Leadership Re-appropriated for 21st - century Women: A Reading of Deuteronomy 17:15–20

Abstract

This article explores the Ancient Near East and Deuteronomy 17:15–20 from a feminist perspective in order to reappropriate the patriarchal recollections of failed male leadership and attempts to invertedly stifle female leadership. If one considers the aforementioned text by reflecting on its context, there is also an obligation to bear in mind gender sensitivities, feminism and complexity of the 21st century, but more importantly one needs to move beyond this toward the inclusiveness of women by the reappropriation of such texts (both from the Ancient Near East and Deuteronomy 17:15–20). Using a feminist lens, a combination of the sociological-historical and critical method will assist the reader in juxtaposing and navigating these two complex contexts. Literature relating to Hebrew culture predominately reinforces the status of male leadership to highlight their society’s need for strong leaders. However, seldom was female leadership considered a viable alternative or what, if any, the shortcomings of such leaders might be. However, if 21st-century women are to reappropriate Deuteronomy 17 in order to prioritise female leadership, various levels of society could stand to benefit. Women leadership, if given a chance, has the potential to edify people’s legal and political status.