Servant, queen, mother, prophetess, prostitute, priestess, heroine, exile... Jacques Duquesne demonstrates the crucial roles played by women in the Bible. From The Red Tent to Marek Halter’s Canaan trilogy, biblical women have inspired numerous contemporary writers—who, in turn, have captivated millions of readers. Duquesne returns to the original scriptures to evaluate the often controversial roles, responsibilities, and relationships of women in the Old and New Testaments. In doing so, he shows the significant contribution women made to life in ancient Israel and their importance in spreading the Christian word throughout the Western world. Well-known figures such as Eve, Esther, and Mary rub shoulders with less familiar characters such as Rahab, Meirav, and Huldah. Each portrait is accompanied by a bible extract and illustrations from religious art throughout the centuries.

Servant, queen, mother, prophetess, prostitute, priestess, heroine, exile:the roles of women in the Bible are many and varied. Jacques Duquesne returns to the original scriptures to evaluate the often controversial roles, responsibilities, and relationships of women in both the Old and New Testaments. He shows the significant contribution women made to life in ancient Israel and their importance in spreading the Christian Word throughout the Western World.

The lives of well-known figures such as Eve and Esther, along with those of less familiar characters such as Rahad or Huldah, are brought to life in this beautiful collection. Their stories are accompanied by a biblical passage and illustrated with religious art from throughout the centuries. Anecdote and analysis come together to facilitate a more complete understanding of the message handed down to us by these iconic women of the Bible.

Introduction

Mothers

Heroines and protectors

The prophetesses

The Queens

Victims and Temptresses

women in Jesue' entourage

notes