The role of women in the life of King David in Deuteronomistic and Chronicler's history: lessons to be learned

Abstract

The David presented to “the reader” in the Scriptures does not appear from a vacuum. He lives with, among and interacts with people. He is surrounded by two categories of characters: divine and human. The human characters consist of males and females. In this article, the role of female characters in the Davidic kingship, as presented by the Deuteronomist and the Chronicler, is discussed. The intention is to identify and critically analyse the role of selected women and how they informed David’s leadership, with the intention to draw some lessons for contemporary communities. Women are involved during David’s reign. They provided him with land and crucial duties in various sectors: political, education, socio-economic, legal and justice mediation, solving problems, and offering advice, among others. Their roles and expertise, if taken seriously, can be a solution during a time of “crisis” in any situation in any given community. dynastic connections, or even a narrative blot on his character. Irrespective of their role, favourable or unfavourable, female characters play a special place in the Davidic narrative. They function as prophets, teachers, advisors, leaders, deliverers, and heroines. A narrative approach has been used as a methodology in this article. The paper emphasises that despite the harsh treatment and unfavourable conditions they find themselves in, women continue to play significant roles in all spheres of life in any given community. They often perform crucial duties in various sectors: political, education, socio- economic, legal and justice mediation, solving problems, offering advice, among others. Their roles and expertise if taken seriously, can be a solution during the time of “crisis” in any situation in any given community.