Warrior, Dancer, Seductress, Queen: Women in Judges and Biblical Israel

The Anchor Yale Bible Reference Library

by Susan Ackerman

Some of the Bible's most memorable characters are the women in the book of Judges. From Deborah and Jael to Delilah and Samson's mother, these women led the Israelites in battle, used their wits to defeat the enemy, their wiles to seduce mighty men, and their wisdom to prevail on God. In Warrior, Dancer, Seductress, Queen author Susan Ackerman offers a keen analysis of the main types of women found in Judges and examines other biblical books and ancient Near Eastern literature to demonstrate how these types recur elsewhere. Thorough yet entertaining, her study leaves readers with an understanding of what roles these women played in Israelite society and religion. The first female author to be published in the Anchor Bible Reference Library, Ackerman and her cutting-edge biblical scholarship will be a valuable addition to this venerable series.

Genres: Religion

368 pages, Hardcover

First published November 10, 1998

Reviews

[Adrienna · Rating 2 out of 5]

While reading, this book appears too scholarly written for my tastes and was only using for research for Bible teaching on virtual ministry programming. Therefore, I brushed through the parts that I thought would be helpful or resourceful but ended up not really using for my future study.

1.75 stars.

[Bruce · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author is astute in bringing up stories from other, perhaps older, cultures in the region as possible bases for stories in the bible. In comparing the tales of different women Prof. Ackerman notes the similarities in structure and a common thread. It is almost like the same story with different characters. Patriarchy was rampant in the region (still is) so the myths are likely parables. The moral being this is what a good woman does and/or this is what happens to a bad woman. One must not forget that a female is mere chattel, under control of the males in her life who can do whatever they want to them, chose their husbands, give them up to be raped to protect his other property, etc. What it boils down to is: the bible is a collection of literature, quite likely based on stories from other cultures, that contains internal contradictions and inconsistencies.

[Faiqa Mansab · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author assumes the reader already has knowledge of the stories she talks about and refers only to numbers and titles of the Books. Too obscure for readers who don't have intimate knowledge of the old and new testament.

[Valari Westeren · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very detailed and intriguing look at the diverse portrayals of women in the Book of Judges! Lots to think about for sure.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every bit as feminist, revealing, and extraordinary as you can imagine. I learned so much about biblical women and how they came to be swept to the side by egotistical men.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.5 stars*