On Jul 22, 2013, at 8:28 AM, b-hebrew-request AT lists.ibiblio.org wrote: I think that the main issue here is economic, not "self worth". Hi Yigal, I agree with you; it is not a "self-worth" issue. The fact that she takes this personal is understandable since she is the survivor. Her statement is one of "resignation" to the sovereignty of the Almighty. I don't think though that it is necessarily economic, although this is a major factor. I think it is simply cultural. It was probably not fitting for her to be remarried; it would be natural for her to remain a widow. I also agree with your previous comment, that "to be with a man" would be a sexual phrase. Here she is saying "to a man" which concerns her marriageability. The context confirms this: "even if I should have a husband this night and should bear sons, would you therefore wait till they were grown?" I wouldn't categorize it as official, but more of an understood propriety. She does say "if I should say I have hope." So she could be legally remarried, if destiny accorded it. Blessings, Jonathan Mohler Baptist Bible Graduate School Springfield, MO |
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