Salome - Her Life And Times

Salome - Her Life And Times

Salome - HER LIFE AND TIMES

MOTHERING

In biblical times, when a man married, he gained another possession. Every wife was under her husband’s absolute authority. When a man decided “to marry a wife,” the meaning of the phrase was closer to “become the master of a wife.” But even though a woman’s position in the household was one of subservience to her husband, she was still in a higher position than anyone else in the household.

A woman’s principal duty was to produce a family, preferably sons, who could ensure the family’s physical and financial future. Mothers generally nursed their youngsters until they were about three years old. During that time, husbands and wives did not usually engage in sexual intercourse, a natural form of birth control that gave the mother time to devote herself to her youngest child.

Mothers had total care of their children, both sons and daughters, until they were about six years old. The children helped their mother with household tasks, and she taught them basic lessons on living in their culture. After six years of age, most boys became the family shepherd or began to spend the day with their father, learning the family business. David, as the youngest son, took care of his family’s sheep and goats (1 Samuel 16:11), and Jesus probably spent time with his father, Joseph, learning his carpentry trade (Mark 6:3). Daughters stayed with their mothers throughout their growing-up years. Mothers taught them spinning and weaving and cooking, as well as how to behave and what to expect in their future roles as wives and mothers.

Gradually the role of mothers came to include activities like those described in Proverbs 31.Throughout Scripture, the role of mothering is given dignity and significance, so much so that God describes his love for us in terms of mothering. “As a mother comforts her child, so will I [the LORD] comfort you” (Isaiah 66:13). Paul describes his care for the Thessalonians as the care of a mother for her children: “We were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children” (1 Thessalonians 2:7).

When you find yourself lost in the chaos and clutter of caring for young children, remember the important part you play in keeping their world safe and happy. When you find yourself buried in the mess and muddle of raising elementary school children, remember how much they rely on you for their security. When you find yourself struggling with the disaster and disarray of raising teenagers, remember how much you love them and how much they need you to believe in them. Never forget: If you have children, they are one of your greatest legacies.