Topical Bible: Women: Active in Instigating to Iniquity

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Throughout the Bible, there are several accounts of women who played significant roles in leading others into sin. These narratives serve as cautionary tales, illustrating the consequences of turning away from God's commandments and the influence individuals can have on others' spiritual paths.

Eve
Eve, the first woman created by God, is often cited as the initial example of a woman leading another into sin. In Genesis 3, the serpent deceives Eve into eating the forbidden fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. She then gives some to her husband, Adam, leading to the fall of mankind. Genesis 3:6 states, "When the woman saw that the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eyes, and that it was desirable for obtaining wisdom, she took the fruit and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it."

Jezebel
Jezebel, the wife of King Ahab of Israel, is another prominent figure known for her role in promoting idolatry and wickedness. She actively encouraged the worship of Baal and Asherah, leading Israel away from the worship of Yahweh. Her actions are condemned in 1 Kings 21:25 : "There was never anyone like Ahab, who sold himself to do evil in the sight of the LORD, incited by his wife Jezebel."

Delilah
Delilah, a Philistine woman, is infamous for her betrayal of Samson, a judge of Israel. In Judges 16, she is bribed by the Philistine rulers to discover the secret of Samson's strength. Her persistence leads to Samson's downfall, as she ultimately reveals his secret, resulting in his capture. Judges 16:19 recounts, "After putting him to sleep on her lap, she called a man to shave off the seven braids of his hair, and in this way she began to subdue him, and his strength left him."

Herodias
Herodias, the wife of Herod Antipas, played a pivotal role in the execution of John the Baptist. Herodias held a grudge against John for condemning her marriage to Herod, who was her former husband's brother. Herodias's daughter, prompted by her mother, requested John's head on a platter, leading to his beheading. Mark 6:24-25 describes the event: "Then she went out and said to her mother, 'What should I ask for?' And Herodias answered, 'The head of John the Baptist.' At once the girl hurried back to the king with her request: 'I want you to give me the head of John the Baptist on a platter immediately.'"

Athaliah
Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, became queen of Judah and is noted for her ruthless ambition and idolatry. After the death of her son, King Ahaziah, she seized the throne and attempted to exterminate the royal line of David. Her reign is marked by violence and apostasy, as recorded in 2 Kings 11:1 : "When Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she proceeded to annihilate all the royal heirs."

These accounts highlight the potential for individuals to lead others into sin and the far-reaching consequences of such actions. The Bible presents these accounts as warnings, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness to God's commandments and the dangers of succumbing to temptation and idolatry.

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Numbers 31:15,16
And Moses said to them, Have you saved all the women alive?
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1 Kings 21:25
But there was none like to Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the LORD, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up.
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Nehemiah 13:26
Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? yet among many nations was there no king like him, who was beloved of his God, and God made him king over all Israel: nevertheless even him did outlandish women cause to sin.
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Library

Second Sunday after Epiphany
... They cannot refrain from instigating sects; from assuming ... and teachers: for instance,
the women who followed ... requires us to be diligent, skillful and active. ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/second sunday after epiphany.htm

part i
... Let God's love conquer thee, thou evil Satan, instigating us, who are evil ... to yourself
vividly that sin is exceedingly displeasing to God, Who hates iniquity. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm

part ii
... and Divine service as the business of the common people and women, forgetting that ...
You must pay most strict and active attention to this your daily action of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm