Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the term "maids" refers to female servants or attendants, often in the service of a household or a person of higher social standing. The role and status of maids in biblical times can be gleaned from various passages throughout the Scriptures, where they are depicted in both domestic and social settings.Old Testament References In the Old Testament, maids are frequently mentioned in the context of household service. For example, in Genesis 16:1, we read about Hagar, the Egyptian maidservant of Sarai (later Sarah), who plays a significant role in the narrative of Abraham's family: "Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children, but she had an Egyptian maidservant named Hagar." Hagar's account highlights the complex relationships and social dynamics involving maids, as she becomes the mother of Ishmael through Abram. Another notable mention is found in the account of Rebekah, who was accompanied by her maids when she left her family to marry Isaac. Genesis 24:61 states, "Then Rebekah and her maids got ready, mounted the camels, and followed the man. So the servant took Rebekah and left." This passage illustrates the presence and importance of maids in the lives of prominent biblical figures. In the book of Ruth, the term "maid" is used to describe Ruth herself when she is gleaning in the fields of Boaz. Ruth 2:5-6 records, "And Boaz asked the foreman of his harvesters, 'Whose young woman is this?' The foreman replied, 'She is the Moabitess who returned with Naomi from the land of Moab.'" Here, Ruth's status as a maidservant underscores her humility and diligence, qualities that eventually lead to her redemption and inclusion in the lineage of David. New Testament References In the New Testament, the role of maids is less frequently mentioned, but they still appear in various contexts. In the parable of the ten virgins, found in Matthew 25:1-13, the term "virgins" can be understood as young maidens or maids. This parable emphasizes the importance of readiness and vigilance in the Christian life, using the imagery of maidens waiting for the bridegroom. Additionally, in Acts 12:13, we encounter Rhoda, a maidservant in the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark. When Peter, miraculously freed from prison, knocks at the door, it is Rhoda who answers: "When he knocked at the outer gate, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer it." Rhoda's role, though minor, is significant in the narrative of Peter's escape and the early Christian community's response to persecution. Cultural and Social Context In biblical times, maids often held a position of servitude within a household, yet their roles could vary widely depending on the social and economic status of their masters. They were responsible for various domestic tasks, including cooking, cleaning, and assisting their mistresses. Despite their lower social standing, maids could wield influence within the household, as seen in the accounts of Hagar and Rebekah's maids. The treatment of maids, as with all servants, was subject to the moral and ethical teachings of the Scriptures. The Mosaic Law provided guidelines for the fair treatment of servants, emphasizing justice and compassion (Exodus 21:7-11). These principles reflect the broader biblical theme of caring for the vulnerable and marginalized in society. Spiritual Significance The presence of maids in biblical narratives often serves to highlight themes of humility, service, and God's providence. Their accounts remind readers of the dignity and worth of all individuals, regardless of social status, and the potential for God's purposes to be fulfilled through seemingly ordinary lives. Strong's Hebrew 519. amah -- a maid, handmaid... Definition a maid, handmaid NASB Word Usage female (15), female servant (4), female slave (2), handmaid (2), handmaids (1), maid (8), maids (5), maidservant (19 ... /hebrew/519.htm - 6k 5291. naarah -- a girl, maiden 8198. shiphchah -- maid, maidservant Library Sing Heigh-Ho! Queen Esther's Love for Her People The Story of Moses, the Child who was Found in the River How a Blind Woman, Praying in the Burial-Place of that Monastery ... Andromeda On Daniel. vi. On Susannah. The First Last, and the Last First The Seventh Book Peter Commits Perjury. Gradual Development of Custom, and Its Results. Passionate Appeal ... Thesaurus Maids (28 Occurrences)...Maids (28 Occurrences). Mark 14:66 As Peter was in the courtyard below, one of the maids of the high priest came, (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT RSV). ... /m/maids.htm - 14k Bond-maids (1 Occurrence) Bond-men (16 Occurrences) Singing-men (3 Occurrences) Singing-women (3 Occurrences) Susanna (1 Occurrence) Bondmaids (6 Occurrences) Forgotten (69 Occurrences) Fetched (26 Occurrences) Taber Resources Who was Esther in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the book of Susanna? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Maids (28 Occurrences)Mark 14:66 Luke 12:45 Genesis 20:17 Genesis 24:35 Genesis 24:61 Genesis 32:22 Genesis 33:1 Genesis 33:2 Genesis 33:6 Exodus 2:5 Ruth 2:8 Ruth 2:22 Ruth 2:23 Ruth 3:2 1 Samuel 25:42 2 Samuel 6:20 2 Samuel 6:22 Ezra 2:65 Nehemiah 7:67 Esther 2:9 Esther 4:4 Esther 4:16 Job 19:15 Proverbs 9:3 Lamentations 5:11 Ezekiel 9:6 Nahum 2:7 Zechariah 9:17 Subtopics Related Terms |
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