Four Biblical Heroines and the Case for Female Authorship

Book excerpt: This work examines the lives of four female characters in the Bible: Naomi, Ruth, Tamar and Esther. Their stories differ significantly from those of most female Biblical characters in that each woman is depicted without a dominant male companion and each is featured in the Bible's more secular texts. The author evaluates each character's role as a female protagonist, and demonstrates how each story represents an innovative view of religion and a revisionist evaluation of women's roles. Finally, the author proposes that these narratives may have been authored by women. Appendices provide additional information about Boaz, Judah and Tamar, Greek versions of the Book of Esther, Mordecai's decree, and literacy in ancient Israel. Includes a glossary and timeline.