Telling Terror in Judges 19: Rape and Reparation for the Levite's wife

Telling Terror in Judges 19 explores the value of performing a 'reparative reading' of the Levites pilegesh story to address elements of modern rape culture. It surveys traditional commentators and feminist critics, offering a reparative reading that emphasizes the woman's prominence, moral agency, and speaking voice.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 100 pages
Publication date: 13 June 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Telling Terror in Judges 19 delves into the significance of conducting a 'reparative reading' of the terrifying narrative of the Levites' concubine, commonly known as the Levites pilegesh, found in Judges 19. By employing this approach, we can shed light on the relevance of this ancient story to contemporary issues surrounding rape culture. Traditionally, the tale has been employed as a moralistic cautionary tale aimed at educating young women about appropriate conduct. However, in recent times, primarily male commentators have tended to erase the woman's presence from the story, attributing purposes and themes that do not align with her suffering. In response to this, feminist critics have made valiant efforts to reintegrate the woman into the narrative, employing a hermeneutics of suspicion.

This book commences by examining the perspectives of several traditional commentators, as well as the three prominent feminist scholars of the text: Bal, Exum, and Trible. Subsequently, it presents a reparative reading that focuses on the concubine's surprising prominence, her moral agency, and her vocal presence. In the concluding chapter, the story is closely compared with elements of modern rape culture, providing a comprehensive analysis of its enduring relevance.

Through this exploration, Telling Terror in Judges 19 offers a thought-provoking examination of the power of storytelling and the importance of recognizing the voices of marginalized individuals. It serves as a reminder that the narratives we construct and the ways in which we interpret them can have profound implications for our understanding of gender, power, and justice.

Weight: 190g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032337067