Abstract

Most Israelite women, like most Israelite men, lived in agrarian settlements. ¹ Their daily lives took place in the family household, which was the smallest and most numerous unit of Israelite society. All the basic functions of everyday life, especially economic ones but also religious, social, and even political ones, played out in the activities and interactions of the household members. In addition, some women had societal roles that transcended their households and served the larger community.