Do you ever read Old Testament passages about women and wonder if God is truly for women? Are all the Bible commentaries you find written by men? Hosts Erin and Blake sit down with Dr. Lissa Wray Beal and discuss her articles and commentaries and how they are redeeming the stories of and bringing the women of the Old Testament to their important place in the biblical narrative. In this episode, we touch on: the topic of lament in the women of Jeremiah; what we get wrong about Ruth and Naomi; and the fascinating story of the five daughters of Zelophehad. If you’ve ever avoided the Old Testament because of how it seems to portray women, then this episode is for you! 

Bio 

Rev. Dr. Lissa M. Wray Beal is a Professor of Old Testament at Providence Theological Seminary, where she has taught since 2004. She is also a priest in the Diocese of Rupert’s Land in the Anglican Church of Canada, serving as an honorary assistant in a local parish. Dr. Wray Beal completed a BTh at Northwest Bible College and an MDiv at Taylor Seminary (both in Edmonton) before completing her PhD at the Toronto School of Theology at Wycliffe College. 

Dr. Wray Beal’s work focuses on Joshua - Kings, Jeremiah and the Psalter, exploring their literary, historical and theological dimensions. She teaches the Old Testament as a witness to God’s character, and as preparatory for Christ. 

Look for these upcoming projects: 

• Jeremiah. Baker Commentary on the Old Testament: Prophets. Under Contract. 

• The Book of Ruth in The Bible in God's World Commentary. Cascade Publishing. Under Contract. 

Other Reading  

• "'Call for the Mourning Women': Women's Songs of Lament in Jeremiah" for Evangelicals and Women Section of the Evangelical Theological Society Annual Meeting, November 2021. 

• The Bible in God’s Word (Series)