This volume examines the twelve women in the Old Testament, exploring their lives more deeply in the historical context, and to grasp what these stories can mean to women today. The few popular Bible stories about women are often presented in black and white -- the women were good or bad, Ruth or Jezebel. But in reality, most of us fall somewhere in between these two extremes.

Life for women during biblical times -- Liars, lawbreakers, and lovers -- A woman with a plan : Rebekah -- The hooker with a heart of gold : Rahab -- Tricks and tryst? : Delilah -- The girl next door : Ruth -- Not a ghost of a chance : the witch of Endor -- The menace beneath the mascara : Jezebel -- Victims, volunteers, and vindicators -- Baby, you owe me : the widow Tamar -- Big sister is watching : Miriam -- No man's lamb : Bathsheba -- One sick brother : Tamar, sister of Absalom -- A womb with a view : the Shunammite woman -- Dirty old men : Susanna.