Thank you to my mother-in-law Julie for the thorough recap of chapter 9 of our book study on the True Woman by Susan Hunt. Come glean from a wise older woman whether you’re reading along with us or not! You may review all previous chapters here.
In chapter nine of her book “The True Woman”, Susan Hunt continues to highlight the virtues of biblical womanhood by focusing on “domesticity”, which refers to a devotion to home life. This pertains to the family or household.
She begins by encouraging us not to compare ourselves to the world’s view of domesticity, the shallowness of bug-free roses and stenciled lunch bags. There is nothing wrong with these things but we can’t stop there. We must press on to the biblical perspective of this concept which is applicable to woman in all situations of life whether single or married.
Domesticity Defined
I love the way Susan Hunt defines what the foundation of true domesticity really is. Although our home reflects the virtues of domesticity, it is not the primary focus; it begins in our heart. Jesus said it best “Do not let your hearts be troubled…In my Father’s house are many rooms…I am going there to prepare a place for you” (John 14:1-2). Our redeemed, quieted hearts should ultimately be focused on our heavenly home. But until we leave this temporary earthly home our task is to prepare a place on earth that depicts our heavenly home, a place where troubled hearts find rest and safety. The home we create is rooted in our theology, or understanding of who God is.
Because of the woman’s helper design she will be drawn, with wisdom and beauty, to connect people together in family and cultivate community. “The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down” (Proverbs 14:1). She is not just building a physical house but “It is the building of loving, caring relationships in the home and church. This virtue is tied to wisdom-that way of thinking about and reacting to life’s experiences that reflects the teaching of a personal God who is holy, righteous and just and who expects those living in covenant relationship with Him to reflect his character in the practical affairs of life.” (pg. 187).
We read again the thoughts of the Puritans (who are quickly becoming some of my favorite people in history) on this subject. John Angell James a nineteenth-century preacher writes “And it is clear to me, that woman’s is a domestic mission, which is to affect society through the medium of family influence. As she fills up her place with wisdom and propriety, so will she promote the well being of the community. Nor is it society only, but the Church of Christ, that is concerned in, and promoted by, the female character.”
Domesticity Described
Proverbs 31 describes a virtuous woman and her domestic deeds. Susan Hunt singles out one intriguing verse from the chapter. “When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet” (vs. 21). The word “snow” is used in two ways in scripture, referring to judgment, with leprosy described as being white as snow (Exodus 4:6, Numbers 12:10, 2 Kings 5:27) and also in reference to cleansing as in Psalm 51:7 “Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow”.
The word scarlet is associated with luxury (2 Samuel 1:24, Exodus 26:1,3; 28:5-8,33) and purification ceremonies symbolizing blood (Lev. 14:4,6,49,52). The word clothed is used in reference to our salvation (Isaiah 61:10, Gal. 3:26-27).
Susan Hunt makes the connection between Prov. 31:12 and the above references.
“In these passages we see that we are under judgment, but God makes provision for our cleansing through the blood of Christ. He then clothes us with the luxurious, pristine righteousness of Christ. So perhaps domesticity goes beyond the provision for warm clothes during bad weather. It includes that kind of caring, but it is more. The woman with this virtue does not fear the judgment for her family because they have been cleansed and clothed by the blood of the Savior.”
What an awesomely beautiful task! As women we have been given the responsibility to prepare our family not just for the first snow fall of the season but for the judgment seat of God.
Radical Rahab
The story of the woman Rahab, from the book of Joshua, is chosen as the unlikely Queen of Domesticity. She is the harlot whom God providentially guided the spies to, in order to hide them from the men of Jericho. The knowledge and fear of the Israelites and their powerful God had preceded them in order to give Rahab the decisiveness to take steps of faith by hiding them from their pursuers. In return she asked for kindness to be shown to her and her family when the people of Israel returned to conquer the city of Jericho. This God of Israel also had a reputation of kindness. Unlike her family which had probably long ago rejected her and her life style. The men agreed to spare her and her families life if they would all be under her roof and hang a scarlet cord from her window, a symbol of redemption. After her people had been destroyed Rahab lives amongst the people of Israel and is even mentioned in the New Testament as being in the lineage of Jesus himself!
Susan Hunt uses Rahab’s life as an example of a woman who clothed her family in scarlet. We have a few things to learn from her. First, we must cast ourselves on the mercy of the Lord, no matter what sinful lifestyle we’ve been involved in. Second, we must live a life of radical faith before our family, whether we are married or not. Third, we must understand and embrace God’s covenant promises to families, shown in Gen. 17:7, Psalm 102:28, and Psalm 78:5-7. Fourth, we must identify ourselves with the people of God and feel at home with them. And fifth, we or our unsaved family are never too far to be touched by grace.
Devoted Dorcas
A more traditional expression of domesticity is taken from the book of Acts. Dorcas was first and foremost a disciple of Jesus Christ. She loved God and His people and the poor. She didn’t have a highly visible ministry. She was a woman who quietly went about taking meals to the sick, helping the poor, and making clothes for the widows. She built the Lord’s house by making it feel like home for His people. Her ministry demanded stamina, discipline, sensitivity, and love. Imagine the hole that was left when she died! The people were so distressed that they sent for Peter who came and prayed for her and life returned to her body! (Acts 9) God had a purpose in Dorcas’s life and death. How the church must have been strengthened and encouraged to receive back this wise woman who built the Lord’s house through caring for people in such ordinary ways.
In Summary
“When a woman is gripped by the perspective that heaven is our home, she will sacrificially care for her own family and the family of God. She will do all she can to put them under the protective, cleansing blood of Jesus. Then she will make home a place where family loves to gather, where troubled hearts find safety. She will make home a place that reflects her heavenly home. “
“Through wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.” (Proverbs 24:3-4).
“…When we radically embrace the Gospel, we will be devoted to caring for God’s people. For the wife and mother, this begins at home. For all of us, it includes the church. When home and church are safe, homey places, this domestic influence is felt in society.”
Discussion Questions:
1. How can we make our homes more homey places? A place that reflects the heavenly home?
Christa,
I had to chuckle when I read your comment about “I should have been a boy”. In the past, that thought came to my mind often, especially being born into a family with so many daughters. There was so much competition between us I don’t think it was a compliment to my femininity. I am so thankful that the Lord knew exactly what he was doing when I was born a female and how He has renewed my mind (and continues to renew it) over the years. How blessed we are to have a family and church culture which esteems our gender and encourages the important influence woman have through the home (whether it’s your husband’s or your father’s) to the life of the church, and ultimately on the culture in which we live.
What an excellent summary! That really encouraged me. I was thinking, while in a slump, that I should have been a boy- but I am again reminded of the beautiful position we fulfill!