King David's Sisters

"Whose sisters were Zeruiah, and Abigail. And the sons of Zeruiah; Abishai, and Joab, and Asahel, three" (1 Chronicles 2:16).

In the genealogies of the kings and priests, there is also included the lines of Ishmaelites and Edomites, and even women. Now, Zeruiah, daughter of Jesse and sister to David, had a son named Joab who was David's captain and played a major role in the book of Kings. Yet, his mother and her sister didn't really need to be named--at least, that is what I would have thought of a very male-powered society.

But apparently that culture did think it was important to include these women, sisters to the King David. Notice, Zeruiah's husband is not mentioned. It is her relationship to Jesse and David that is important, not who her husband was.

Now, I love the Book of Mormon, so do not think that I'm in anyway putting it down...but, I have noticed that there is at least on strength that the OT has that the BOM seems to be lacking in: the inclusion of women in the history. The BOM only mentions four women by name (See if you can guess who). The Bible could have done the same, just mentioned that Joab was son of his sister. But they didn't. Whoever compiled the genealogy thought that the woman's name was worth recording, saving for future knowledge.

And the sister's of David are not the only ones mentioned. Tamar and Ruth, any woman of note is recorded by name, and even some women who didn't really do anything. But someone long ago thought that the genealogy wouldn't be complete without women. And that is a biological truth.

So, genealogies are a little boring. But, they show that the OT culture isn't so masculine-focused as maybe some of us thought. They didn't hide their women, or ignore them, even some of the naughty ones. And, I don't want women to be satisfied with this consolation prize of a few notable mentions, but just to point out that women are there, noted by name--a hidden history lingering on the edges of scripture.

David's sisters are not the only ones to get mention. Think of the prophetess Mariam, sister of Moses. Mary and Martha, who have more written about them than their miracle brother Lazarus.

Don't forget the sisters, they're there, but if you don't read closely, you can miss them.