Topical Bible: Women: Required to Attend to the Reading of the Law of Moses

◄ Women: Required to Attend to the Reading of the Law of Moses ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, the role and participation of women in religious observances are significant, particularly in the context of the public reading of the Law of Moses. The Law, given by God to the Israelites through Moses, was central to the life and faith of the Israelite community. It was not only a legal code but also a spiritual and moral guide for the people of God.

Biblical Mandate for Public Reading

The requirement for all Israelites, including women, to attend the public reading of the Law is rooted in the commandment found in Deuteronomy. In Deuteronomy 31:10-13 , Moses instructs the Israelites regarding the reading of the Law: "Then Moses commanded them, 'At the end of every seven years, at the appointed time in the year of remission of debts, during the Feast of Tabernacles, when all Israel comes to appear before the LORD your God at the place He will choose, you shall read this law in the hearing of all Israel. Assemble the people—men, women, children, and the foreigners within your gates—so that they may listen and learn to fear the LORD your God and to follow carefully all the words of this law. Then their children, who do not know the law, will also hear it and learn to fear the LORD your God as long as you live in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess.'"

This passage underscores the inclusive nature of the assembly, explicitly mentioning women alongside men, children, and foreigners. The purpose of this gathering was to ensure that all members of the community, regardless of gender, were instructed in the Law and understood their covenantal responsibilities before God.

Historical Context and Practice

The inclusion of women in the public reading of the Law reflects the broader biblical principle of communal participation in worship and covenantal life. Women, as integral members of the Israelite community, were expected to engage with the Law, which governed every aspect of life, from religious observance to social justice.

Throughout Israel's history, the public reading of the Law served as a means of renewal and recommitment to God's covenant. For instance, during the reign of King Josiah, a significant religious reform took place when the Book of the Law was found in the temple. In 2 Kings 23:1-3 , it is recorded that the king gathered "all the people, from the least to the greatest," to hear the words of the Law, leading to a national renewal of the covenant.

Theological Implications

The requirement for women to attend the reading of the Law highlights the theological understanding that all members of the covenant community are accountable to God's commandments. It affirms the dignity and responsibility of women as participants in the spiritual life of Israel. The Law was not merely a set of rules but a divine revelation that required the attention and obedience of every Israelite, regardless of gender.

Moreover, the inclusion of women in these assemblies reflects the biblical view of the family and community as foundational to spiritual formation. By hearing the Law, women were equipped to teach and model its precepts within their families, contributing to the transmission of faith across generations.

Conclusion

The biblical mandate for women to attend the reading of the Law of Moses underscores their vital role in the covenant community. It affirms their participation in the spiritual and communal life of Israel, highlighting the inclusive nature of God's covenant and the shared responsibility of all believers to uphold and live by His commandments.

Nave's Topical Index

Deuteronomy 31:12
Gather the people together, men and women, and children, and your stranger that is within your gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the LORD your God, and observe to do all the words of this law:
Nave's Topical Index

Joshua 8:35
There was not a word of all that Moses commanded, which Joshua read not before all the congregation of Israel, with the women, and the little ones, and the strangers that were conversant among them.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Acts XVI
... We spoke to the women." 2d ... to teaching;" and in Hebrews 7:13, where to attend to
the ... she learned that there were certain things which she was required to attend ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xvi.htm

Subjects of Study. Home Education in Israel; Female Education. ...
... of the critical scholar are specially required in this ... However, instances of
Rabbinically learned women do occur. ... hammedrash," which he would only attend if he ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 8 subjects of study.htm

Faustus Denies that the Prophets Predicted Christ. Augustin Proves ...
... and his sons and their wives,"the men and women together ... of Shem." That is for the
Manich??an to attend to ... Granting that an ark was required in order to escape ...
/.../faustus denies that the prophets.htm

Appeal to the Christian Women of the South
... much is given, of him shall much be required; and to ... I have not placed reading before
praying because I regard ... Who led out the women of Israel from the house ...
/.../an appeal to the christian women of the south/appeal to the christian women.htm

Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ...
... was a great crime in a man to attend the sacred ... As regards nature, he used the women
not for sensual ... which it is that the procreation of children is required. ...
/.../faustus states his objections to.htm

Homilies on the Gospel of John.
... membership, [13]294; of imperious women often borne ... of Heaven, [494]268; by reading
their hearts ... free to practice or not virginity, but required almsgiving, [498 ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homilies on the gospel of.htm

Heb. 4:14 Our Profession
... one moment beyond the time that is required for our ... how many millions of men and
women like yourself ... as you keep Lent, and occasionally attend early Communion? ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter xii heb 4 14 our.htm

An Account of the Organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church ...
... Is there any exception to the rule, "Let the men and women sit apart ... in the presiding
elder of the neighboring district, who is required to attend, and act ...
/.../chapter 3 an account of.htm

Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility
... Catechumens, not allowed to attend the communion, [225]220 ... Garments, men and women
not to dress in each ... Laity, their prayers and assent required at ordinations ...
/.../abraham his trial in egypt.htm

Epistle Lxiii. Limenius, Bishop of Vercell??, Having Died, the See ...
... Thence he passes to the virtues required in a bishop ... us by a salutary precept to
attend rather to ... banquets, nor offspring, nor embraces of women, nor abundance ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/epistle lxiii limenius bishop of.htm