In all the years I’ve studied the Bible, I don’t ever remember noticing Timna. It’s not surprising since her name always appears in a long list of genealogies — you know the lists of strange-sounding names which we like to skip over when we’re reading through the Bible.
Actually, Timna’s name appears six times in two books of the Bible — one being almost a mirror image of the other.
Genesis 36 details the descendants of Esau, father of the Edomites. Within the list, Timna is mentioned three times (vv. 12, 22, 40). The references stand out in a list of mostly males — typical in that highly patriarchal culture where men were valued far above women who had few rights, little value, and no voice. The similar genealogical list in 1 Chronicles 1 makes nearly identical references to Timna (vv. 36, 39, 51).
In both lists she is noted as being the sister of Lotan — as if her value came from association with her male sibling. That was super common in that culture.
But them — SHOCKING! — she is listed as one of the “chiefs” of the Edomites — the only female so noted (Genesis 36:40 and 1 Chronicles 1:51).
Once Timna is noticed, it’s hard to miss that the scriptures call special attention to her, most likely because, in that male-dominated world, she, a female, was one of the CHIEFS of the renowned Edomites, and perhaps because the Holy Spirit who guided the authors of Scripture, wanted to inform all of us readers that God has also given women great gifts and abilities to lead and that He was putting a subtle stamp of approval on that feminine role.
This leading lady was brought to my attention today by Randall Arthur, a best-selling Christian novelist who lives in Atlanta and has become my friend through our mutual interest in writing about the Bible’s teachings regarding women pastors. Randy has written a number of outstanding novels (I’m reading my second now), the latest being “Quiet Roar.” I was so impressed that I wrote the following amazon review describing the plot: “A gorgeous lady pastor is imposed on a Georgia evangelical church and all hell breaks loose.” I highly recommend it. Gloria also read it and thought it was great.
I told Randy that I was embarrassed to have never noticed Timna before despite the multiple references to her and her unusual position in a culture where men ruled. I told him I feel like a kitten whose eyes have been opened because for 40+ years I read the Bible through the lens of patriarchal bias. My faulty exegesis blinded my eyes to how often the scriptures identify great women leaders — in Israel and in the church. My book (“Should Women Be Pastors and Leaders In Church?” describes my journey of discovery of what the Bible actually teaches on the topic).
When I get to heaven, I may need to apologize to Timna for overlooking her for so long. Perhaps this post is a step toward redemption.
