Traditionally, many feminist scholars have looked to the Bible for clues to the sources of contemporary sexist attitudes; yet, the "biblical position" of women has been discussed only in light of the scriptural texts themselves. In an illuminating and critical analysis, Meyers argues that it is impossible to reconstruct a picture of the typical everyday life of women in ancient Israel using biblical sources alone. Scriptural texts, she contends, were written by a mostly male, urban elite, while women of the period were mostly rural villagers. In addition, the stories of women in the Bible generally concern exceptional, not ordinary, women. For these reasons, Meyers approaches the problem in a new way, complementing biblical source material with the results of recent archaeological investigations of village life and the insights of anthropology. This interdisciplinary approach enables her to present, for the first time, a picture of the way of life and status of women in biblical times based on hard data.

Discovering Eve: Ancient Israelite Women in Context

Politics & Social Sciences

Meyers, Carol

Social Sciences

Oxford University Press

This groundbreaking study looks beyond biblical texts, which have had a powerful influence over our views of women's roles and worth, in order to reconstruct the typical everyday lives of women in ancient Israel. Meyers argues that biblical sources alone do not give a true picture of ancient Israelite women because urban elite males wrote the vast majority of the scriptural texts and the stories of women in the Bible concern exceptional individuals rather than ordinary Israelite women. Analyzing the biblical material in light of recent archaeological discoveries about rural village life in ancient Palestine, Meyers depicts Israelite women not as submissive chattel in an oppressive patriarchy, but rather as strong and significant actors within their families and society.

Discovering Eve: Ancient Israelite Women in Context (Oxford Paperbacks)

History

Ancient Civilizations

Rediscovering Eve: Ancient Israelite Women in Context

This groundbreaking study looks beyond biblical texts, which have had a powerful influence over our views of women's roles and worth, in order to reconstruct the typical everyday lives of women in ancient Israel. Carol Meyers argues that biblical sources alone do not give a true picture of ancient Israelite women because urban elite males wrote the vast majority of the scriptural texts. Also, the stories of women in the Bible concern exceptional individuals rather than ordinary Israelite women. Drawing on archaeological discoveries and ethnographic information as well as biblical texts, Meyers depicts Israelite women not as submissive chattel in an oppressive patriarchy, but rather as strong and significant actors within their families and in their communities. In so doing, she challenges the very notion of patriarchy as an appropriate designation for Israelite society.

This groundbreaking study looks beyond biblical texts, which have had a powerful influence over our views of women's roles and worth, in order to reconstruct the typical everyday lives of women in ancient Israel. Carol Meyers argues that biblical sources alone do not give a true picture of ancient Israelite women because urban elite males wrote the vast majority of the scriptural texts. Also, the stories of women in the Bible concern exceptional individuals rather than ordinary Israelite women. Drawing on archaeological discoveries and ethnographic information as well as biblical texts, Meyers depicts Israelite women not as submissive chattel in an oppressive patriarchy, but rather as strong and significant actors within their families and in their communities. In so doing, she challenges the very notion of patriarchy as an appropriate designation for Israelite society. Carol Meyers holds the Mary Grace Wilson Professorship in Religion at Duke University. A specialist in biblical studies and archaeology, she is a prominent scholar in the study of women in the biblical world. She serves on the boards of the American Schools of Oriental Research, the Albright Institute of Archaeological Research, and the Dead Sea Scrolls Foundation and has also held numerous leadership positions in the Society of Biblical Literature.

Haggai, Zechariah 1–8, Volume 25B in the acclaimed Anchor Bible part of the Scripture known as the Minor Prophets, were written during a critical period in Israel’s history, the momentous return of the Jews from Babylonian exile. Following the conquest of Babylon by the Persian Empire, the Israelites sought to reestablish their ethnic and religious legacy in Judah. This was a time of profound turmoil and uncertainty, and Haggai and Zechariah provided a crucial measure of support and inspiration. They rallied Israel’s energies and exhorted their fellow countrymen to heed the word of God. Under their guidance the Jews restored the Temple at Jerusalem, which had been destroyed by the armies of Nebuchadnezzar. Together the two prophets guided Israel through an important transitional epoch, and reconciled the influences of Persia’s dominion with the sacred traditions of the Hebrew people. In this illuminating new translation and commentary, Carol and Eric Meyers consider the Book of Haggai and the first eight chapters of the Book of Zechariah in a linguistic, social, and historical context. They underscore the literary artistry, the political acumen, and the prophetic authority of these fascinating volumes that proved so vital to the survival of Israel and the preservation of the Jewish faith.

Haggai, Zechariah 1-8

Religion & Spirituality

Meyers, Eric

Christian Books & Bibles

Anchor Bible

Exodus (New Cambridge Bible Commentary)

Cambridge University Press

This commentary views Exodus as a cultural document, preserving the collective memories of the Israelites and relating them to the major institutions and beliefs that emerged by the end of the time of the Hebrew Bible. It is intended to help the reader follow the story line of Exodus, understand its socio-cultural context, appreciate its literary features, recognize its major themes and values, and also note its interpretive and moral problems. Carol Meyers explains important concepts and terms as expressed in the Hebrew original so that those who know Hebrew as well as those who don't will be able to follow the text.

This commentary views Exodus as a cultural document, preserving the collective memories of the Israelites and relating them to the major institutions and beliefs that emerged by the end of the time of the Hebrew Bible. It is intended to help the reader follow the story line of Exodus, understand its socio-cultural context, appreciate its literary features, recognize its major themes and values, and also note its interpretive and moral problems. Carol Meyers explains important concepts and terms as expressed in the Hebrew original so that those who know Hebrew as well as those who don't will be able to follow the text.

For too long, some scholars have overlooked women's role in the Israelite religion. Others have treated it as part of "non-orthodox" religion. Carol Meyers identifies this problem and seeks to correct narratives about Israelite women and religion in scholarship. 
Households and Holiness provides a clear and succinct overview of the religious lives of Israelite women. Meyers stresses the diversity of religious practices in ancient Israel, including "magic" as an important avenue of inquiry. She argues we must examine practices as well as beliefs. The book explores anthropology, archaeological evidence, ethnographic data, and textual sources. Meyers focuses not on women's religion but rather on women's religious culture.

Households and Holiness: The Religious Culture of Israelite Women

Fortress Press

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Meyers, Carol. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Meyers, Carol

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Meyers, Carol. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Discovering Eve: Ancient Israelite Women in Context

Discovering Eve: Ancient Israelite Women in Context (Oxford Paperbacks)

Rediscovering Eve: Ancient Israelite Women in Context

Rediscovering Eve: Ancient Israelite Women in Context

Haggai, Zechariah 1-8

Exodus (New Cambridge Bible Commentary)

Exodus (New Cambridge Bible Commentary)

Exodus (New Cambridge Bible Commentary)

Households and Holiness: The Religious Culture of Israelite Women