ally from a womans point of view, was not considered as a factor in marriage. The women were expected to comply and marry the man who chose them without complaint. In the book of Genesis, Abram sends a servant to fetch a wife for his son, Isaac, in order to console him following his mothers death. To my land and to my birthplace you shall go, and you shall take a wife for my son, for Isaac (Genesis 24:4, p113). The servant then follows his instructions and travels to Abrams homeland, finding Rebekah and bringing her home to Isaac. And he loved her, and Isaac was consoled after his mothers death (Genesis 24:67, p123). A wife-seeking mission such as this was considered normal, and was often done, in the name of God- Take [Rebekah] and go and let her be the wife of your master's son as the LORD has spoken" (Genesis 24:51-52, p120). An ancient womans principal function in life was to supplement the life of her husband, ensuring that his every need was met. Because men were usually out of the home completing their own duties (in the case of the Greeks, fighting; in the Bible, working), women were expected to maintain the well being of the family, as both wives and as mothers. As a wife, a woman was expected to serve her husband however he desired, which meant remaining constantly sexually available. As a mother, she had to provide a loving and nurturing environment for her children. Wives had the responsibility of doing various tasks around the home like making bread, making clothing, and cleaning. Any time her husband wanted something, a woman was expected to do it promptly, without question. Abraham hurried to the tent to Sarah and he said Hurry! Knead three seahs of choice flour and make loaves (Genesis 18:4, p78).As a big part of meeting her husbands needs, women were expected to bear children. Having children was crucial during ancient times; it was considered to be very important that a woman be able to give children to...
