In this article I suggest that an additional reading of the book of Esther sees that work as a subversive sequel to the Capable Wife lauded in Proverbs 31:10–31. Through a comparison of words taken from each of the Proverbs verses, I explain how the redacted version of Esther mines and undermines the earlier work, subtly making fun of such an idealized figure.
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CrawfordS. W. [S. A. White]. 2012. “Esther” Pp. 201–07 in Women's Bible Commentary, 3rd ed., edited by NewsomCarol A., RingeSharon H., & LapsleyJacqueline E.Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox.
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FoxM. V.2009. Proverbs 10–31: A New Translation. AB18b. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press.
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GrossmanJ.2011. Esther: The Outer Narrative and the Hidden Reading. Siphrut 6. Winona Lake, IN: Eisenbrauns.
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KlitsnerJ.2009. Subversive Sequels in the Bible: How Biblical Stories Mine and Undermine Each Other. Philadelphia, PA: Jewish Publication Society.
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KrygierRivon. 2003. “The Silent Redemption: The Secret of the Scroll of Esther.”Conservative Judaism55/2 (Winter 2003): 49–62.
11.
KwonJiSeong J.2012. “Wisdom Incarnate?: Identity and Role of לׁיח־תשא (‘the Valiant Woman’) in Proverbs 31:10–31.”Journal for the Evangelical Study of the Old Testament1/2: 167–88.
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LaffeyAlice L.1988. An Introduction to the Old Testament: A Feminist Perspective.Philadelphia, PA: Fortress.
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LevensonJ. D.1997. Esther: A Commentary. OTL. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox.
14.
MaggayM. P.2002. “Esther.” Pp. 268–70 in The IVP Women's Bible Commentary, edited by KroegerCatherine Clark & EvansMary J., Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
15.
MooreC. A.1971. Esther. Anchor Bible. Garden City, NY: Doubleday.
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WaltkeB. K.2005. The Book of Proverbs Chapters 15–31.NICOT Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.
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WhiteS. A. [S. W. Crawford]. 1989. “Esther: A Feminine Model for Jewish Diaspora” Pp. 161–77 in Gender and Difference in Ancient Israel, edited by DayPeggy L.Minneapolis, MN; Fortress, 1989.
21.
YoderC. R.2012. “Proverbs.” Pp. 232–42 in Women's Bible Commentary, 3 ed. edited by NewsomCarol A., RingeSharon H., & LapsleyJacqueline E.Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox.
