Dictionary of Bible Themes Scripture provides insights into, and examples of, the way in which girls have a place in the purposes of God. Although the OT tends to portray girls mainly as potential wives or sexual partners, Jesus Christ's raising of Jairus' daughter can be seen as a symbol of the positive value placed on them. Judges 21:21-25The portrayal of girls in the OT See also As potential wives Genesis 24:12-51Judges 11:29-40 1 Samuel 18:17-27 Judges 19:24 As sexual partners See also Genesis 19:1-8; 34:1-4This way of treating girls as mere sexual objects illustrates the moral corruption of the men of Gibeah. Though not condemned in this passage, such behaviour was totally contrary to OT law. Deuteronomy 22:13-21Chaste girls were to be protected but promiscuous girls were to be punished Exodus 21:7-9Girls undertaking various kinds of work See also As slaves or servants Ruth 2:8-91 Kings 1:1-4 Acts 12:13-14 Exodus 2:16 See also Drawing water and tending animals Genesis 24:15-201 Samuel 9:11 Nehemiah 3:12 Repairing the walls of Jerusalem 1 Samuel 8:13In domestic service Mark 5:35-43The place of girls in serving the purposes of God Girls receive ministry from Jesus Christ and the apostles See also pp Mt 9:23-25 Matthew 15:21-28pp Lk 8:49-56 Acts 16:16-18pp Mk 7:24-30 Acts 2:16-17See also Girls receive and use spiritual gifts Joel 2:28Acts 21:8-9 2 Kings 5:2-6 Examples of girls serving the purposes of God Esther 2:1-18The example of this servant girl, instrumental in Naaman's healing, shows that girls have a value and a status before God not generally acknowledged in OT culture Luke 1:26-33Having become queen under the providence of God, Esther, chosen while a young virgin, is later able to use her influence to save the Jews from fierce persecution See also Mary should be regarded as a girl, as she is a virgin betrothed and not a woman married. 5652 babies5664 children 5674 daughters 5707 male and female 5708 marriage 5731 parents 5735 sexuality 5740 virgin 5744 wife 5745 women 6240 rape |
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