Ep 43. Scarlet Women of the Bible
- March 22, 1996
- 43 min
Mysteries Of The Bible season 1 takes us on a journey to uncover the secrets and enigmas hidden within the pages of the Bible. In episode 43, titled Scarlet Women of the Bible, we delve into the stories of some of the most intriguing women in the Old and New Testaments.
From the seductive Delilah, who betrayed the biblical hero Samson, to the misunderstood Rahab, a prostitute who helped the Israelites conquer Jericho, this episode explores the lives and actions of women who have been both vilified and celebrated throughout history. But who were these women really, and what motivated them to act as they did?
One of the stories examined in this episode is that of Bathsheba, the beautiful and faithful wife of Uriah the Hittite. Bathsheba's infidelity with King David led to the birth of their son Solomon, but also to the death of her husband and a long-lasting feud between David and his son Absalom. What drove Bathsheba to commit this act of adultery, and how did her actions affect the fate of the Israelite kingdom?
Another story explored in Scarlet Women of the Bible is that of Mary Magdalene, one of the most misunderstood figures in the New Testament. Often depicted as a repentant prostitute, Mary was actually one of Jesus's closest disciples and is believed by some to have been his wife. But why did the early Church depict Mary as a prostitute, and what other aspects of her life have been obscured by history and myth?
Other women examined in this episode include Tamar, who disguised herself as a prostitute to trick her father-in-law into giving her a rightful heir; Jezebel, whose wickedness led to her being thrown out of a window and eaten by dogs; and Judith, a brave widow who beheaded the Assyrian general Holofernes to save her people.
Throughout the episode, experts in theology and biblical history provide insights into these women's lives and motivations, unraveling the mysteries and misconceptions that have grown up around them over the centuries. By bringing their stories to life, Mysteries Of The Bible season 1 episode 43 offers a fresh perspective on the role of women in the Bible and the challenges they faced in a world dominated by men.