Women Who Wrestled with God Biblical Stories of Israel's Beginning

Fischer effectively shows that the biblical text embodies a tension between authors and redactors who were sympathetic toward the women in these ancient stories and others whose work perpetuates an andocentric and patriarchal perspective. This reviewer highly recommends this book for anyone interested in the history of Israel's origins.

. . . demonstrates the significance of women in the biblical story as well as the scholarly neglect of their presence and activity.

The goal of gender-fair scholarship is to remind all the people of God-women and men-that God speaks to, intercedes for, challenges, and works through everyone. Fisher's scholarship does just that. She reminds preachers and teachers of the faith that the Scriptures are filled with the stories of valiant, faithful women who sought to do God's will, who struggled to save their families and their people. This new edition of Fisher's work will be an excellent addition to the church's bookshelf.

The book is important not only for feminist gender studies but also for anyone who wishes to learn more about the influential women found in the biblical stories of Israel's beginnings.

The book highlights issues that touch the women in the narratives very differently than they do the men. This approach will appeal to students of both biblical and women's studies.

The content is an absorbing blend of literary criticism, history and theology. It is most engaging when looking at women about whom there is not much commentary, especially an extensive and interesting section on the rape of Dinah. The book brings these biblical women vibrantly alive for readers and should enhance the reading of Scripture for Jew and Christian alike.