves reflected in Scripture. Too often, that reflection has been obscured through superficial and patriarchal interpretations. Mary DeMuth brings both compassion and clarity, offering a new (but really, old) vision of who these women were—and by extension, what you can be.
In The Most Misunderstood Women of the Bible, Bible teacher Mary DeMuth seeks to realign our misaligned vision and show us who these women actually were. Mixing an imaginative fictional narrative with her non-fiction, DeMuth brings this corrected vision to life, helping readers actively work through what may be a brand-new perspective for them. Combined with just enough personal detail and anecdotes to make it conversational, rather than academic, The Most Misunderstood Women of the Bible is an eye-opening, perspective-shifting, thoughtful, compassionate, and liberating exploration of Scripture.
Each chapter ends with discussion questions that fit the topic, leading readers toward even deeper thinking and exploration of the woman in that chapter. While this is great for individual use, I imagine it being used even more effectively as a group Bible study. DeMuth’s personal, contemporary applications are timely and important. Women will see themselves reflected in these historical figures in positive ways, in ways that lead to healing and redemption.
The ten figures The Most Misunderstood Women of the Bible discusses are:
• Eve: The Blamed One
• Hagar: The Forgotten One
• Leah: The Unlovely One
• Rahab: The Prostituted One
• Naomi: The Grieved One
• Bathsheba: The Harmed One
• Tamar: The Violated One
• The Proverbs 31 Woman: The Perfect One
• Mary of Magdala: The Demonized One
• Phoebe: The Unknown One
While each and every one of these chapters are powerful in their own right, there were a few that stood out to me as exceptionally important. First, the opening chapter on Eve dispels the narrative that burdens her with all of the blame for the Fall. “The serpent deceived me and I ate” has often been seen as Eve passing along the blame, but, as DeMuth notes, Eve is stating the exact truth. She admits to eating. She places blame on the true villain. Adam, on the other hand, blames both God and woman. The church shifts the blame away from God, but has seemed intent on leaving the blame on women. DeMuth uses this to springboard into a conversation about dealing with being misunderstood and being accused of something you didn’t do, or of something you didn’t intend to do.
The second thing that stood out was DeMuth’s unequivocal and firm portrayal of Bathsheba as the victim of sexual abuse. This is so important, particularly in light of the crisis of sexual abuse that has come to light within churches of almost all denominations. The portrayal of Bathsheba as an adulteress or seductress is ensconced in evangelical (and Reformed, particularly) theology. I’ve even seen this viewpoint promoted by popular female Bible teachers. But this view does not take into account the power differential between David and Bathsheba. DeMuth, with clarity and compassion, presents Bathsheba as a victim of abuse. This chapter could be the catalyst for healing for so many that feel guilt or have been shamed because they were abused.
The third is the chapter on the Proverbs 31 woman. As a pastor, I cannot stand this passage of Scripture—at least not how I’ve seen it misappropriated through cutesy Mother’s Day sermons and retrofitted to fall within modern cultural expectations. When interpreted like this, it presents an impossible standard that can leave women feeling like they are constantly coming up short. DeMuth’s capable exegesis infuses grace into the works-filled passage and encourages readers to not compare themselves against a poetic wonder-woman.
The Most Misunderstood Women of the Bible is a liberating work that not only redeems these misunderstood women, but along the way encourages readers to look differently at themselves. Representation is important and women need to see themselves reflected in Scripture. Too often, that reflection has been obscured through superficial and patriarchal interpretations. Mary DeMuth brings both compassion and clarity, offering a new (but really, old) vision of who these women were—and by extension, what you can be.
January 1, 2025
This book is an encouragement and a challenge. It causes you to wrestle with your own insecurities or ways that you have been misunderstood.
I love Mary's introduction to each biblical character, giving us a short narrative glimpse into her life--fictional, but clearly backed up by heavy biblical scholarship and research. I admit it was hard at first to get into the women's stories this way, perhaps because we are so unaccustomed to reading about the women of the Bible in a way that makes them seem like real people with complicated backgrounds and the full gamut of emotions. After the first few chapters I came to enjoy this aspect of Mary's writing because it made each character come alive. As Mary goes on to explain how each woman is misunderstood, she looks closely at historical context and the original language of Scripture, which I love.
My favorite chapter was about the Proverbs 31 woman. That passage of the Bible has been a discouragement to me in various seasons of life, or at best, a confusion. After reading Mary's take on this passage, I was inspired and found I actually related to the "Proverbs 31 woman" (especially as a boy mom! If that doesn't make sense, read the book!) I also love how none of the women's stories are sugar coated. Like all of us, the women of the Bible were complex and their lives didn't always turn out perfectly. I think that is what makes it such a powerful read. This will be a great book for anyone seeking a fresh personal devotional read, or for a book club/Bible study. I believe people in ministry should read it as well. The church will benefit greatly if we do a better job understanding and teaching about the women of the Bible!
I love Mary's introduction to each biblical character, giving us a short narrative glimpse into her life--fictional, but clearly backed up by heavy biblical scholarship and research. I admit it was hard at first to get into the women's stories this way, perhaps because we are so unaccustomed to reading about the women of the Bible in a way that makes them seem like real people with complicated backgrounds and the full gamut of emotions. After the first few chapters I came to enjoy this aspect of Mary's writing because it made each character come alive. As Mary goes on to explain how each woman is misunderstood, she looks closely at historical context and the original language of Scripture, which I love.
My favorite chapter was about the Proverbs 31 woman. That passage of the Bible has been a discouragement to me in various seasons of life, or at best, a confusion. After reading Mary's take on this passage, I was inspired and found I actually related to the "Proverbs 31 woman" (especially as a boy mom! If that doesn't make sense, read the book!) I also love how none of the women's stories are sugar coated. Like all of us, the women of the Bible were complex and their lives didn't always turn out perfectly. I think that is what makes it such a powerful read. This will be a great book for anyone seeking a fresh personal devotional read, or for a book club/Bible study. I believe people in ministry should read it as well. The church will benefit greatly if we do a better job understanding and teaching about the women of the Bible!
December 9, 2023
1. Bathsheba was raped.
She was not part of an adulterous relationship. Adultery requires consent from both parties, and consent had nothing to do with what King David did to her. In fact, if it was adultery, why didn't Bathsheba need to ask for forgiveness? Why didn't Nathan the prophet point a finger at her too? Because she, a woman with no rights, was sexually assaulted by the most powerful man alive—and no one was allowed to say no to King David.
2. Eve "blamed evil personified," while "Adam blamed and villainized God."
Eve didn't question or blame God for what happened in the Garden. But Adam had the audacity to act like this gift from God was now a liability. It certainly took two to tango, but when it was time to right a wrong, Adam massively failed.
3. "Proverbs 31's audience was not female, but male."
Ladies, for the love of all that is pure and holy, the Proverbs 31 Woman is not a checklist for what we need to be every day in order to be valued, in order to be holy. Oof. We don't need to compare a snapshot of our lives to the entire legacy of the Proverbs 31 Woman. "It's a hope-filled list of potential traits a man may seek in a wife, not a laundry list of our personal shortcomings."
These are just 3 things I've learned from Mary DeMuth's incredible book, The Most Misunderstood Women of the Bible. I'm not surprised by how enlightened I am, because her other book, The Wall around Your Heart, taught me so much about bitterness and forgiveness.
She was not part of an adulterous relationship. Adultery requires consent from both parties, and consent had nothing to do with what King David did to her. In fact, if it was adultery, why didn't Bathsheba need to ask for forgiveness? Why didn't Nathan the prophet point a finger at her too? Because she, a woman with no rights, was sexually assaulted by the most powerful man alive—and no one was allowed to say no to King David.
2. Eve "blamed evil personified," while "Adam blamed and villainized God."
Eve didn't question or blame God for what happened in the Garden. But Adam had the audacity to act like this gift from God was now a liability. It certainly took two to tango, but when it was time to right a wrong, Adam massively failed.
3. "Proverbs 31's audience was not female, but male."
Ladies, for the love of all that is pure and holy, the Proverbs 31 Woman is not a checklist for what we need to be every day in order to be valued, in order to be holy. Oof. We don't need to compare a snapshot of our lives to the entire legacy of the Proverbs 31 Woman. "It's a hope-filled list of potential traits a man may seek in a wife, not a laundry list of our personal shortcomings."
These are just 3 things I've learned from Mary DeMuth's incredible book, The Most Misunderstood Women of the Bible. I'm not surprised by how enlightened I am, because her other book, The Wall around Your Heart, taught me so much about bitterness and forgiveness.
March 12, 2022
Mary DeMuth's latest offering belongs on every woman's bookshelf! Mary has an amazing gift of bringing these ten misunderstood women to life, or rather of helping us modern-day readers see and know those women clearly in the lives they lived. It's easy for us to become familiar with Bible stories and think we have a good grasp on the people in them and the messages we're supposed to have learned. Mary very eloquently helps us open our eyes and see that we've likely misjudged these women. Perhaps we need to view them in a different light, and maybe their experiences can help us overcome the misjudgments others place on us.
Mary begins, of course, with the first woman, the woman who had no name until after she sinned, Eve, the Blamed One. In Eve's story, Mary addresses the misunderstanding of blame. She paints us a picture of the Garden of Eden, and the act is lived out on the page before us. Mary then refers us to the biblical narrative, supporting Eve's message with Scripture and wisdom. She leaves us pondering if and how we ourselves have been misunderstood in similar ways, and she encourages us with God's Word, leading us into a closer walk with our Savior and Redeemer.
Each chapter is laid out in a similar fashion guiding us into the misunderstood lives of Hagar, the Forgotten One; Leah, the Unlovely One; Rahab, the Prostituted One; Naomi, the Grieved One; Bathsheba, the Harmed One; Tamar, the Violated One; The Proverbs 31 Woman, the Perfect One; Mary of Mandala, the Demonized One; and finally Phoebe, the Unknown One. Some, like Eve and Rahab, I found I had pretty accurate understandings of, but I still gleaned wisdom from Mary's insights. With others, like Leah and Phoebe, I gained entirely new understandings! I saw them from perspectives I'd never considered, and I found that I developed new respect for these women of old. Each of these tales, however, has not only real-life, but also real modern life applications for us today.
As we go through our lives, we often find ourselves misunderstood. Sometimes those misunderstandings label us errantly, sometimes they confine us to a particular manner of living, and sometimes they stifle our potential. Sometimes we apply faulty judgements to ourselves! With this new book from Mary DeMuth, we learn that our God, our Redeemer, knows us and loves us. He sees us and hears us. He does not misunderstand us; He loves us! As Mary says, "His is the final word, the only Word that carries eternal weight."
Pre-order this book today, and put it at the top of your to-read list!
Mary begins, of course, with the first woman, the woman who had no name until after she sinned, Eve, the Blamed One. In Eve's story, Mary addresses the misunderstanding of blame. She paints us a picture of the Garden of Eden, and the act is lived out on the page before us. Mary then refers us to the biblical narrative, supporting Eve's message with Scripture and wisdom. She leaves us pondering if and how we ourselves have been misunderstood in similar ways, and she encourages us with God's Word, leading us into a closer walk with our Savior and Redeemer.
Each chapter is laid out in a similar fashion guiding us into the misunderstood lives of Hagar, the Forgotten One; Leah, the Unlovely One; Rahab, the Prostituted One; Naomi, the Grieved One; Bathsheba, the Harmed One; Tamar, the Violated One; The Proverbs 31 Woman, the Perfect One; Mary of Mandala, the Demonized One; and finally Phoebe, the Unknown One. Some, like Eve and Rahab, I found I had pretty accurate understandings of, but I still gleaned wisdom from Mary's insights. With others, like Leah and Phoebe, I gained entirely new understandings! I saw them from perspectives I'd never considered, and I found that I developed new respect for these women of old. Each of these tales, however, has not only real-life, but also real modern life applications for us today.
As we go through our lives, we often find ourselves misunderstood. Sometimes those misunderstandings label us errantly, sometimes they confine us to a particular manner of living, and sometimes they stifle our potential. Sometimes we apply faulty judgements to ourselves! With this new book from Mary DeMuth, we learn that our God, our Redeemer, knows us and loves us. He sees us and hears us. He does not misunderstand us; He loves us! As Mary says, "His is the final word, the only Word that carries eternal weight."
Pre-order this book today, and put it at the top of your to-read list!
April 12, 2022
Mary DeMuth did it again! Her superb storytelling skills brought real women from the Bible to life in a fresh way. Women are vital to God's story of redemption woven through the entire Bible, yet many of them were mistreated and misunderstood. I mean, I'm not sure I'd want to be known as Rahab the harlot forever! After all, "No matter what your past, your present and future have a purpose, thanks to Jesus." Thank you, Jesus!
I love the way Mary was able to connect the issues these women faced to issues that I face today. I gained a new appreciation for Eve and Bathsheba especially as I have tended to see them in a negative light. And I'm not so intimidated by the Proverbs 31 woman anymore. You'll love seeing how your life intersects with these 10 biblical women too.
I love the way Mary was able to connect the issues these women faced to issues that I face today. I gained a new appreciation for Eve and Bathsheba especially as I have tended to see them in a negative light. And I'm not so intimidated by the Proverbs 31 woman anymore. You'll love seeing how your life intersects with these 10 biblical women too.
May 5, 2022
I enjoyed this book. I liked the sections on Leah, Rahab and Bathsheba the best. I also liked learning more about Phoebe. Full of Biblical truths, this book also contained bullet points and a questionnaire at the end of each section. I'll be reading it again sometime.
March 2, 2023
This book was incredible. Looking at the lives of women who continue to be cast as villains or are just misunderstood. This book shares their lives from Scripture and leads the reader to understand these women and ourselves in the light of God's grace.
November 13, 2023
I wasn’t sure what to expect with this one. At first I didn’t love the set-up and presentation of the book but as it went on I came to really love the intricate stories of these women told in conjunction with biblical truths applicable to my life as the reader.
May 11, 2022
I highly recommend this latest of Mary DeMuth’s books, for we all (women and men) need her lessons about how to thrive if we’re caught in being misunderstood or if we may be at fault with misunderstanding others. Besides good and encouraging content, Mary has great skill in writing and format. This book is excellent for individual or group study because of the discussion questions.
March 10, 2022
Misunderstood, silenced, stereotyped, degraded, and mocked are current themes throughout the church, world and the Bible. This book goes a long way in pointing out some of the women who down through the ages have been brushed over and preached on sin and shame. Being misunderstood is common even Jesus felt misunderstood, but we don’t have to go along with common themes and Mary does an incredible job of showing us how to re read Hagar, Tamar, Bathsheba and Rahab and see the real story going on. Grab this book and learn how to walk through life with your head held high.
March 30, 2022
Engaging, Profound, and Perfect for Individual or Group Study
Mary DeMuth's latest book The Most Misunderstood Women of the Bible is a resource churches desperately need to read and learn from. Women who have routinely been dismissed and maligned by their churches will find healing in this book. And men who long to break free from the misogynistic readings of the Bible that they were taught growing up will find liberation in this book.
As an author myself, I found Mary's book to be incredibly well-written. She's a master storyteller, a sage expositor of Scripture, and models well the importance of always keeping the reader in mind as you write.
As a ministry leader, I found this book to be perfectly structured for use by Sunday School classes or church small groups. The chapters are an ideal length (10 minute reads) and follow a set structure of storytelling, commentary, application, and questions for discussion. Pastors will also find a treasure-trove of sermon ideas in this book. The chapters can easily be converted into engaging messages for congregations.
Mary DeMuth's latest book The Most Misunderstood Women of the Bible is a resource churches desperately need to read and learn from. Women who have routinely been dismissed and maligned by their churches will find healing in this book. And men who long to break free from the misogynistic readings of the Bible that they were taught growing up will find liberation in this book.
As an author myself, I found Mary's book to be incredibly well-written. She's a master storyteller, a sage expositor of Scripture, and models well the importance of always keeping the reader in mind as you write.
As a ministry leader, I found this book to be perfectly structured for use by Sunday School classes or church small groups. The chapters are an ideal length (10 minute reads) and follow a set structure of storytelling, commentary, application, and questions for discussion. Pastors will also find a treasure-trove of sermon ideas in this book. The chapters can easily be converted into engaging messages for congregations.
Read
March 13, 2023It’s common to misunderstand what God is doing in human lives. But just because someone is misunderstood doesn’t mean we must keep the misunderstanding cycle going. Mary DeMuth takes us on a closer look into the lives of ten prominent women in the Bible and teaches us how they were misunderstood then and how we perpetuate the misconceptions today. And she shows us a way out of that cycle that is redemptive and restorative for all women, and for you personally as well.
This is not my typical non-fiction choice. The author’s use of fiction at the beginning of each chapter was a surprise for me, and I probably would’ve skipped this book altogether because of it if I had known ahead of time. However, I found each chapter held something powerful for me that I wouldn’t have benefited from if I would’ve ignored this one. I’m so glad I read it. I found DeMuth’s writing to be rich, yet practical and personal. She gets into deep things in a popular level style that reaches audiences a more academic volume couldn’t.
Don’t pass up this book. It’s well worth your time and reflection.
This is not my typical non-fiction choice. The author’s use of fiction at the beginning of each chapter was a surprise for me, and I probably would’ve skipped this book altogether because of it if I had known ahead of time. However, I found each chapter held something powerful for me that I wouldn’t have benefited from if I would’ve ignored this one. I’m so glad I read it. I found DeMuth’s writing to be rich, yet practical and personal. She gets into deep things in a popular level style that reaches audiences a more academic volume couldn’t.
Don’t pass up this book. It’s well worth your time and reflection.
April 19, 2022
Every woman I know will find herself somewhere between the pages of this book. Mary DeMuth combines her excellent story-telling skills with her knowledge of scripture and her love for the Lord in this one-of-a-kind work you'll want to refer to again and again.
May 3, 2022
The Most Misunderstood women of the Bible
Review
There are different parts to each chapter.
The woman's story.
Mary brings to life the highlighted women. Through her masterful storytelling, we can see, feel and understand the heart and thoughts of each woman in glorious heartfelt detail.
Biblical Narrative & context
Next, Mary share's the context of the woman's life in the bible. Where she's mentioned, significant historical events and meanings of why certain words are used. She shares excellent insight into the story's structure and the deeper meaning the original readers (who knew the culture of that time) would have easily understood.
How it applies to me, women today.
I really appreciate how Mary brings a way through each type of misunderstanding. Sharing how to work through the process to get the healing and truth we need.
Truths
Then to state the 'Truths about Fully Understood You' are like declarations that we need to speak out over ourselves. To not just hear nice words but let them sink down deep so our hearts can believe them too.
Questions
Lastly, I love that Mary has added discussion questions at the end of each chapter. Great for a small group to delve deeper into the story and relate back to our lives today. I think it's also vital for us to process with God what else He wants to stay to us in light of what each chapter's subject brings up in us. To discover what you need to let go of, change or do in response to each chapter.
Contexts this book would be great for.
Bible study groups, woman's or mixed book clubs, discipleship groups, to name a few. This book is a great way to go deeper into a character in the bible without only looking at bible passages for reference.
Personally
There are parts of Naomi's story I can identify with. I'm still single and with the sudden loss of my Father at Christmas, both my parents are now gone. There are continuing times when I try not to let surprise instances of pain/grief turn into bitterness or negativity.
I love Mary's encouragement to dwell on hope. How hope brings life that bitterness can't see.
The people misunderstood Naomi because she didn't arrive back in her homeland in the way they had expected her too. She was grieving, not rejoicing.
In our modern instant world, having a process like working through pain/grief or trauma takes a lot longer than any of us would like. You think you're fine—good, then a new situation sheds light on another layer of emotion. Others levels of patience and compassion can wain as time goes by—like you've had the right amount of time, so difficulties need to vanish. But God's timing is not our speed.
I've felt encouraged and challenged while reading The Most Misunderstood Women of the Bible. This is precisely what I need when reading a book like this. I want to thrive—for that to happen, I need to be reminded of the truths of who I am in Christ and help process the things I struggle to see to gain God's truthful perspective.
Thank you
Thank you, Mary, for putting so much of your heart, spirit and giftings into this book. Women need this book to understand the parts we've preferred to stay hidden. And men, they also need this book to help explore parts of themselves that likewise go through these types of struggles too.
The Misunderstood Women of the Bible is now available in all your favourite book buy places.
Additional places to go for more:
If you want to know more about Mary and all the fantastic books and resources she has at, www.marydemuth.com
Review
There are different parts to each chapter.
The woman's story.
Mary brings to life the highlighted women. Through her masterful storytelling, we can see, feel and understand the heart and thoughts of each woman in glorious heartfelt detail.
Biblical Narrative & context
Next, Mary share's the context of the woman's life in the bible. Where she's mentioned, significant historical events and meanings of why certain words are used. She shares excellent insight into the story's structure and the deeper meaning the original readers (who knew the culture of that time) would have easily understood.
How it applies to me, women today.
I really appreciate how Mary brings a way through each type of misunderstanding. Sharing how to work through the process to get the healing and truth we need.
Truths
Then to state the 'Truths about Fully Understood You' are like declarations that we need to speak out over ourselves. To not just hear nice words but let them sink down deep so our hearts can believe them too.
Questions
Lastly, I love that Mary has added discussion questions at the end of each chapter. Great for a small group to delve deeper into the story and relate back to our lives today. I think it's also vital for us to process with God what else He wants to stay to us in light of what each chapter's subject brings up in us. To discover what you need to let go of, change or do in response to each chapter.
Contexts this book would be great for.
Bible study groups, woman's or mixed book clubs, discipleship groups, to name a few. This book is a great way to go deeper into a character in the bible without only looking at bible passages for reference.
Personally
There are parts of Naomi's story I can identify with. I'm still single and with the sudden loss of my Father at Christmas, both my parents are now gone. There are continuing times when I try not to let surprise instances of pain/grief turn into bitterness or negativity.
I love Mary's encouragement to dwell on hope. How hope brings life that bitterness can't see.
The people misunderstood Naomi because she didn't arrive back in her homeland in the way they had expected her too. She was grieving, not rejoicing.
In our modern instant world, having a process like working through pain/grief or trauma takes a lot longer than any of us would like. You think you're fine—good, then a new situation sheds light on another layer of emotion. Others levels of patience and compassion can wain as time goes by—like you've had the right amount of time, so difficulties need to vanish. But God's timing is not our speed.
I've felt encouraged and challenged while reading The Most Misunderstood Women of the Bible. This is precisely what I need when reading a book like this. I want to thrive—for that to happen, I need to be reminded of the truths of who I am in Christ and help process the things I struggle to see to gain God's truthful perspective.
Thank you
Thank you, Mary, for putting so much of your heart, spirit and giftings into this book. Women need this book to understand the parts we've preferred to stay hidden. And men, they also need this book to help explore parts of themselves that likewise go through these types of struggles too.
The Misunderstood Women of the Bible is now available in all your favourite book buy places.
Additional places to go for more:
If you want to know more about Mary and all the fantastic books and resources she has at, www.marydemuth.com
January 23, 2025
Wow. I've never read Mary De Muth before, but if this is her usual, she has a new fan. Misunderstood Women of the Bible is not exactly a devotional, but I kind of treated it as such, reading just a chapter at a time. Actually though, a chapter at a time is the best way to read this, because it is so packed with information and edification, you will feel "stuffed."
First off, I loved the format of the book. Mary starts each chapter with a "fictionalized" account of each woman's story, but what I like is that most of the stories aren't fictionalized much or at all. It's more like Mary took what's in Scripture and said, "Okay, let's fill in the obvious blanks" (as in, if we go by Leah and Rachel's attitudes toward each other for example, it's easy to guess how they might've acted and reacted). Mary also clearly did her homework on how the original text plays out and chooses words. For instance, Bathsheba and Eve's stories read *so* much differently when you know exactly how Eve approached temptation and how Adam was supposed to stand up for her, or when you know exactly what the Bible means when it talks about how Bathsheba got to the palace.
Speaking of, this book strikes a great balance between the "head knowledge" you get from it--as in, the educational stuff--and "heart knowledge." Mary ends each chapter with a hard-hitting, yet tender explanation of how each Biblical woman's story applies to us, and how they apply to different types of misunderstanding. I was convicted often, but never felt judged. And, I got some new perspectives on my own story and times of being misunderstood. For example, I found a new kindred spirit in Naomi, even though it was hard to face my own bitterness. And Hagar reminded me how easy it can be to misunderstand others based on how I have been hurt. (Ouch, but again, in the best way).
One final note has to do with my recommendation. I recommend that every Christian woman read this book, not only because it's great, but for a specific reason. These days in the Church, women's Bible study is getting a bad rap for being shallow, silly, focused on chocolate and gossip disguised as prayer time. Some Christian women have even spent entire episodes on YouTube channels tearing down any study of women in the Bible (and then telling women they can't know their Bible because they're not men/the Bible has little to say specifically to women, and if you say it does, you're making the gospel about you).
I have seen books and Bible studies that fall into this--but The Most Misunderstood Women in the Bible is *not* one of them. The book is faithful to Scripture throughout and encourages, almost requires, a deep dive. It truly ministers to women, and challenges us in a way we need. The Christian market needs more books like this.
First off, I loved the format of the book. Mary starts each chapter with a "fictionalized" account of each woman's story, but what I like is that most of the stories aren't fictionalized much or at all. It's more like Mary took what's in Scripture and said, "Okay, let's fill in the obvious blanks" (as in, if we go by Leah and Rachel's attitudes toward each other for example, it's easy to guess how they might've acted and reacted). Mary also clearly did her homework on how the original text plays out and chooses words. For instance, Bathsheba and Eve's stories read *so* much differently when you know exactly how Eve approached temptation and how Adam was supposed to stand up for her, or when you know exactly what the Bible means when it talks about how Bathsheba got to the palace.
Speaking of, this book strikes a great balance between the "head knowledge" you get from it--as in, the educational stuff--and "heart knowledge." Mary ends each chapter with a hard-hitting, yet tender explanation of how each Biblical woman's story applies to us, and how they apply to different types of misunderstanding. I was convicted often, but never felt judged. And, I got some new perspectives on my own story and times of being misunderstood. For example, I found a new kindred spirit in Naomi, even though it was hard to face my own bitterness. And Hagar reminded me how easy it can be to misunderstand others based on how I have been hurt. (Ouch, but again, in the best way).
One final note has to do with my recommendation. I recommend that every Christian woman read this book, not only because it's great, but for a specific reason. These days in the Church, women's Bible study is getting a bad rap for being shallow, silly, focused on chocolate and gossip disguised as prayer time. Some Christian women have even spent entire episodes on YouTube channels tearing down any study of women in the Bible (and then telling women they can't know their Bible because they're not men/the Bible has little to say specifically to women, and if you say it does, you're making the gospel about you).
I have seen books and Bible studies that fall into this--but The Most Misunderstood Women in the Bible is *not* one of them. The book is faithful to Scripture throughout and encourages, almost requires, a deep dive. It truly ministers to women, and challenges us in a way we need. The Christian market needs more books like this.
April 4, 2022
Misunderstood No More. It reminds me of the long-standing admonition, “Begin with the end in mind.” The last chapter of Mary DeMuth’s newest book, The Most Misunderstood Women of the Bible is aptly titled, “Misunderstood No More.” Through the Bible stories of ten women, DeMuth illustrates the value of enduring the tension and hostility of being blatantly maligned, dismissed, and misunderstood. She writes, “I believe we can grow in our understanding of misunderstanding and, through that learning process, begin to act as Jesus did—with perseverance.”
This book is organized around the stories of ten women in the Bible: Eve, the Blamed One; Hagar, the Forgotten One; Leah, the Unlovely One; Rahab, the Prostituted One; Naomi, the Grieved One; Bathsheba, the Harmed One; Tamar, the Violated One; The Proverbs 31 Woman, the Perfect One; Mary of Magdala, the Demonized One; Phoebe, the Unknown One. These chapters begin with a fictionalized retelling of each woman’s story bringing her specific circumstances and challenges to life. A commentary with vital biblical and theological insights follows. Applicational truths, along with five discussion questions, conclude each chapter. My favorite, “Leah, the Unlovely One,” surprised me. Though I knew her story, I’d not paid much attention to Leah before. I’d discounted her, too. Leah knew well what it meant to be underestimated and overlooked. Though unloved by her husband, a fact she deeply grieved, she knew the love of the eternal One. And as she persevered, she experienced fruitfulness. Leah birthed many sons, including Judah, through whom Jesus Christ, “The Misunderstood One,” came to earth.
Mary DeMuth describes herself as “a storyteller at heart.” She is a wife, mom of three, a triathlon runner, prolific author (over 40 published books), international speaker, literary agent, and creator of the Pray Every Day podcast. I had the privilege of meeting Mary when she spoke to aspiring writers at the seminary where I study. While sharing bits of her life journey, she exuded a down-to-earth kindness and heart-felt desire to encourage. Do you need a bit of encouragement, or do you know someone who does? I highly recommend reading The Most Misunderstood Women of the Bible (available on April 12th). It’s a journey to a worthy destination: “Misunderstood No More.”
This book is organized around the stories of ten women in the Bible: Eve, the Blamed One; Hagar, the Forgotten One; Leah, the Unlovely One; Rahab, the Prostituted One; Naomi, the Grieved One; Bathsheba, the Harmed One; Tamar, the Violated One; The Proverbs 31 Woman, the Perfect One; Mary of Magdala, the Demonized One; Phoebe, the Unknown One. These chapters begin with a fictionalized retelling of each woman’s story bringing her specific circumstances and challenges to life. A commentary with vital biblical and theological insights follows. Applicational truths, along with five discussion questions, conclude each chapter. My favorite, “Leah, the Unlovely One,” surprised me. Though I knew her story, I’d not paid much attention to Leah before. I’d discounted her, too. Leah knew well what it meant to be underestimated and overlooked. Though unloved by her husband, a fact she deeply grieved, she knew the love of the eternal One. And as she persevered, she experienced fruitfulness. Leah birthed many sons, including Judah, through whom Jesus Christ, “The Misunderstood One,” came to earth.
Mary DeMuth describes herself as “a storyteller at heart.” She is a wife, mom of three, a triathlon runner, prolific author (over 40 published books), international speaker, literary agent, and creator of the Pray Every Day podcast. I had the privilege of meeting Mary when she spoke to aspiring writers at the seminary where I study. While sharing bits of her life journey, she exuded a down-to-earth kindness and heart-felt desire to encourage. Do you need a bit of encouragement, or do you know someone who does? I highly recommend reading The Most Misunderstood Women of the Bible (available on April 12th). It’s a journey to a worthy destination: “Misunderstood No More.”
March 30, 2022
The only thing that I can compare this book to is; The Chosen series. If you have not watched The Chosen I highly encourage you in that. The Chosen series brought the Bible and the characters of the Bible to life for me, and this book did the same! As I was reading, each new chapter became my favorite, because I could relate to the women. They became real.
This book helped me to feel their pain, understand their worries, yearn with them for God's help and then rejoice with them when it came. These women are not just characters of some book. They are each of us, and they have been written about in "The Word" for a reason! Mary Demuth took the time to sit with the women in the Bible and connect to their emotions and their real lives that they once lived on this earth just like you and I. We can all gain an understanding of the trials that women and men alike have been faced with since the beginning of time in the pages of this book.
We are no different. We have trials and we have God. We have a choice in what we do with the trials that come our way and how we communicate our needs with our Heavenly Father, during our own sanctification.
Mary thank you so much for taking the time to write this book.
I found peace as I finished the chapter on the Proverbs 31 women. She is portrayed as such an exquisite women to look up to and to strive to be like. But, you helped to define that she too was real and normal in many ways. I just sit in rest at the thought that even she had "servants" help. We all need help. Thank you for pointing that out.
I'm excited to read this book again, hopefully with a group of close sisters in Christ, where we can ponder the discussion questions you have provided in each chapter.
Thank you for the blessing's in the pages.
This book helped me to feel their pain, understand their worries, yearn with them for God's help and then rejoice with them when it came. These women are not just characters of some book. They are each of us, and they have been written about in "The Word" for a reason! Mary Demuth took the time to sit with the women in the Bible and connect to their emotions and their real lives that they once lived on this earth just like you and I. We can all gain an understanding of the trials that women and men alike have been faced with since the beginning of time in the pages of this book.
We are no different. We have trials and we have God. We have a choice in what we do with the trials that come our way and how we communicate our needs with our Heavenly Father, during our own sanctification.
Mary thank you so much for taking the time to write this book.
I found peace as I finished the chapter on the Proverbs 31 women. She is portrayed as such an exquisite women to look up to and to strive to be like. But, you helped to define that she too was real and normal in many ways. I just sit in rest at the thought that even she had "servants" help. We all need help. Thank you for pointing that out.
I'm excited to read this book again, hopefully with a group of close sisters in Christ, where we can ponder the discussion questions you have provided in each chapter.
Thank you for the blessing's in the pages.
April 1, 2022
Thought Provoking!
I know what it feels like to be misunderstood - bewildered, offended, angry, hurt - I’m talking about a chest-aching, head-exploding type of misunderstood. Can you relate? If so, then Mary DeMuth has something to tell you:
“...your misunderstood-ness, though it feels very real, does not define your worth. The Misunderstood One does.”
Let that thought sink in, then read the rest of this book.
Ten chapters. Ten uniquely misunderstood women. Inspired by biblical and cultural context, chapters begin with an imaginative retelling of each woman’s story. Next, a deep dive into the biblical narrative that had me taking lots of notes, followed by an explanation of how each woman’s story “Applies to Misunderstood You.” This personal application section took some surprising turns for me, but like a master seamstress, Mary wove Jesus in and through every story, connecting the fabric of their lives to His, then ultimately to my own. Truths gleaned from each misunderstood woman are summarized and discussion questions are given at the close of each chapter. I used the questions as journal prompts, but they would be great for small groups. If you need to scrutinize theological issues, there is a Notes section at the end of the book.
I personally connected to some women more than others - in which case it was like reaching across time to hold their hands - but I 100% learned from them all. This book encouraged me (I am not alone in my misunderstood-ness!) and it equipped me with truth for any future frustrations I may face. I look forward to re-reading and discussing it with a group of friends.
I know what it feels like to be misunderstood - bewildered, offended, angry, hurt - I’m talking about a chest-aching, head-exploding type of misunderstood. Can you relate? If so, then Mary DeMuth has something to tell you:
“...your misunderstood-ness, though it feels very real, does not define your worth. The Misunderstood One does.”
Let that thought sink in, then read the rest of this book.
Ten chapters. Ten uniquely misunderstood women. Inspired by biblical and cultural context, chapters begin with an imaginative retelling of each woman’s story. Next, a deep dive into the biblical narrative that had me taking lots of notes, followed by an explanation of how each woman’s story “Applies to Misunderstood You.” This personal application section took some surprising turns for me, but like a master seamstress, Mary wove Jesus in and through every story, connecting the fabric of their lives to His, then ultimately to my own. Truths gleaned from each misunderstood woman are summarized and discussion questions are given at the close of each chapter. I used the questions as journal prompts, but they would be great for small groups. If you need to scrutinize theological issues, there is a Notes section at the end of the book.
I personally connected to some women more than others - in which case it was like reaching across time to hold their hands - but I 100% learned from them all. This book encouraged me (I am not alone in my misunderstood-ness!) and it equipped me with truth for any future frustrations I may face. I look forward to re-reading and discussing it with a group of friends.
April 20, 2022
I was attracted to this book because I’ve followed and read Mary DeMuth’s books for over ten years. She always challenges me to embrace new truths.
This book was about 10 of the most misunderstood women in the Bible. Mary uses her fictional skills to tell a short narrative of these some women to show their humanity, explains how the story applies to you, a list of the truths of this story that apply to you and discussion questions to strengthen what you have read.
Things I liked about this book. Mary’s presentation of each woman’s story gives you a complete picture of the woman and her importance to your life. She provides several lists of truths which have great potential for being meaningful tools in the future. Her thoughtful offering of each woman’s part in God’s plan was encouraging in my spiritual development.
Why you should read this book. You may know something about some of the ten women, but Mary provides insights from each woman’s experience from which you will find value in your life. There may be some of the women you know little about.
I believe after reading the first chapter on Eve, you won’t want to stop reading. The woman highlighted in the book are Eve, Hagar, Leah, Rehab, Naomi, Bathsheba, Tamar, The Proverbs 31 woman, Mary Magdala, and Phoebe. You will find yourself in one or all ten of these women.
This book lived up to the back cover copy. Yes, if you have ever felt misunderstood, this is a book for you. If you haven’t, maybe it will allow you to recognize others.
This book was about 10 of the most misunderstood women in the Bible. Mary uses her fictional skills to tell a short narrative of these some women to show their humanity, explains how the story applies to you, a list of the truths of this story that apply to you and discussion questions to strengthen what you have read.
Things I liked about this book. Mary’s presentation of each woman’s story gives you a complete picture of the woman and her importance to your life. She provides several lists of truths which have great potential for being meaningful tools in the future. Her thoughtful offering of each woman’s part in God’s plan was encouraging in my spiritual development.
Why you should read this book. You may know something about some of the ten women, but Mary provides insights from each woman’s experience from which you will find value in your life. There may be some of the women you know little about.
I believe after reading the first chapter on Eve, you won’t want to stop reading. The woman highlighted in the book are Eve, Hagar, Leah, Rehab, Naomi, Bathsheba, Tamar, The Proverbs 31 woman, Mary Magdala, and Phoebe. You will find yourself in one or all ten of these women.
This book lived up to the back cover copy. Yes, if you have ever felt misunderstood, this is a book for you. If you haven’t, maybe it will allow you to recognize others.
April 11, 2022
Have you ever been hurt because someone misunderstood you? If so, Mary DeMuth’s The Ten Most Misunderstood Women of the Bible is a must-read.
Mary introduces this book by stating that Jesus was the most misunderstood person to ever walk the earth. That was a new concept to me. Upon reflection, I agree. That revelation opened my mind to what else I might learn as I read. And I was not disappointed. Each chapter addressed a type of misunderstanding which had plagued me sometime in my life.
The chapters begin with an insightful and well-researched fictionalized account of an incident in the life of a biblical woman (Eve, Hagar, Leah, Rahab, Naomi, Bathsheba, Tamar, Proverbs 31 woman, Mary of Magdala, and Phoebe). The event portrayed in the short story event in each woman’s life is intended to open one’s mind to look at that particular woman beyond what is taught in most Sunday school settings. The woman becomes a real person with real challenges to which modern women can relate. Mary gives cultural and biblical references to back up her portrayal. She follows each short story with a helpful section titled “Truths about Fully Understood You” where you will find statements reaffirming God’s love for the reader.
For me, the powerful affirmations rooted in scriptures in the Chapter about Phoebe were worth the price of the book.
Mary introduces this book by stating that Jesus was the most misunderstood person to ever walk the earth. That was a new concept to me. Upon reflection, I agree. That revelation opened my mind to what else I might learn as I read. And I was not disappointed. Each chapter addressed a type of misunderstanding which had plagued me sometime in my life.
The chapters begin with an insightful and well-researched fictionalized account of an incident in the life of a biblical woman (Eve, Hagar, Leah, Rahab, Naomi, Bathsheba, Tamar, Proverbs 31 woman, Mary of Magdala, and Phoebe). The event portrayed in the short story event in each woman’s life is intended to open one’s mind to look at that particular woman beyond what is taught in most Sunday school settings. The woman becomes a real person with real challenges to which modern women can relate. Mary gives cultural and biblical references to back up her portrayal. She follows each short story with a helpful section titled “Truths about Fully Understood You” where you will find statements reaffirming God’s love for the reader.
For me, the powerful affirmations rooted in scriptures in the Chapter about Phoebe were worth the price of the book.
April 12, 2022
If you want to read a new release, buy The Most Misunderstood Women of the Bible by Mary DeMuth. This book is a perfect blend of skilled, intelligent writing, great style, and five-star storytelling. I grew up in church, and heard these stories over and over, with a bit more detail each time I stepped up to a new Sunday School level. Yet reading them in Mary's book, it peeled back multiple layers of new understanding, both theologically and spiritually. I, in hearing, and those who taught me, had often misunderstood so much. I have much more peace about some of these women and a clearer understanding of God's intent in including them in our life guide. I am immensely relieved to know that feelings about some of these stories I have struggled with—either because I was made to feel they were wrong or those points were not included in the teaching—are, in fact, validated truth. The story of Eve is a prime example. Adam was always barely mentioned, as it was always Eve's choice, her doing, her fault. I was shut down as a woman-thinker if I questioned with a "but…" Leah, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and on and on. Women need to read this book. Teachers and preachers should read it before they share these women’s stories. Thank you, Mary DeMuth, for another brave book, righting our misunderstandings of the truth. It's superb.
April 12, 2022
This tender book can be embraced by all women who have ever felt misunderstood or mistreated. The author speaks from experience and deep study as she shares truths, both from Scripture and from life, in order to minister to the hearts of readers. Her way with words makes for pleasant reading even when the message is difficult to receive. Many quotes touch the heart, and the text begs to be read over and over as it washes away pain from past hurts. In each of the ten Bible women explored, the author fictionalizes an account based on the biblical story, using her creative license to bring it to life on the page. The characters seem so alive and relatable. Following the retold tale, she explores what God’s Word says about the characters and pulls eternal lessons from their lives. Following this portion, she provides application of the truths gleaned, especially in the lives of the formerly misunderstood. As the author says, “But as we wait in the place between the now and the not yet, we will be far more joyful if we look at our own journey instead of comparing ourselves to someone else’s.” This book is meant to encourage and instruct. It would make a great women’s Bible study to discuss. I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
April 15, 2022
Who hasn't felt misunderstood at some point in their lives? Reading this book couldn't have come at a better time for me as I was going through personal experiences and feeling very misunderstood myself. Sometimes this leads us to wallow in self pity and feel very alone. Reading this book changed my whole perspective and brought me great comfort.
The way Mary used storytelling to bring these women to life while remaining true to scripture is such a gift. The first woman's story is Eve and the way she wove the story had me re-reading the scriptures in the Bible about the fall in the garden and seeing the interaction between God, Adam and Eve, in a whole new light.
The Proverbs 31 woman is another one that surprised me and was encouraging. How many women have read Proverbs 31 and felt the pressure to live up to these seemingly impossible standards?
Mary explains the misunderstanding in how we view ourselves through this lens.
The Misunderstood Women of The Bible by Mary DeMuth is a must read for anyone that has been misunderstood and discouraged or just wants a better understanding of these women in the Bible.
With the discussion questions at the end of each chapter, it is good for self reflection if reading alone, or for group discussions in a women's Bible study group.
The way Mary used storytelling to bring these women to life while remaining true to scripture is such a gift. The first woman's story is Eve and the way she wove the story had me re-reading the scriptures in the Bible about the fall in the garden and seeing the interaction between God, Adam and Eve, in a whole new light.
The Proverbs 31 woman is another one that surprised me and was encouraging. How many women have read Proverbs 31 and felt the pressure to live up to these seemingly impossible standards?
Mary explains the misunderstanding in how we view ourselves through this lens.
The Misunderstood Women of The Bible by Mary DeMuth is a must read for anyone that has been misunderstood and discouraged or just wants a better understanding of these women in the Bible.
With the discussion questions at the end of each chapter, it is good for self reflection if reading alone, or for group discussions in a women's Bible study group.
March 15, 2022
In the current competitive world system of perfection in looks, status, and wealth, first born daughter Leah would need to be brave and bold and brilliant. Living in the shadows of a chosen beautiful sister, there were surely nights of tears and fears overheard by her father.
Her father had a plan to fulfill the requirements to have his first born daughter, as yet unchosen, married before her younger sister. Laban struck a promise to give Rachel to Jacob while secretly plotting a lie by deception.
After all, they were his property since women had no rights. And yet, Leah chose God's ways even in naming her children by Jacob. She remained faithful while the chosen sister became a thief.
Was Leah loved? Yes, by God Himself.
For God saw her heart.
Was Leah fulfilled? Yes, by becoming the mother of many children. She was a loving mother, spiritually guiding influence, and honored wife; buried next to her husband, Jacob. While Rachel was buried by the side of a road.
What the world counted as lesser, Leah became greater by the beautiful relationship she chose with her Redeemer.
Her father had a plan to fulfill the requirements to have his first born daughter, as yet unchosen, married before her younger sister. Laban struck a promise to give Rachel to Jacob while secretly plotting a lie by deception.
After all, they were his property since women had no rights. And yet, Leah chose God's ways even in naming her children by Jacob. She remained faithful while the chosen sister became a thief.
Was Leah loved? Yes, by God Himself.
For God saw her heart.
Was Leah fulfilled? Yes, by becoming the mother of many children. She was a loving mother, spiritually guiding influence, and honored wife; buried next to her husband, Jacob. While Rachel was buried by the side of a road.
What the world counted as lesser, Leah became greater by the beautiful relationship she chose with her Redeemer.
April 13, 2022
“The Most Misunderstood Women of the Bible, What Their Stories Teach Us About Thriving”, will expand your scope of Bible knowledge in ways you won’t expect. Mary DeMuth doesn’t just give the account of their stories but guides you on a walk with them through their stories by fictionalizing, with biblical accuracy what it would have been like for them. She then gives opportunity to go into a deeper study to teach us God’s purpose in each of their accounts and how we can relate to their circumstances.
My favorite, Rahab the Harlot whose courageous decision not only altered her life but changed her entire ancestry line for all of eternity. Pondering that thought, I recognized circumstances in my own life that have inevitably changed my life and the course of future generations through the beautiful redemptive work of Christ in my story.
You will love this book, as an individual, with a book club or in a study group. They were each misunderstood and ironically, when discussed today, are still misunderstood. You may find the one woman you most relate to, but all 10 stories speak of God’s love and purpose for mistakes or pain they endured.
My favorite, Rahab the Harlot whose courageous decision not only altered her life but changed her entire ancestry line for all of eternity. Pondering that thought, I recognized circumstances in my own life that have inevitably changed my life and the course of future generations through the beautiful redemptive work of Christ in my story.
You will love this book, as an individual, with a book club or in a study group. They were each misunderstood and ironically, when discussed today, are still misunderstood. You may find the one woman you most relate to, but all 10 stories speak of God’s love and purpose for mistakes or pain they endured.
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