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This article is from Today's
Native Father, issue #132, March/April, 2004. Related articles from this issue: |
A Look at Two Biblical Mothers A letter to mothers by Ilva Hertzler |
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Dear Moms, Mothers mentioned in the Bible have taught me a lot. But there was one mother who instructed her daughter in a most wicked way, which led to the murder of a righteous man. Her name was Herodias. Herodias was living with Herod, a wicked king, although she was legally married to his brother Philip. John the Baptist had been telling Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” Herod wanted to kill John for telling him that, but he was afraid of the people because they considered John a prophet. Herod did have the nerve to put John in prison. At Herod’s birthday party, Salome the daughter of Herodias danced for him. This dance would have been a very sensual, lewd performance. It pleased Herod so much that he promised to give her anything she asked. No doubt he was quite drunk at the time! Herodias anticipated this promise and had everything planned. Salome had already been prompted by her mother to say, “Give me the head of John the Baptist on a platter!” Herod was backed into a corner because of the promise he had made in front of his party guests. He felt he had no choice but to order John beheaded. Salome took the head and gave it to her mother. Here is a mother/daughter duo conniving together in a plan so bloody, so murderous, that it defies belief. In contrast, the Bible tells the story of Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth. Because of famine in her country, Naomi’s family needed to move to a neighbouring country. There her husband and two sons died. When Naomi decided to move back home, her daughter-in-law Ruth came with her. Ruth was devoted to Naomi and worked hard in her adopted homeland to provide for her mother-in-law. Naomi gave Ruth instructions how to relate to her people and even how to let Boaz, a kind and prosperous farmer, know that she was available for marriage. Naomi eventually became the great-grandmother of King David. This happened because of the loving relationship with her daughter-in-law. Naomi was wise and Ruth was obedient and honoured her mother-in-law. It is a lovely story. What a contrast between Herodias and Naomi! What made them so different? Why was Herodias such a sensual, angry, murderous woman, out to get what she wanted and using her daughter to get it. Why was Naomi such a godly woman with wisdom, integrity and faith in God. Both of these women passed on their personal qualities to their daughters. As I observe our society today, I see many women living in the spirit of Herodias. With no shame they use their bodies for evil purposes, both publicly and privately. We see them on TV, magazines, billboards and the Internet. They flaunt their indecent and sexual lifestyles. Sometimes murder goes with the lifestyle. If not physical death, spiritual or emotional death certainly occurs. Often the daughters follow in their steps. What a heritage! I thank God for the mothers who are walking in the steps of Naomi, who not only teach but also live a life of purity and reverence before the Lord. I see those who clothe their bodies modestly, who present themselves as “instruments of righteousness.” They know the power they have as women and are careful to use it discreetly. It is a blessing to see their daughters following their example. Naomi means “pleasant.” It is my desire to imitate her example of godly living. Ilva |
