IN the early Hebrew days the women of Israel were known principally as mothers. "A mother in Israel," Deborah called herself. The Bible tells of only a few women who distinguished themselves by attaining to positions of prominence in the eyes of the world; yet there must have been many women who possessed true vision, and who were good and able, though the narrative of their lives is not given. The women of Israel must have done much toward shaping the lives of their children, as so many of the men of Israel possessed unusual spiritual understanding and power, and that sometimes at a very early age. The Bible, however, is largely the story of the manhood of Israel; and the genealogies are given in the names of the men.
Although the women of those days seemed to be more or less in bondage, when one was recognized as possessing exceptional qualities she was given equal prominence with men. Sarah, the first woman spoken of in the Bible under the Hebrew regime was called a "freewoman"; and she undoubtedly received the utmost of love and respect from her husband. It would appear, therefore, as though Isaac, the father of Jacob or Israel, in consequence started with the idea of equality. Equal partner in the inheritance with Abraham, Sarah is named as the "mother of nations," even as he, the father. Prophecy, however, foretold the coming of a mighty governor who would bring great glory to the world. Women therefore aspired to bring forth this child, the hope of Israel, who was to rule nations and peoples; yet limited comprehension did not fully realize that this promised king would rule spiritually, and not in material splendor in the world's affairs. Constantly falling back under ritual, as Israel did, instead of progressing towards the realization of the spiritual idea, women were as constantly relegated more or less to the rear.
In Israel, children early understood the power of God, and early developed spiritually. First impressions are important. Consciousness in youth is quickly receptive, and early impressions are generally vivid. With wide-open eyes and great faith do children receive the Word of Truth. At the age of twelve Solomon ascended the throne of his father; and as boy king, asked God in prayer for an "understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad," saying also, "I am but a little child." Had Solomon held to the wisdom of his boyhood, doubtless under the teachings of David and Nathan, Israel might have rejoiced in great spiritual as well as material glory. He later, however, developed vanity and ambition, rather than wisdom and strength. Daniel was a boy when carried to Babylon, but found himself able in young manhood to meet the problems there presented. Jesus at twelve astonished the learned doctors in the temple with his answers.
