Date

8-29-2025

Department

Rawlings School of Divinity

Degree

Master of Arts in Biblical Studies (MA)

Chair

Benjamin Laird

Keywords

Feminist Biblical Scholarship, Judges, Deborah, Jael, Woman at Thebez

Disciplines

Christianity | Religion

Abstract

This thesis examines the rise and significance of feminist biblical scholarship, particularly as it engages the book of Judges. Feminist approaches to Scripture have often been criticized as politically motivated or ideologically biased, yet they also claim to offer corrective readings to centuries of male-dominated interpretation. This study situates feminist scholarship within its historical development and cultural context, beginning with the reconstruction of women’s societal, familial, religious, and agricultural roles in ancient Israel. Building on this foundation, it undertakes a comparative analysis of three key figures in Judges, Deborah, Jael, and the unnamed Woman of Thebez, first through traditional interpretations and then through feminist perspectives. These narratives are examined for how they affirm or subvert prevailing assumptions about gender, leadership, and agency in ancient Israel. The study argues that feminist biblical scholarship, when grounded in historical-cultural realities, not only enriches academic understanding of women in the Hebrew Bible but also contributes meaningfully to theological reflection and contemporary church discourse. Ultimately, this research assesses whether feminist scholarship uncovers overlooked dimensions of Scripture, risks distortion, or offers insights that deepen both historical awareness and theological engagement.

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