An Unloved Woman

by M. A. Cameron

This humanistic practice reflects an unrealistic self-confidence. Those who take a cautious approach to life are thought of with an undeserved contempt. Yet the humbling, which takes place when confronted with disaster, is the ideal opportunity for us to renounce our self-reliance and throw ourselves at the feet of God.

  The outcomes which have eventuated from the adherence to Humanism are numerous. Yet they follow a predictable path. Like the Domino Effect. Once it is established that humanity is the repository for all wisdom, we make decisions which result from our own assessments. It rarely occurs to us that these assessments may be flawed. Over time we have set up theories which result in policies. These policies are viewed as being a way to improve and maintain the Humanistic ideal.

  Such policies are now a worldwide phenomenon. The United Nations has promoted the concept of Human Rights, and the Libertarian democracies of the West pursue equality and anti-discrimination. These concepts may be seen to be a fusion of Christianity and Humanism. The all-pervasive Christian belief that humans have inestimable value has been hijacked and absorbed by Humanism. We have value. We are endowed with this value because we are the source of all wisdom. Our worth does not stem from our being created in the image of God. It lies in the belief that we are gods.

  This belief, that we pursue recognition of self-deification, has support in Scripture. We cast our minds back to the encounter in the Garden of Eden between Adam and Eve and Satan. The temptation that the serpent presented to the pair was couched in terms of their relationship with their creator. Was God really committed to them and their best interests? God had warned them against disobedience and the resultant suffering and death. Yet Satan taps into an, as yet, unrealised desire. He says to them:

  “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

  Genesis 3:5

  Here we have it. The whole sorry mess we find ourselves in today has its source in the desire for deity. The only way this can be achieved is rebellion. We attempt to oust God from his throne and take his place. We fail over and over because God refuses to countenance pretenders. Time and again we find ourselves brought to our knees. The wise among us continue to hold this posture and acknowledge God as king. Most attempt to stand and, despite having the stuffing knocked out of them, continue on their merry way.

  How then, do Human Rights affect our communities? Now we come to see the Domino Theory in action. First we had on view the idolatry of the ‘self-god’, Humanism. God sees this rebellion and initiates the ‘giving over’ process. We want to take control and assert our own values so God allows us our desires. As a result, we may conclude that, democracy has reached an unsustainable level. We vote for individuals and parties which reflect our godless preferences. Evidence of this is the decriminalisation of homosexual acts and abortion, no fault divorce and same sex marriage. All of these alterations to the social fabric have their source in the right to self-determination. We see the slippery slope in action. The idolatry of humanism is followed by communal values being eroded.

  With these observations we can conclude that the Apocalypse is upon us now. It began with the resurrection of Christ, it will be a designated event in the future and it falls upon all, in every era in history. The only difference is the level of intensity. The closer humanity moves toward the end of history, the greater the levels of idolatry and perversion.

  Chapter 20

  Adultery and the Apocalypse

  “You have heard it said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

  Matthew 5:27&28

  The word ‘adultery’ has long since departed our vocabulary. It sounds archaic, an expression used by those from a different era. We are more likely to say that someone ‘cheated’ on their partner. There are other more crude expressions which I won’t repeat. The expressions vary but they describe a breakdown in a relationship due to one of the parties engaging in sex outside of God prescribed boundaries.

  Whether we acknowledge it or not, marriage is indissoluble. This is because God intended that it be this way. When we read Scripture, it is clear that the act of sex joins two people together irrevocably precluding any other attachment. God regards this union of two individuals as a covenanted act. The breaking of this covenant is called adultery.

  According to Scripture, adultery is not restricted to the actual act alone. Jesus, in the above quote declared lust to be equally criminal. In fact, any sexual act outside the marriage of a man and his wife, including pornography is condemned.

  In the west, we have a more lenient attitude to sex outside marriage. Pornography is acceptable. Lust is so deeply embedded in our culture that to attempt to resist it is most likely to be regarded as unhealthy. Jesus has proved to be a reliable source of wisdom and insight but, surely, he goes too far in this regard? Is it really possible to obey this command to remain physically and mentally faithful to one’s spouse? And what has this to do with the Apocalypse?

  This situation is where we find ourselves today. More than 60% of all marriages will fail. I would hazard to guess that probably 100% of men and women are guilty of lust. Is this an issue that we should engage in? What is the point that I am attempting to make by presenting my thoughts about such a potentially thorny issue?

  What I will present to you is my belief that adultery has consequences. These consequences are profound and are not limited to the sphere of interpersonal relations. As previously observed, the foundations of the earth are shaken every time a man and woman separate and divorce. This trembling is a forewarning. It tells us that this state of affairs cannot continue. At some time in the future, the whole earth will quake, Jesus, the Son of God will return bringing with him judgement.

  Here is the connection to the Apocalypse.

  The word Apocalypse is not properly understood by many today. There seems to be a general understanding that the earth is heading towards some sort of crisis where whole populations will be threatened. Historic events such as World War 1, the Atom bombs dropped on Japan, the Cold War, and Revolutions which overthrew the existing order. All of these events must have seemed to those experiencing them to be portents of doom.

  We have experienced an increase in the number of disaster movies. Global Warming was the focus of The Day after Tomorrow. Earthquake and Tsunami featured in 2012, San Andreas and The Impossible. Rogue astral Bodies caused havoc in Armageddon and Deep Impact.

  Through these cultural presentations, we view individuals seemingly randomly perishing or surviving. There is an acknowledged understanding that the decisions humanity at large have made have contributed to and/or caused these disasters.

  What is missing from current thought is context. The overwhelming consensus is that death or survival is random. If anything, the randomness and lack of context imply that God could not possibly exist.

  For a greater understanding of the term Apocalypse, we look to Scripture. When we understand this term, context is found and randomness is dealt a definitive blow.

  There are a number of passages in the Bible which are described as apocalyptic. They can be found in Daniel 7–12, Joel and Isaiah. The most famous is the last book of the Bible, Revelation.

  The decades between the resurrection of Christ and the time of Christ’s Revelation to John were times of astounding growth for the church. Persecution was rife, yet it served to strengthen believers in their faith. Concurrently there was a level of uncertainty. The Church was prepared for the return of Christ to judge those who lived in rebellion. However, decades passed and no such appearance eventuated. It is thought that God provided this collection of visions and their accompanying interpretations to encourage the Churches to persevere despite whatever events may be encountered.

  What is common to all this literature, is that it reveals conflict. There is a battle going on in heaven and on earth. This batt
le is expressed through tyranny, chaos and persecution of God’s people. The literature has a purpose. It was written for God’s people, past, present and future. The future is secure.

  No matter what turmoil presents itself, the people of God can be confident that God will prevail and that history will record Christ’s triumph.

  There is no randomness. There is a perfect plan. It may seem confusing at times but the message provides God’s people with hope and a reason to persevere. This is because events have a context. The rebellion of Adam and Eve, and we their descendants has been dealt with. The adultery which permeates our culture has its source in the belief that individuals are in possession of self-direction. Independence and the right to the pursuit of happiness govern our interpersonal relationships. If my husband doesn’t make me happy, then I will seek another man. If he fails to satisfy, then I will find another. Because of this, our nations are in danger of social collapse.

  Chapter 21

  Leah: The Unloved Woman

  The prophecy will now be examined in greater detail. The first two scenarios presented, refer to events which are viewed to potentially lead to an unravelling of the social fabric. As proclaimed, the earth trembles. There are societal tremors when “a slave becomes a king”. Individuals without the necessary stewardship capacities are singled out. Government falls into the hands of those who do not deserve confidence. It may even be that civil unrest occurs.

  The second scenario, under which the earth trembles, is where “a fool is filled with food”. There is widespread self-indulgence and any attempt at self-discipline is usually lacking.

  The third scenario that the prophecy refers to is marriage. Sexual relationships are developed with little consideration as to the wisdom of such a commitment. Marriages are entered into with foolhardy laxity. As a result, they are experienced as a burden. Something to be borne stoically. Lovelessness is rampant. Stale duty, is the order of the day. As a result there is communal instability as the invisible spiritual tremors rock back and forth like an earthquake.

  Finally, the propensity for adultery increases. Marriage, as the bedrock of a stable society, fragments. We are brought closer to the day of the Apocalypse. The fourth aspect of the prophecy warns us that we are brought nearer to the end times. The earth cannot “bear up”. All the previous scenarios left us with a sense that there would be hope of a recovery of sorts. We are now confronted with the prospect of imminent social collapse. It has crept up upon us so slowly, yet inexorably, we are drawn into a situation where there may be no escape. We are speeding headlong into an abyss. When the ‘maidservant ...displaces her mistress’, when a man seeks out a woman who is not his wife, catastrophe follows.

  The words, ‘an unloved woman when she gets a husband,’ Proverbs 30:23, when viewed from the vantage point of other Scriptural references can now be analysed. The prophecy when translated from Hebrew is a useful method of understanding in greater depth the actual insights the prophet Agur had when he refers to an “unloved woman” (English Standard Version Bible) This woman according to other translations, is described as “hated”, “contemptible” and “odious”.

  Another woman who is so designated is Leah, the first wife of Jacob, who is ‘hated’.

  “When the Lord saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb, but Rachel was barren.”

  Genesis 29:31

  The same application is applied to Leah as to the subject of Agur’s prophecy. A class of women are in consideration here. They are ‘unloved’ and ‘hated’.

  What is the connection between Leah and the woman in Agur’s prophecy? The events surrounding the life of Jacob and his wives, Leah and Rachel, are thought to have occurred in 1750BC. It is helpful, therefore, to interpret the prophecy in the light of history. The wisdom of Agur reflects the values of the Israelites and their God.

  The story of Leah is a truly sad one. If we, as twenty first century women, hold to the same aspirations as women of the past, we can understand that Leah, like most women wants to be loved. As we read through her story, we are struck with the desperation she exhibits as she tries to win Jacob’s love by giving birth to one child after another. Each time she gives birth, her most ardent desire is that each child will change Jacob. That he will be struck by her faithfulness, and respond with love. The gift of children was a sign of blessing from God. In Leah’s mind, her continued fertility was a demonstration of God’s pleasure in her marriage to Jacob. Her husband however, had in mind fulfilment of his own desires rather than God’s.

  There are many women who have similar experiences. We marry or partner with men who, for some reason or other commit themselves to us. The initial decision, when examined, may be considered to be flawed. As a result, there is a wish to be freed from the entanglement. Some leave, others stay on and the years go by filled with resentment and coldness. Why is this the case? As presented formerly, the motivating force was not life-long unconditional love, but short lived erotic love.

  In the case of Leah and Jacob, the situation is different. There was deception in play. Jacob wanted to marry Rachel, the sister of Leah. Due to the deceit of their father, a marriage was established by the substitution of Leah, for her sister, Rachel. The end result was the same. Jacob poured out his love upon the barren Rachel and Leah was neglected. Despite this neglect, Leah was blessed as God ‘opened her womb’. Despite her lifelong sorrow, God through Leah’s six sons, contributed to the establishment of the tribes of Israel. One of her sons, Judah, was the ancestor of Jesus of Nazareth. The whole of humanity has received a blessing which Leah would never have imagined. So it must be for women now. The lives we live may be so far removed from what we dream of. However we can be sure of one thing. This is that through our lives we can influence the course of history. We move on now to the final section of the prophecy.

  “(the earth) cannot bear up: (when) a maidservant displaces her mistress.”

  Once more, we turn to Hebrew to guide us into more clarity as to what the prophet seeks to reveal. On this occasion, the words ‘maidservant’ (English Standard Version Bible), ‘handmaid’ (King James Version Bible), and ‘maidservant’ (Young’s Literal Translation) are the equivalent to שִׁפְחָ֗ה, transliterated as shiphchah.

  When we look, once more, at the domestic situation of Jacob and his wives, a heated battle is on show between Leah and Rachel. Each vying to secure their primacy through the bearing of sons. In Genesis 30:3, we read that Rachel’s desperation to bear children was so pronounced, that she insisted that Jacob have sex with her servant Bilhah. Rachel’s handmaid is designated אֲמָתִ֥, transliterated as amah. In verse 4 she is also represented by שִׁפְחָתָ֖ transliterated as shiphchah.

  When Leah fails to conceive after the many children she has already borne, she arranges for Zilpah, her servant שִׁפְחָתָ֖ transliterated as shiphchah, to bear more children as a surrogate.

  While each of these designations vary, they have one thing in common. Women who were in an inferior position are elevated to the position that is the preserve of a wife. They engage in sex with a married man. Leah and her sister compete for time in bed with Jacob. They recruit their serving women in an attempt to outdo each other. Arguments break out. Whether the wife is complicit or not, this elevation is not what God envisaged when he created the marriage covenant. The prophecy is brought to bear on this situation. Social instability is the result.

  Wherever adultery occurs, ‘the other woman’ must be viewed in relation to this prophecy. She may not be the handmaid to the wife, nor even her husband’s secretary or any other woman with whom a sexual relationship is taken up. Whatever sphere of life she is drawn from, her position is that of an inferior who has usurped the wife’s role. The wife must always be viewed as superior, her marriage has been solemnised in God’s sight, regardless as to whether she acknowledges it, and is irrevocable. Scripture makes it clear that whenever there is sex outside of marriage, disaster inevitably unfolds. The domestic catastrophe that was Jac
ob, Leah and Rachel’s bears this out.

  We now find ourselves with questions. How can our communities recover from these desperate circumstances? How do we live our lives having had this prophecy revealed to us? The next chapter will form an essential foundation for our lives. If we are able to accept this foundation, we will find that life is liveable despite the vision of the oncoming fire that will herald the end.

  Chapter 22

  The Curtain

  “And Jesus cried out again with aloud voice and yielded up his spirit. And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split.”

  Matthew 27:50&51

  Upon the death of Jesus of Nazareth on the cross, we are stuck by certain recorded events. They were recorded attests to the reader that they must be significant in some way. The witness who wrote these three sentences assumes that we will know what that significance is.

  We live in a time more than two thousand years later, in a different era and ignorant of the cultural and religious practices of these people. Certain questions arise. If Jesus of Nazareth was God, how and why did he die? What is the significance of the temple and the torn curtain? Why is it that the witness recorded the occurrence of an earthquake? And, what relevance does the fact that rocks were split?

  The first Temple was constructed during the reign of King David’s son Solomon in the fourth year of his reign. It was completed seven years later. Built in Jerusalem, it stood where The Dome of the Rock stands today. In 587 BC, it was looted and sacked by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon.

  The design of the Temple was closely modelled on that of the Tabernacle. The Tabernacle was a portable tent which accompanied the Israelites as they travelled to the Promised Land. It was a reminder that they were God’s chosen people. It defined their ultimate place in God’s plans.