One principle that I learned about Bible study and theology is the idea of letting the Bible itself define which themes are most important. Tom Olbricht was one who especially tuned me into this idea. When I am choosing which topics to emphasize in my teaching ministry, I look to see which things are repeated in the Bible.

That’s one of the flaws I see in much teaching about gender roles, especially when it comes to the Old Testament. Much is made of Deborah and Huldah. Miriam gets some mention, and Esther is referenced at times. These minor characters in the Old Testament story are elevated to principal roles.

These women deserve to be studied alongside characters like Ehud and Nathan, Aaron and Mordecai. Their stories should be known, just as we know Barak and Obadiah. But let’s not exaggerate their importance. Only Miriam is referenced outside of her own story! These women play a definite role in the story of God’s people, but it’s not a leading role.

Reading the Old Testament does not lead us to say, “Wow! God wanted women leading His people right alongside men.” We may bring in ideas from the New Testament that lead us to that idea, but I don’t think the Old Testament itself takes us there.

Edited: 8:50 a.m. to take out some pejorative language. HT to Nick Gill