Rediscovering Eve: Ancient Israelite Women in Context 1st Edition

Rediscovering EVE is a must read. Carol Meyers has done the research. The story of Adam and Eve, as it has been interpreted and still is, is not interpreted correctly. Meyers gives a very thorough examination of the topic and has done serious indepth studies of the Hebrew language, which is key to understanding Genesis. The discrimination against women by men is rooted in Genesis. Its correct meaning needs to be read by women to empower them in dealing with men today.

I was very excited to read this book as I am extremely interested in history, especially in the correct context without inserting modern bias into the facts.Meyers does a great job of research, however I found disappointing of her own lack of understanding of the character of God. She seems to assert her own bias that somehow te Hebrew God (YHVH) and even the writers of scripture somehow attempt to oppress women or at least created a culture of such oppression.While I agree modern English interpretations insert many of their own doctrines into the latest translations of scripture, the original text does no such thing. The Hebrew God (YHVH) gives women prominence in many situations from ancient times to "modern" Roman times during the life of Jesus (Yahshua). In addition, the intent of the creation of women in scripture is a fulfilling role, not a supporting one.Meyers does do a good job of pointing out these instances where women had judging positions, rights to buy and sell property, engage in commerce etc. However, the overall tone felt sterile. I was hoping for a living history experience, along with information on daily living.Mostly the information was generalized with the assertion that only elite women had their stories documented therefore we know very little about the daily lives of women. I'm not convinced that is true. Especially since the scripture includes many stories of every day women doing extraordinary things.The research was excellent, but her imposition of the traditions of Judiasm and Mainstream Christian theologian interpretation muddied the truth of the intent of God's creation for women.

This book is absolutely pathetic. Its whole purpose is to discredit Scripture based on the fact that it was written by men, not women, and that God is referred to in male terminology. Are we letting culture dictate who God is? What a small god that would be and unworthy of glory.Maybe the author should spend more time studying Scripture to see how God actually esteems women in spite of how ancient cultures devalued them.

By and large, Meyers does an excellent job of moving past the cultural lenses we've created in order to get a more honest picture of the role of women in the biblical world. The book is easy to read, informative, and presents a good challenge to the general understanding of women as oppressed in the biblical world.There are times that I feel like Meyers is unable to escape her own cultural bias, and reads equality and position into texts that don't seem to actually be there. Many of her arguments that women had a greater influence than generally believed are very convincing, but particularly when she tries to argue that Adam was genderless, and the Israelite people did not view men as being created first, it just seems that she's reading her modern feminist theological perspective onto the Creation narrative. For the record, theologically, I'm fine with the assertions she makes, but sociologically, I'm not convinced by some of her arguments.Overall, it was certainly worth the read and I would recommend to anyone trying to understand the role of women in the biblical world.

I would recommend this product towards those wanting to learn more about ancient women in Israelite and Judean territory. I would not recommend towards those looking to learn about Eve. This is about "primordial Eve" from Israelite lands and not Eve, herself. I felt it deserved three stars because it was rather boring at parts. It told about archaeology little more than a few studies in Bible history and methods would need to know.

The writing is repetitive: the same thought is often repeated three or four times, often in the same words, sometimes within the same paragraph.The argument is perfunctory, without telling observations, careful logic, or penetrating insights.Academic quibbles and sub-quibbles are the main topics.I have given up (at least temporarily) about 20% through.

Gives one a different insight on Women in the Scriptures and an understanding on the role of women in Ancent Israel. It is a good reconstruction of Eve.

This was actually not the book I needed and would like to return it if I can