The less-discussed character in the Bible is the woman: two talking animals therein have sometimes received more page space. Yet, in almost every important pericope or story involving a famous man, one finds that a woman plays an important role also. There is no Isaac without Sarah; no Ishmael without Hagar; no Moses without his sister and the Egyptian princess; no Barak without Deborah; no David without Bathsheba; and no Ahab without Jezebel, to name but a few. What separates the two is merely the focus of the story-teller. Focus, not value judgment, is the deciding factor.

This volume shines the light of close scrutiny in the less-trodden direction and focuses on biblical and allied women, or on the feminine side of Creation. Due to numerous constraints, this focus centers on a few, selected female characters. Essays were contributed by thoughtful women and men from many corners of the globe: Israeli, South African, Norwegian, North American (Canadian and U.S.A.), British, and Scottish. In some cases, poets sing the praises of women; in others, biblical women are compared to mythical characters from the wider Middle East or from contemporary literature. Feminist/womanist perspectives are discussed alongside traditional and theological perspectives. But how women are celebrated musically and how they are discussed by modern, non-academic women from Christian and Islamic traditions also finds a place within this volume. The reader will appreciate the breadth of discussion contained in these essays, and will revisit them often in her/his reading interests.

John T. Greene is Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies and Research Scholar at Michigan State University in the U.S.A. His major foci are Scriptural and Historical Studies and Middle Eastern Archaeology. Mishael M. Caspi is Professor of Religion and Middle East Culture (Ret.) at Bates College, Maine in the U.S.A. He is a Research Scholar and poet. Both co-editors co-convene the Seminar in Biblical Characters in Three Traditions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam) at the Annual, International Meeting(s) of the Society of Biblical Literature.

Cover: Susannah and the Elders, by Giuseppe Bartolomeo Chiari, oil on canvas.