The View of Women Found in the Deuteronomic Family Laws (Beihefte zur Zeitschrift fr die alttestamentliche Wissenschaft, 216)

The purpose of this study is to examine the view of women found within the Deuteronomic family laws. Several recent discussions have suggested that these laws manifest a highly positive appraisal of women's Status. In contrast, we will argue that the laws presuppose the dependence of women within male-headed households and the subordinate role of women within the family. The laws aim to support the stability of the family by undergirding hierarchical, patrilineal family structures. They also protect dependent family members. Their efforts to protect dependents do not, however, fundamentally challenge the hierarchical family structure. In der Reihe Beihefte zur Zeitschrift fr die alttestamentliche Wissenschaft (BZAW) erscheinen Arbeiten zu smtlichen Gebieten der alttestamentlichen Wissenschaft. Im Zentrum steht die Hebrische Bibel, ihr Vor- und Nachleben im antiken Judentum sowie ihre vielfache Verzweigung in die benachbarten Kulturen der altorientalischen und hellenistisch-rmischen Welt. Die BZAW akzeptiert Manuskriptvorschlge, die einen innovativen und signifikanten Beitrag zu Erforschung des Alten Testaments und seiner Umwelt leisten, sich intensiv mit der bestehenden Forschungsliteratur auseinandersetzen, stringent aufgebaut und flssig geschrieben sind. The series Beihefte zur Zeitschrift für die alttestamentliche Wissenschaft (BZAW) covers all areas of research into the Old Testament, focusing on the Hebrew Bible, its early and later forms in Ancient Judaism, as well as its branching into many neighboring cultures of the Ancient Near East and the Greco-Roman world. BZAW welcomes submissions that make an original and significant contribution to the field; demonstrate sophisticated engagement with the relevant secondary literature; and are written in readable, logical, and engaging prose. Introduction Part I: Exegesis 1 Relationships of Authority Within the Family: Deuteronomy 21:10-21 2 Laws Concerning Adultery Deuteronomy 22:13-29 3 The Prohibition against the Restoration of Marriage: Deuteronomy 24:1-4 4 The Law of Levirate Marriage and Breach of Modesty: Deuteronomy 25:5-12 Part II: Analysis of the View of Women Found Within the Deuteronomic Family Laws 5 The Laws as Cultural Artifact 6 Overall Purpose of the Deuteronomic Family Laws Conclusions