Having looked at the Biblical roles for women, it is appropriate to consider the manner is which these roles are to be undertaken and what the Bible has to say about the godliness of women. In both the Old and New Testaments, there are specific instructions concerning the way women should behave and dress. For this reason, a brief overview of the Old Testament instructions and then the New Testament instructions will be presented. Given the restrictions these instructions place upon women, many people consider that some of the instructions were only significant for society at the time they were given and are thus unnecessary for women today. However, given the consistent nature of God, it is naive to consider that something God detested previously would suddenly be acceptable in his sight. In light of this, a discussion of the passages usually dismissed as cultural will also be included in an attempt to outline what constitutes a godly woman today. Returning to the Old Testament, I will reflect on the character and behaviour of Deborah to see what kind of example she might provide for women today.
When considering the Old Testament laws, most of the instructions that come to mind are for both men and women. Both sexes were required to keep the Ten Commandments, be holy and follow the sacrificial system. In Leviticus and Deuteronomy, many commands are given that describe appropriate sexual partners and the punishments for disobedience.[1] Alongside men, women were explicitly told they should not be involved in bestiality, which is punishable by death.[2] A woman needed to be a virgin at her marriage and her parents could even be required to prove their daughter was a virgin on the day of her wedding, if requested to do so by her husband.[3] The practice of cross-dressing was outlawed in Deuteronomy 22:5. Certain professions are not permitted for Israelites and women are mentioned in particular. For example, Shrine prostitution is detestable before God and has no place amongst God’s people.[4] In Deuteronomy 18, God warns the Israelites about imitating things he finds detestable including sorcery, witchcraft and practicing divination.[5] The effects of these practices are so damaging that being a medium or spiritist is punishable by death.[6]
In the book of Proverbs there are more instructions for women. Repeatedly, women are encouraged not to be quarrelsome or nagging, unless of course they do not want a husband![7] In Proverbs 31, the description of a ‘wife of noble character’ provides a benchmark for housekeeping and dignity for women.[8] This woman ‘speaks with wisdom’ and gives ‘faithful instruction’.[9] She ‘sets about her work vigorously’ and is not idle.[10] However, the most important characteristic of this woman is that she ‘fears the Lord’.[11]
As with the Old Testament instructions, most of Jesus’ teachings were not gender specific. Directions from the Sermon on the Mount applied to both male and female.[12] These teachings of Jesus clearly show the holiness and purity God requires.[13] Similarly in the epistles, the characteristics of holiness are not restricted. Both men and women are required to lead holy lives.[14]
Submission and humility are central features in the Bible’s description of a godly woman. Women are instructed to submit to their husbands each time household regulations are mentioned in the epistles.[15] Colossians 3:18 even clarifies the submission with ‘as is fitting in the Lord’ highlighting the appropriateness of submission. This nature of submission is also to be present in their learning.[16] Paul states in1 Timothy 2:11 that ‘a woman should learn in quietness and full submission’. In 1 Corinthians 14, women should listen to the weighing of the prophecy in silence and submission.[17] Voicing opinions against others and possibly showing disrespect through ignorance is disgraceful for a woman.[18] Regarding this passage, Carson states that ‘there is no other interpretation of these disputed verses that so neatly fits the flow of the argument.’[19]
The manner of submission is also important for a woman’s godliness.[20] We have seen already that submission may be displayed in quietness or silence. In addition, the submission that the Bible esteems requires a willingness to allow another party to have authority. It is not a coerced submission. Recognising the humility that Christ showed, women should also strive for the same humility and submit to others.[21] Women should aim for purity and reverence in their lives, as well as maintaining gentle and quiet spirits.[22] Titus is encouraged by Paul to ensure that the older women are good examples to the younger women by being reverent, not slanderers or addicted to wine.[23] Their example should be one that teaches self-control, purity, kindness, marital submission and the avoidance of idleness in the home.[24] The values esteemed in a godly wife are that they be worthy of respect, temperate and trustworthy, while avoiding being malicious talkers.[25] Where there are widows within a woman’s family, a godly woman takes care of them.[26]
Other instructions in the New Testament particularly target women’s attire and beauty regime. While in the Old Testament the regulations were to avoid men’s clothing, in the New Testament the concern is focused more on the appearance of their clothing. Paul instructs women to dress modestly.[27] Women need to use propriety in their clothing choices and not attempt to flaunt wealth through their appearance.[28] Likewise, their jewellery should not be ostentatious as ‘gold’ and ‘pearls’ are also off-limits.[29] Peter also states that women are to avoid finding their beauty in ‘gold jewellery or fine clothes’.[30] Instead they should attempt to follow the example of some of the holy women from the Old Testament, like Sarah, who were submissive to their husbands and put their hope in God.[31] Peter states that inner beauty is more desirable than striving for outer beauty.[32] Paul clarifies this with the image of adorning oneself with ‘good deeds’.[33]
Apart from clothing and jewellery, the New Testament also contains instructions about appropriate head coverings for women. In some scenarios this head covering was hair but in other cases a further covering was needed.[34] A woman’s long hair was her glory.[35] To shave a woman’s head was dishonourable and it is said to be disgraceful for a woman to ‘cut off her hair or shave her head’.[36] Paul mentions this in his argument for maintaining appropriate honour for heads. However, due care needs to be taken to ensure that a woman does not become overly focused on her hair. In both 1Timothy and 1 Peter, women are instructed to avoid ‘braided hair’ but rather to focus on inner beauty.[37] Historians readily point out how elaborate the braiding of long hair became with hair being a symbol of pride amongst the people.[38] Paul also mentions two scenarios in which a woman requires more than just hair as a head covering. These two scenarios are when praying or prophesying in the church.[39] In order to show true humility before God and appropriate submission, a woman needed to cover her hair.[40]
As the years have passed some people have decided that these instructions are too stifling for women and have attempted to loosen them in the hope of conforming more to current social trends. Society has changed as women have been given equal rights. Today, many women have high-power careers as well as managing their households. Submission has become a dirty word, as it is viewed as oppressive and cruel. Clothing throughout the western world has begun to close the gender gap with both women and men wearing trousers or shorts.
Yet even so, God’s instructions for women are still relevant today. Households still need order to ensure peaceful relations. Many relationships are terminated each year as sinfulness struggles against the structure God designed. Submission, like love, requires a choice and a determination to persevere. Christian women still need to listen closely to God’s instructions.
As clothing styles change and are particular to individual cultures, the passage in Deuteronomy about cross-dressing does not imply that women have to wear skirts and dresses. Otherwise it would be reasonable to assume that men have to continue to wear robes like they did in the Old Testament times. Rather items of clothing should be worn in a way that does not offend normal cultural expectations of gender. Another important principle is that clothing should be modest. Often the latest fashions are designed not for practicality but for the flaunting of the wearer’s body towards the opposite gender. God desires purity of his people so women should be careful that they are not setting up their bodies as sexual fantasies or idols.
Even those who have taken to heart God’s instructions about head coverings have often missed the principle of humility choosing elaborate hats with feathers. In response to this, many churches have chosen to ignore these instructions due to the inner factions and hierarchies the head coverings were creating. Others have dismissed the whole section about head covering claiming it was just a cultural practice of the time. However, modern women can still learn from these passages of scripture. By parading the latest fashions and displaying the most expensive labels, barriers and hierarchies are introduced into Christian circles that God does not desire. James particularly warns against showing favouritism to the wealthy and judging by outward appearance.[41] In a similar vein, Jesus warns against storing up treasure on earth, so women need to be wary of getting caught up in fashion and materialism.[42]
It is also important not to fall into the legalistic trap of assuming that God only disapproved of ‘braided hair’. Just because perming, straightening, or streaking hair is not mentioned in the Bible does not mean that braiding is the issue. Rather, women need to be careful not to be consumed by their outward appearance. Instead women should aim to present themselves in a way that is pleasing to God. Given our bodies are temples of God, we should not just assume that God is seeking asceticism from us but should endeavour to care for our bodies treating them with the honour due to them.[43]
Having considered what God expects of godly women, we now come to the question of finding out what makes Deborah stand out in this way. Deborah was considered to be a wise woman by the Israelites. Prior to her dealings with Barak, people would come to her for help and she would use her wisdom for their benefit. In this way, Deborah was generous with her time and skills. Deborah was also a prophetess and her faithfulness in this regard is shown by the truthfulness of her predictions. Even in the midst of the battle, Deborah faithfully passes on God’s message.[44] Deborah also humbly accepts the position Barak assigns her for the coming battle. Rather than deny Barak’s request for her presence, she submits to his rule and accompanies him to war.[45] In a book where the flaws of the leaders are readily pointed out, Deborah stands firm as a woman of integrity who obeys God’s calling for the better of other people. She willingly accepts the leadership God places over her, trusting that God knows best even if Barak lacks faith and confidence. Following the battle, Deborah also thanks God in worship for the victory he provided rather than taking the glory for herself. The Biblical record though brief shows that Deborah was a godly woman. As one of the godly woman in the Bible, Deborah can provide an example of godly behaviour for women today.
[1] For example, Leviticus 18
[2] Leviticus 18:23
[3] Deuteronomy 22:14
[4] Deuteronomy 23:17
[5] Deuteronomy 18:9-13
[6] Leviticus 20:27
[7] Proverbs 21:19, 27:15-16
[8] Proverbs 31:10-31
[9] Proverbs 31:26
[10] Proverbs 31:17, 27
[11] Proverbs 31:30
[12] Matthew 5-7
[13] Matthew 5:8, 20
[14] Galatians 5:22-23, Philippians 2:1-16a, 1 Peter 1:15
[15] Ephesians 5:22-24, Colossians 3:18, 1 Peter 3:1-5
[16] Duncan & Hunt, Women’s Ministry in the Local Church, 72
[17] 1 Corinthians 14:34
[18] 1 Corinthians 14:35
[19] Carson, D.A., ‘ “Silent in the Churches”: On the Role of Women in 1 Corinthians 14:33b-36’, 152
[20] Duncan & Hunt, Women’s Ministry in the Local Church, 73
[21] Philippians 2:3,5-8
[22] 1 Peter 3:1-4
[23] Titus 2:3
[24] Titus 2:5
[25] 1 Timothy 3:11-12
[26] 1 Timothy 5:16
[27] 1 Timothy 2:9
[28] 1 Timothy 2:9
[29] 1 Timothy 2:9
[30] 1 Peter 3:3
[31] 1 Peter 3:5-6
[32] 1 Peter 3:4
[33] 1 Timothy 2:10
[34] 1 Corinthians 11:2-16
[35] 1 Corinthians 11:15
[36] 1 Corinthians 11:5-6
[37] 1 Timothy 2:9 and 1 Peter 3:3
[38] Freeman, J.M., Manners and Customs of the Bible (Springdale: Whitaker House, 1996) 468
[39] 1 Corinthians 11:5
[40] 1 Corinthians 11:10
[41] James 2:1-5
[42] Matthew 6:24
[43] 1 Corinthians 3:16
[45] Although Deborah does add a condition to her submission this condition relates more to Barak’s unwillingness to completely trust God than some kind of spitefulness by Deborah.
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