Sexism or symbolism?

When husband and wife mean something else.

Welcome to the Daily Bible Chapter. My name is James Leroy Wilson and I invite you to join me as I attempt to read the Bible with fresh eyes, as if I don't know anything about it, and without consulting experts on what it "really" means.. Let's see where this takes us! 

I'm reading Young's Literal Translation (YLT) and the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV).

Numbers 28 and 29

More about festivals and sacrifices. This LORD, who hovers over Israel in a pillar of cloud/fire, is awfully particular. Quite unlike the metaphorical LORD representing the higher self. 

Numbers 30

The LORD says a man can overrule a vow made by his daughter or wife, seemingly for the woman's own protection.

In one sense, this is both patriarchal and paternalistic. Patriarchal, because women have fewer freedoms and rights. Paternalistic, because it belittles the idea that women are capable of volition or an independent will.

There is, however, another way to look at it. The idea I'm suggesting isn't new. The works of Neville Goddard, particularly Feeling is the Secret, is most directly influencing my thinking, but I think others have put it forward as well.

The father/husband represents our masculine side, and the woman our feminine side. The masculine is active and thinking, but also somewhat detached. The feminine is passive and feeling, not just emotionally but physically. These aren't descriptions of actual men and women. I'm not saying men are rational and women are sensitive. All of us are both.

What the masculine side is more likely to see is the big picture in both space and time. The feminine side is more observant of the immediate surroundings. An impulsive decision is feminine. The role of the masculine is to review and perhaps overrule such choices. The masculine will "think about it."

Numbers 30 could thus be interpreted, not as a law for society, but as self-command. Be mindful. Let reason overrule momentary passion.

James Leroy Wilson writes Daily Miracles, The Daily Bible Chapter, JL Cells, and The MVP Chase. Thanks for your subscriptions and support!

(Photo credit: TyshkunVictor)