In the Gospel narrative of Matthew we find 5 women listed in the lineage of Jesus. Dr. Ken Bailey, 45 years a Biblical scholar in Lebanon, Egypt and Jerusalem, finds that very strange and almost unheard of in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean lineages through the centuries. But then again, these are not lovely and noble women like Deborah; oh no. There stories are tainted and difficult. Conspicuously Sarah is left out. Humm!?!

Tamar is first, who was denied a husband and seduced her deceiving father- in-law, Judah, to gain a child (she got 2), and Judah later called her noble. Gen 38

And Judah acknowledged [them], and said, She hath been more righteous than I; because that I gave her not to Shelah my son. And he knew her again no more.

Rahab is next, who the author of Hebrews calls the harlot, who knew that the God of the spies was a greater God than all her idols and risks everything to save the spies of Israel and by it, her household. Josephus, more kindly, lists her as an Inn Keeper, who kept the Inn on the wall. Josh 2, 6:17-25

And Joshua saved Rahab the harlot alive, and her father's household, and all that she had; and she dwelleth in Israel [even] unto this day; because she hid the messengers, which Joshua sent to spy out Jericho.

Rahab marries Salmon bears Obed, who’s mercy bring in the third, Ruth, to bear Jesse, the father of King David. Now Ruth is a Moabite. Moab was the child of one of drunken Lot by his conniving daughter. Ruth

The fourth is Bathsheba, whose name is left out of the list in Matt. but is referred to as the wife of Uriah; but we all know the story. Some call her seductress, others seduced. 1Sam 11-12, 1Kg 1-2

Then there is Mary, the child from Nazareth, who relinquishes her reputation, the vows of her betrothal, and risks possible cloistered seclusion or even stoning to receive the angelic words, with “be it unto me in according to your word”. Ken Bailey calls that costly discipleship. Luke

I really find the Bible a fun book!