The First Prophetess in Scripture: Sarah

The Bible records numerous women as prophetesses, but who was the first? Sarah, Abraham's wife, is recognized as the first female prophetess in Jewish scripture. This title carries significant weight, as it denotes her as one of El'ohim's appointed representatives.

Abraham and Sarah's Prophetic Appointment

Technically speaking, the term 'prophet' in its truest form involves receiving divine messages from El'ohim. In the case of Sarah, she received her appointment as a prophetess through the renaming of Abraham and herself by El'ohim. This name change was not merely a formal title change; it elevated Sarah to a position of honor and responsibility. As the author of Abraham's activities and the matriarch of the family, her leadership was crucial, especially following her death when Isaac married Rebekah.

Rebekah, like Sarah before her, took up the mantle of recording and preserving the family's history. This explains the detailed accounts of Jacob's blessing from Isaac, which would have been recorded by Rebekah. In this sense, Rebekah succeeded Sarah as the matriarchal head of the family, continuing the divine responsibilities passed down from El'ohim through Sarah.

Women in the Bible: A Patriarchal Perspective

It is worth noting that the Bible, being a male-centric document, often refers to women by their husbands' names or in generic terms. Examples include 'Jepthah's daughter' or 'Lot's wife and daughters.' These naming conventions minimized the individuality and contributions of women throughout biblical history.

This patriarchal perspective can make identifying prominent female figures challenging. Still, there are exceptions, such as Mary and Elizabeth, who are mentioned for their roles in bearing divine messengers—Jesus and John the Baptist, respectively. Their significance is due to their capability to facilitate the divine mission rather than their own prophetic status.

One could argue that the Bible is largely a 'sausage fest,' with a predominance of male figures and narratives. Yet, the recognition of Sarah and other women as prophetesses is a testament to the continued gendered challenges in biblical interpretation and representation.

The Role of Female Divine Prophets

It is important to note that while Sarah and other named women are often recognized as prophetesses, there is no female divine prophet in the biblical records. The conception of Jesus as the Divine Messenger and prophet for his people is associated with his mother, Mary, and his role as a divine figure rather than a prophet in the traditional sense.

Overall, the recognition of Sarah as the first prophetess in scriptural history highlights the importance of reevaluating and acknowledging the contributions of women in religious and historical contexts. This can lead to a more inclusive and enriching understanding of biblical narratives and the role of women in these narratives.