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Through His Eyes: God's Perspective on Women in the Bible
Eve, Sarah, Deborah, Mary, the woman at the well… women have played pivotal roles in redemptive history. Their case studies reveal God's perspective on women, then and now. Few biblical teachings have been as misunderstood and muddled by those inside and outside the church as its instruction concerning women. Through His Eyes answers the question "What does God think about women, and how does he treat them?" by walking readers through several biblical case studies. Through His Eyes begins with Eve and a series of Old Testament examples that demonstrate the respect God gives to women and their significant place in salvation history. In the New Testament we see how God blessed Mary by calling her to be the mother of our Savior and how beautifully Jesus treated women. Here is a happy exposition of the dignity and glory the Lord showers on women. The author encourages women to delight in their creation and calling, and he challenges men to honor women as does the Lord himself.
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
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287 people want to read
About the author
Jerram Barrs
26 books49 followersJerram Barrs is Professor of Christianity and Contemporary Culture at Covenant Theological Seminary, as well as a founder and Resident Scholar of the Francis Schaeffer Institute there. He was a part of Schaeffer's L'Abri Fellowship in Switzerland shortly after becoming a Christian and he and his wife were on staff at English L’Abri for many years. "During our 18 years at L’Abri and in my role as a pastor, we provided constant hospitality, talked through endless questions received from both believers and unbelievers, led discussions, taught and preached, offered pastoral care, participated in lots of practical work serving people and doing home and garden chores with them" (Interests).
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
October 11, 2015
Both wide-ranging and in-depth, this is a thorough and also compassionate look at women throughout Scripture. Its primary purpose seems to be to encourage and affirm women; it's certainly not to delve into debates over women in ministry.
It brings us three different ways of looking at Eve, two different probes of Mary, as well as explorations of women like Sarah, Tamar, Rahab and so on.
Given such a broad spread of lives, it's too hard to choose one. So I will just pick out those nuggets of information that jumped out at me as I read.
Barrs suggests that sin is a seven-pointed curse (p 31). The first is alienation of God from Eve and all of us. The second is alienation of Eve from God, as are all of us. The third is that Eve is alienated from herself, as we are. The fourth curse of sin is that Eve is alienated from Adam. The fifth curse is that Eve and Adam are alienated from creation. The sixth curse is Eve's alienation from her own body. The seventh curse is that Eve and Adam have to live in an environment that is under judgment.
He also points out the impact of the curse of sin on Adam was to turn the blessing of headship into domination over women (p 34). Shame leads to addiction leads to self-alienation. (p 33)
The 'mother promise' is God's gift to Eve of the promise of a deliverer. (p 46)
Definition of mystery in Scripture: something we could not know without God revealing it to us, something we could not experience without God's work, the resolution of problems that we could never resolve apart from God's marvellous intervention. (p 49)
The names Terah, Sarai, Milcah and Laban all suggest people who were involved moon worship. (p 59)
The pledge Tamar receives from Judah is his seal, the cord on which his seal hangs around his neck and his leather-wrapped wooden staff. The head of a family would wear a cord around his neck a small cylinder of fired clay or a stone engraved with his name or another mark of his identity. (p 80)
Land and the property on it belong to the Lord who grants, to a family, stewardship of it in perpetuity. Land that had been lost for whatever reason could be bought back by the kinsman-redeemer (or goel). (p 144 ff)
Christian pastors have criticised Abigail for not being submissive to Nabal (!) (p 178) In my view, however, she is operating as an armour-bearer (see God's Panoply: The Armour of God and the Kiss of Heaven) which is truer to the Hebrew meaning of submission. (See point above about the curse of sin and headship being perverted into domination.)
Taheb, the Restorer, is the Samaritan name for the Messiah. (p 285)
It brings us three different ways of looking at Eve, two different probes of Mary, as well as explorations of women like Sarah, Tamar, Rahab and so on.
Given such a broad spread of lives, it's too hard to choose one. So I will just pick out those nuggets of information that jumped out at me as I read.
Barrs suggests that sin is a seven-pointed curse (p 31). The first is alienation of God from Eve and all of us. The second is alienation of Eve from God, as are all of us. The third is that Eve is alienated from herself, as we are. The fourth curse of sin is that Eve is alienated from Adam. The fifth curse is that Eve and Adam are alienated from creation. The sixth curse is Eve's alienation from her own body. The seventh curse is that Eve and Adam have to live in an environment that is under judgment.
He also points out the impact of the curse of sin on Adam was to turn the blessing of headship into domination over women (p 34). Shame leads to addiction leads to self-alienation. (p 33)
The 'mother promise' is God's gift to Eve of the promise of a deliverer. (p 46)
Definition of mystery in Scripture: something we could not know without God revealing it to us, something we could not experience without God's work, the resolution of problems that we could never resolve apart from God's marvellous intervention. (p 49)
The names Terah, Sarai, Milcah and Laban all suggest people who were involved moon worship. (p 59)
The pledge Tamar receives from Judah is his seal, the cord on which his seal hangs around his neck and his leather-wrapped wooden staff. The head of a family would wear a cord around his neck a small cylinder of fired clay or a stone engraved with his name or another mark of his identity. (p 80)
Land and the property on it belong to the Lord who grants, to a family, stewardship of it in perpetuity. Land that had been lost for whatever reason could be bought back by the kinsman-redeemer (or goel). (p 144 ff)
Christian pastors have criticised Abigail for not being submissive to Nabal (!) (p 178) In my view, however, she is operating as an armour-bearer (see God's Panoply: The Armour of God and the Kiss of Heaven) which is truer to the Hebrew meaning of submission. (See point above about the curse of sin and headship being perverted into domination.)
Taheb, the Restorer, is the Samaritan name for the Messiah. (p 285)
February 22, 2013
Phil bought this for me after a discussion of why women are expected to emulate male and female Biblical figures but men are only ever encouraged to emulate men. Barrs would agree that that tradition is faulty. As someone from a faith tradition that has a complex relationship with women and maybe made more complex by the denial that it is complex . . . this book was an encouraging, thought-provoking read. Barrs very carefully examines specific females within the Bible as well as their cultural, historical context. He is very cognizant of female gifts and abilities and is not shy in praising female value within Christianity. He makes small gestures that say volumes (referring to EVE and Adam instead of visa versa as it is her story he is presenting,)
I found it strange that Miriam did not merit a chapter. And I felt the Mary-Martha stuff was a little "party line" so to speak. It did not address what I feel is one of the more troubling aspects of how that story is used in Christianity. It seems to be the norm to tell women to sit at the feet of Jesus like Mary but the reality in most Christian circles is to demand Martha's brand of hospitality and work ethic. But always making women feel bad for not paying enough attention to the spiritual.
Book is repetitive if read straight through. It probably functions better as a resource or for a Bible study. But my but my guess is it is only used in women's Bible studies not men's or mixed studies. Too bad. That's probably where a lot of the message of this book should be heard.
I found it strange that Miriam did not merit a chapter. And I felt the Mary-Martha stuff was a little "party line" so to speak. It did not address what I feel is one of the more troubling aspects of how that story is used in Christianity. It seems to be the norm to tell women to sit at the feet of Jesus like Mary but the reality in most Christian circles is to demand Martha's brand of hospitality and work ethic. But always making women feel bad for not paying enough attention to the spiritual.
Book is repetitive if read straight through. It probably functions better as a resource or for a Bible study. But my but my guess is it is only used in women's Bible studies not men's or mixed studies. Too bad. That's probably where a lot of the message of this book should be heard.
October 1, 2009
I've always loved Jerram's ability to see what is good, and true, and beautiful, without glossing over the hard parts of life, and this book is a great example of that attitude. He writes very encouraging, but realistic, studies of women of the Bible.
October 7, 2009
finally, a book that isn't mired in controversy that elevates women and praises their strengths
December 24, 2019
I often struggle with balancing theological learning with actual Bible reading, but this book allowed me to do both! Each chapter was about a different woman or womanly figure and began with the verses she is mentioned. Beginning each chapter by reading the chapters or verses really gave structure to my reading and got me read my Bible a lot more than I typically do when reading Christian books. Additionally, Jerram Barrs beautifully contextualizes each woman in her cultural context and in the overall larger story of the Bible. I was able to see how each woman is similar to me today as well as how she is an example for me to learn and grow from. It’s wonderful to use as a 21-day Bible study.
This will DEFINITELY be a book I recommend and gift to so many people!
This will DEFINITELY be a book I recommend and gift to so many people!
August 2, 2018
Informative, balanced and above all, Christ-centred. I was disappointed that he did not go into further detail in some chapters and felt that that less attention was paid to the New Testament section than the Old.
However, it’s wise to understand that this is more of a lay persons overview of women in the bible rather than an in-depth exegetical study.
Particular stand out chapters were Abigail and Tamar.
However, it’s wise to understand that this is more of a lay persons overview of women in the bible rather than an in-depth exegetical study.
Particular stand out chapters were Abigail and Tamar.
June 22, 2010
Excellent book/Bible study on the role of women in God's salvation plan. Includes studies on the main women of both the Old and New Testaments. The book has insights for all Christians on their relationship to God and each other, not just for women. But, the author brings new life to a perennial topic and provides hope for better relations between men and women in the church.
August 11, 2010
An excellent study of some of the Bible's prominent female characters. Barrs treats these various biblical stories with a kind of care that causes the reader to consider them as real events involving real people, bringing out the humanity in these stories which is all to easy to gloss over.
November 13, 2021
A serious study on God’s perspective of women revealed through the character studies of the women He chose to put in His word, the Bible. Although, Barr states this material originated from a series of lectures he gave to women, the book often feels, and indeed Barr states, that it is also for men, as every verse in the Bible is to be read and considered by everyone regardless of gender. Therefore Barr is effective in bringing value and honor to women and correcting misconceptions and wrong applications held by many men. Barrs’s thoughtful and challenging questions at the end of each chapter provides a format for deep group discussion and personal change. Although there were a couple of minor points in which I disagreed with Barr (denominational differences as opposed to theological) overall this book is sound and I highly recommend it.
November 8, 2023
3.5 This is one of those books where the content is solid, but it’s the tone of the author that won me. He is compassionate, convictional, and clearly wants to step into the hard parts of a woman’s experience and minister exactly there. I like that so much.
March 3, 2019
Really good read for both women and men that dives into the stories of female figures in scripture and what they reveal about God’s love for His people and equal creation of man and woman.
April 24, 2022
I very much enjoyed engaging with some of the lesser known women of the Bible and some of the details of how God used them in his kingdom work.
October 24, 2012
This is a hard review for me to write. I know Jerram Barrs personally, so disagreeing with him is not pleasant for me. I think I might appreciate Jerram's book more if I hadn't read Dr. Doriani's book first - Women and Ministry: What the Bible Teaches - and didn't have the burning topic of Women in Ministry before me, being in seminary as I am. Dan Doriani deals with those subjects very well and Jerram only peripherally.
This book is a walk through of the main Biblical passages on the main Biblical women: Eve (times 3), Sarah, Tamar (Judah's daughter-in-law), Rahab, Deborah, Naomi, Ruth, Hannah, Abigail, Tamar (David's daughter, times 2), Esther, The Proverbs 31 Woman, Mary (times 2), The Samaritan Woman at the Well, Martha and Mary. The last chapter is on Acts 2:1-18; 21:7-9. There is an appendix which is a sermon on Ephesians 5 (which is great).
The book is very good on exegesis, but isn't really woman-centric. An overwhelming majority of the content applies to everyone and doesn't address the differences between men and women. While we certainly need lots of data on what we have in common, a book on women is naturally going to be contrasted in the reader's mind with "God's perspective" on men. While I enjoyed reading the book, I was not helped very much in my questions about what "boots on the ground" women do, say, think and feel differently than men.
I should probably have said this earlier, but I am a committed complimentarian. This means I tell every woman that she looks nice! hahaha. No, really, it means that I think men and women are equal but have complimentary (i.e. different roles). Too many conservatives fail to state the equality part first and loudest, a trap Jerram does not fall into. I agree very much that it is most important to say men and women are equal ... but then crucially to add that they are not the SAME.
I find it Alanis-Morissette-ironic that Jerram is a PCA seminary professor and he doesn't have anything to say about women's ordination or such, while Dan Doriani is an EPC pastor and that is his primary goal. While Jerram's book is pleasant, I wouldn't make it required reading to enter into the debate about women elders/deacons/etc. It is a fun read and biblically informative, but it almost never rises about exegesis to get to theology. The topic of gender roles is a systematic topic that can be informed by Biblical Theology. This book is therefore just preliminary research, not complete answers.
This book is a walk through of the main Biblical passages on the main Biblical women: Eve (times 3), Sarah, Tamar (Judah's daughter-in-law), Rahab, Deborah, Naomi, Ruth, Hannah, Abigail, Tamar (David's daughter, times 2), Esther, The Proverbs 31 Woman, Mary (times 2), The Samaritan Woman at the Well, Martha and Mary. The last chapter is on Acts 2:1-18; 21:7-9. There is an appendix which is a sermon on Ephesians 5 (which is great).
The book is very good on exegesis, but isn't really woman-centric. An overwhelming majority of the content applies to everyone and doesn't address the differences between men and women. While we certainly need lots of data on what we have in common, a book on women is naturally going to be contrasted in the reader's mind with "God's perspective" on men. While I enjoyed reading the book, I was not helped very much in my questions about what "boots on the ground" women do, say, think and feel differently than men.
I should probably have said this earlier, but I am a committed complimentarian. This means I tell every woman that she looks nice! hahaha. No, really, it means that I think men and women are equal but have complimentary (i.e. different roles). Too many conservatives fail to state the equality part first and loudest, a trap Jerram does not fall into. I agree very much that it is most important to say men and women are equal ... but then crucially to add that they are not the SAME.
I find it Alanis-Morissette-ironic that Jerram is a PCA seminary professor and he doesn't have anything to say about women's ordination or such, while Dan Doriani is an EPC pastor and that is his primary goal. While Jerram's book is pleasant, I wouldn't make it required reading to enter into the debate about women elders/deacons/etc. It is a fun read and biblically informative, but it almost never rises about exegesis to get to theology. The topic of gender roles is a systematic topic that can be informed by Biblical Theology. This book is therefore just preliminary research, not complete answers.
February 27, 2017
An in depth look at women in the Bible and how their lives are a significant example of God's plan for women throughout history. I learned much more about these female biblical characters and was encouraged to delight in seeing myself and other women through God's eyes.
April 20, 2016
This book was not at all what I expected it to be; which was both good in one regard and disappointing in another.
I think what I expected from this book was something a bit more focused. Perhaps I was expecting more of a diatribe on the injustices of women in the Bible and how God did not condone certain treatment of women. Such a focus would indeed be narrow and would take prejudices into the Bible to interpret the Bible. Refreshingly, the author doesn't come with such a lens, but looks at certain texts that contain narratives with women and expounds on it based on what's in the text. Barrs looks at the stories in context historically and provides a broader picture of what's happening. The author makes the point that the reader needs to "differentiate between God's wisdom about women, taught to us by his Word, and the attitude of the average man in Israel or Judah." Barrs shows that we can't read into the text what's not there. All this to say, I'm glad that it wasn't what I was expecting.
However, I was disappointed on the brevity of the expositions. The book definitely offered a great survey of the story with a solid foundation. Maybe it's just me, but I would have enjoyed something more in-depth / academic. Though I should point out that this wasn't meant to be a commentary. For those confused about how God feels about women or how the Bible talks about women, this would be a great introduction.
I think what I expected from this book was something a bit more focused. Perhaps I was expecting more of a diatribe on the injustices of women in the Bible and how God did not condone certain treatment of women. Such a focus would indeed be narrow and would take prejudices into the Bible to interpret the Bible. Refreshingly, the author doesn't come with such a lens, but looks at certain texts that contain narratives with women and expounds on it based on what's in the text. Barrs looks at the stories in context historically and provides a broader picture of what's happening. The author makes the point that the reader needs to "differentiate between God's wisdom about women, taught to us by his Word, and the attitude of the average man in Israel or Judah." Barrs shows that we can't read into the text what's not there. All this to say, I'm glad that it wasn't what I was expecting.
However, I was disappointed on the brevity of the expositions. The book definitely offered a great survey of the story with a solid foundation. Maybe it's just me, but I would have enjoyed something more in-depth / academic. Though I should point out that this wasn't meant to be a commentary. For those confused about how God feels about women or how the Bible talks about women, this would be a great introduction.
January 26, 2016
Jerram Barrs is too wordy, a good editor would have cut this book by half. And it's too facile covering the most basic and obvious with too many words.
That said, his perspective is refreshing, his view towards women as equal before God with men is wonderful. Barrs is spot on with the interpretaion of Genesis 3:16, that, "the impact of the curse on Adam is to 'rule over' his wife, to turn his headship into domination. This is the temptation of men in general, to treat a wife- whom he should regard as his equal and partner- as 'his woman' to use her like a servant, to regard her as an object for doing his bidding or for meeting his needs for sex, companionship, food, laundry, a comfortable home, a source of pride before other men."
"A woman's temptation is so to long for a good relationship with a man that she may endure almost anything in order to gain it, even if it is to her own hurt."
"An extreme example of this is wife abuse, where a wife will simply give in to her husband, will submit repeatedly no matter how unreasonable and even absurd are his demands, will subject herself to verbal and even physical abuse. She endures all this in the desperate and thoroughly unlikely hope that forbearance and even greater submission will produce a fruitful change in the relationship."
Good stuff if you don't mind it a little long.
That said, his perspective is refreshing, his view towards women as equal before God with men is wonderful. Barrs is spot on with the interpretaion of Genesis 3:16, that, "the impact of the curse on Adam is to 'rule over' his wife, to turn his headship into domination. This is the temptation of men in general, to treat a wife- whom he should regard as his equal and partner- as 'his woman' to use her like a servant, to regard her as an object for doing his bidding or for meeting his needs for sex, companionship, food, laundry, a comfortable home, a source of pride before other men."
"A woman's temptation is so to long for a good relationship with a man that she may endure almost anything in order to gain it, even if it is to her own hurt."
"An extreme example of this is wife abuse, where a wife will simply give in to her husband, will submit repeatedly no matter how unreasonable and even absurd are his demands, will subject herself to verbal and even physical abuse. She endures all this in the desperate and thoroughly unlikely hope that forbearance and even greater submission will produce a fruitful change in the relationship."
Good stuff if you don't mind it a little long.
May 14, 2011
This is a professor out at Covenant, I believe, though he has ties back to L'Abri which is where I first heard of him. This book, as the subtitle explains, is about God's perspective of women in the Bible. He goes through all the major women from Eve to Sarah, Naomi/Ruth to Mary, the Proverbs woman to the Bride of Christ. Great concept, showing how even though Jewish culture despised women or thought of them as lesser, from the beginning, God has always held a high view of women, equal to that of men. One of the reviews I read on Amazon about this book (picked because it was a book club book), suggested, and I agree, that while the concepts are good, he is too wordy. I think with better editing, he could get the same points across more cleanly and clearly. Greater length does not always lead to great depth and/or understanding.
May 9, 2012
An excellent study on how God raised up women in the Old and New Testament to meet the needs of His people and to deliver them in times of trouble. I was encouraged to delight in God’s redeeming work in the lives of Eve, Sarah, Rehab, Hannah and others while challenged to reflect on what it means to be made in the image of God.
January 18, 2014
I really loved this book – especially the last few chapters. I don't think complementation theologians often communicate the value of women very well. They're often so busy defending women from certain types of feminism that they don't focus on what God actually thinks of women, and the ways that we can all learn from the women in the Bible even beyond the "biblical womanhood" bit. It was great!
June 6, 2010
A warm, encouraging overview of God's view of women, going through the stories of women in the Bible and how they are used in the story of redemption. A must read for any evangelical who struggles with the roles of men and women, but a very good read for all Christians.
February 13, 2010
Great book that a friend told me about. It had me looking at the women of the Bible in a different way. Not quite finished it yet and won't be able to get through it all because it's an inter-library loan. I don't want to rush through it, though. Well written.
December 18, 2012
Some good stuff, but overall, it was too long of a read. There were some great thoughts, but some that were a bit of a stretch, and frankly the questions were often stupid. I liked it ok, but wouldn't read it again.
December 8, 2014
I really appreciate the heart with which this book was written - and the intellect of its author. I read a few chapters and scanned others. I don't always agree him, but I found his viewpoint helpful.
February 17, 2011
This was a warm, encouraging, theologically sound look at the stories of women throughout the Bible. I highly recommend this for men and women to read...
June 15, 2014
Very good. Gave me alot to think about.
May 31, 2015
It is not feminist at all. It gives you the facts, such as the culture at the time and we should apply it to today. It also discus how different branches of Christians translate the Bible.
May 30, 2013
Loved it...saw a side of women I didn't know about before reading this. Thanks, Jerram!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews