Sexual Politics in the Biblical Narrative: Reading the Hebrew Bible as a Woman

by Esther Fuchs

This book is for anyone interested in religious studies and women's studies, as well as for biblical scholars. It offers a feminist oppositional reading of the biblical text. The main argument is that the Bible constructs a fictional universe in which women are shown to be intent on promoting male interests, and, for the most part, appear as secondary characters whose voice and point of view are often suppressed. In their limited roles as mothers, wives, daughters and sisters, women are constructed as male-dependent pawns intent on securing the status of their male counterparts. The Biblical narrative highlights the contribution of women as reproductive agents and protectors of sons. In this challenging collection of essays, Fuchs focuses on type-scenes as a way of demonstrating the mechanisms by which the texts validates male power and superiority. She also deconstructs the Biblical sexual politics by asking whose interest is being served by the 'good' women of the Bible.Journal for the Study of the Old Testament Supplement series, Volume 310.

Genres: Old Testament

248 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2000

Reviews

[James]

A feminist reading of narrative in the Hebrew Bible, using a narrative critical approach (à la Robert Alter). Fuchs highlights patriarchy and the way women are shortshrifted or are endued with value to the extent that they keep the patriarchy alive. Fuchs examines mother figures and nativity scenes, betrothals, wives, idealized daughters and biblical sisters. She has some key insights in her re-visioning of the Hebrew text. I certainly wouldn't follow her interpretation in every respect. I think that the Bible is clearly a patriarchal text written too patriarchy but it bears some implicit critique of the patriarchy even in its final form. I think it is important to read texts from the perspective of those who are marginalized by it and appreciate hearing Fuchs take.

[Jessi]

If I could go back in time, I’d go back to whatever age Esther Fuchs would be willing to marry me.