Aishet chayel

The Woman of valor

By Deborah Brandt

 

This teaching is dedicated to all of those Woman of Valor/Aishet Chayel who are answering Gods call like the woman of old who preceeded them.   God has anointed us and called us to be wives, mothers, intercessors and ministers in the Body of Messiah, I hope this teaching blesses you as it has blessed me.

 

The basis of Jewish social life is the family, and the Talmud is ever watchful to conserve its purity and stability.  Recognizing the all important place which a woman occupies in the life of the family, it accords to her a most dignified position.  Especially when her lot among the other contemporary people is taken into account.  The honor which is paid to woman by the Talmud offers a striking contrast.  In no way is she looked upon as being inferior to man, her sphere of activity is different from man’s, but of no less significance to the welfare of the community[1]

 

Rev. Martha Looper  says the following in her article “What Woman Can Be and Do is Revealed By God’s Call on the life of Biblical Woman”. “In the Hebrew Scriptures, there is not the slightest bent that God ever discriminated against woman.  Indeed, the Holy Scriptures themselves are the most powerful witness to God’s opportunities and giving nature and supernatural enpowerment to woman for a virtual unending and limitless range of ministries and works of service to God and man.”  She goes on to say “ The truth is that gender bias in the Church has always been rooted in the Philosophy of the Greco-Roman World, not in Holy Scripture or in the Jewish tradition.  God is absolutely consistent throughout the Tanakh and Brit Hadasha in His dealing with woman.  Far from being less then men, they are equal with men

 

*  In creation, they are equel

*  In salvation they are equal

*  In Gods gifts and graces they are equal

*  There is also an equality in proclamation so that all woman dedicated to God and his service can be used where   needed in ministry, administration, or leadership. 

 

However, womans greatest arena of ministry can and should be their own home and children.”[2]

 

It is in the  homes of these  “ Aishet  chayel”/ Woman of Valor that future Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastor and Teachers and workers of the ministry of Yeshua Ha Mashiach/Jesus the Messiah are being raised to reach the lost for the Kingdom of God.

 

Dr. Howard Morgan in his article “Woman In Ministry, Anointed for Service, Robbed of Opportunity”  says the following.   “The position of woman in ministry has for many centuries been troubling to much of the Church.  However, as we go back to our Jewish Roots, we discover that the true faith of Abraham provides both anointing and opportunity for woman to fulfill their callings in the Kingdom of God.   As the church departed from her Jewish Roots, she lost her understanding of the Kingdom of  God and adopted the pagan understanding of “gentile authority” which Yeshua/Jesus warned us against and prohibited His disciples from emulating.  This kind of authority by its nature is oppressive and repressive.  It seeks to keep in power and authority those who by virtue  of their military strength, political standing, or financial resources have acquired dominent position in society.  The Kingdom of God, as it is revealed in the Jewish Scriptures, is built, upon an entirely different structure.  The greatest in the Kingdom of God are those who serve Matthew 23:11.[3]

 

Dr. John Garr of Restore Ministries says this in his article “ The Biblical Woman, Lessons for Today’s Church from its Hebraic Heritage”  “After two millennia as a new era downed, much of Israel had been influenced by Hellenisms misogyny so that woman were often denied equal opportunity before God.  Woman’s freedom to minister before God was gradually withdrawn in Second Temple Judasim.  Though there material rights were protected by the edicts of Halahcha rendered by the sages, woman found themselves more and more restricted to home and in increasingly subservient relationships to father and husband.  The coming of Yeshua brought a reformation of restoration to the original intents of the Torah.  Yeshua elevated woman to equality with men, so that they could sit among the Talmudism (disciples) “at his feet” and be covered with the dust of their Rabbi and Lord.”

 

He goes on to say “Though some Christian Theologians of subsequent centuries have suggested that it is not fitting and proper that a woman should “carry the Word of God” He (God) arranged it so that one woman carried The Word for nine months before anyone else saw Him!  Then in another twist of irony, he also provided that the first evangelist to proclaim the good news of the resurrection was a woman, and a redeemed prostitute at that!

 

Paul encapsulated the Messiahs position regarding woman in Christian/Messianic service.  “There is….neither male nor female, for ye are all on in Messiah Yeshua/Christ Jesus.  And if ye be Messiahs/Christ then are ye…..heirs according to the promise.” Galatians 3:28.  Men and Woman share equal rights to inherit the promises, blessings, annointings and appointments of Gods Kingdom.  “lech l’cah” “Get up and go” and purpose in our hearts to leave Babylons Gentile Traditions and go to Yerushalyim (Jerusalem) where there is freedom and equality for men and woman in the biblical Hebraic Heritage of our faith”[4]

 

Now that you have been encouraged by those words begin to study “Aishet Chayel- The Woman of Valor” and go forth in the anointing and calling God has placed upon you.    Baruch Ha Shem Adonai!

 

Aishet Chayel – Handmaiden of the Lord

 

 

Strong's Greek Number 3814

 

Greek word: paidiske pahee-dis'-kay

Root: from diminutive of 3816

Cross Reference: Omitted,omitted

Part of Speech: n f

Vine's Word(s): Bondman, Bondmaid, Damsel, Maid, Maiden, Maidservant

Usage Notes:

KJV - damsel 4

    - bondwomen 4

    - maid 3

    - maiden 1

    - bondmaid 1 [Total Count: 13]

 

1) a young girl, damsel

2) a maid-servant, a young female slaveEnglish Words: Bondman, Bondmaid

 

Usage Number: 1

Strong's Number: 1401

Greek Word: doulos

Usage Notes: from deo, "to bind," "a slave," originally the lowest term in the scale of servitude, came also to mean "one who gives himself up to the will of another," e.g., 1Cor. 7:23; Rom. 6:17, 20, and became the most common and general word for "servant," as in Matt. 8:9, without any idea of bondage. In calling himself, however, a "bondslave of Jesus Christ," e.g., Rom. 1:1, the Apostle Paul intimates (1) that he had been formerly a "bondslave" of Satan, and (2) that, having been bought by Christ, he was now a willing slave, bound to his new Master.   

 

2a) a maid servant who has charge of the door

 

God is raising up Aishet-Chayel/Woman of Valor as His  handmaidens in these last days to be vessels for His glory.

 

Luke 1:26-56 – Marium/Mary yielded herself totally to Gods will for her life as His Handmaiden, to be the vessel for His glory to be the mother of the Messiah God Son Yeshua.

 

Luke 1:30-38

30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.

31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. (Yeshua)

32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?

35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

36 And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.

37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.

38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.(emphasize mine).

 

Jeremiah 18:2-4

2 Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words.

3 Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels.

4 And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it.

 

His Vessel, How can we be Gods handmaidens to glorify God?  When a vessel was marred it was not thrown away.  The clay was crushed together and returned to the wheel and the work begun again.  This continued until the clay took on the shape the potter intended.  By becoming clay in the Potters hands, we become vessels for His glory.   God is not looking for ability, but for availability and then He will give you the ability and all the glory will go to Him.

 

Charecteristics of Gods Aishet Chayel:

 

Proverbs 31:10-31 – Dakes Bible Notes lists the following Charecteristics of His Woman of Valor

 

  1. Morally perfect V.10
  2. Invaluable V.10
  3. Trustworthy V11
  4. Inherently good and true V.12
  5. Ingenious, proficient V.13
  6. Thrifty – laborious – V.14
  7. Dutiful – considerate V.15
  8. Versatile-judicious V.16
  9. Tireless-healthy V.17
  10. Joyful-efficient V.18
  11. Watchful –cautious V.19
  12. Skillfull-Thrifty V.19
  13. Charitable-benevolent V.20
  14. Generous & merciful V.20
  15. Fearless – provident V.21
  16. Clever at decorating & furnishing
  17. Refined in taste V.23
  18. Respected –popular V.23
  19. Industrious –prosperous V.24
  20. Dependable – honest V.25
  21. Confident –hopeful V.25
  22. Wise –discreet V.26
  23. Kind-Understanding V.26
  24. Prudent-Practical V.27
  25. Energetic-everactive V.27
  26. An ideal wife and mother V.28
  27. Honored by her family V.27-28
  28. Excels in Virtue – V.28
  29. God fearing – humble V.30
  30. Deserving-successful V.31
  31. Honored by public V.31

 

The  Amplified Bible has the following note[5]

 

It is most unfortunate that this description of Gods ideal woman is usually confined in readers minds merely to its literal sense, her ability as a homemaker, as in the picture of Martha of Bethany in Luke 10:38-42, but it is obvious that far more than that is meant.  When the summary of what makes her value far above rubies is given (Proverbs 31:30) it is her spiritual life only that is mentioned.  One can almost hear the voice of Yeshua/Jesus saying “Mary has chosen the good portion….which shall not be taken away from her”.  Many daughters have done…..nobley and well…..but you excel them all”  What s glowing discription here recorded of this woman in private life, this capable intelligent, and virtuous woman of Proverbs 31.  It means she had done more than Miriam the one who led a nations woman in praise to God (Ex. 15:20-21) Deborah, the patriotic military advisor (Judges 4:4-10), Ruth the woman of constancy (Ruth 1:16), Hannah, the ideal mother (1 Sam. 1:20), the Shunamite, the hospital woman (11 Kings 4:8-10), Huldah, the woman who revealed Gods secret message to national leaders (11 Kings 22:14) and even more then Queen Ester, the woman risked sacrificing her life for her people (Ester 4:16).  In what way did she excel them all?  In her spiritual and practical devotion to God, which permeated every area and relationship of her life.  All seven of the Christian virtues (11 Peter 1:5) are there, like colored threads in a tapestery.  Her secret which is open to everyone, is the Holy Spirits climax to the story and to this book.  In Proverbs 31:30 it becomes clear that the “reverant and worshipful fear of the Lord” whishis the beginning (the chief & choice part of Wisdom (Prov. 9:10) is put forth as the true foundation for a life which is valued by God and her husband as “far above rubies or pearls”  (Prov. 31:10)

 

So Gods Woman of Valor is one who has a strong spiritual life, which includes Praise & Worship, devotion to God, Intercession and one who is Spirit led and Spirit fed by the Word of God.

 

Crowning Qualities of Gods Aishet Chayel

 

1 Samual 1:10-15 – Hannah, a woman of prayer, poured out her heart to God.  A woman of faith who kept her word.

 

Ester 4:10-17 – Ester a woman of courage, God gives you the strength to do what He has called you to do.  He has strategically placed you were you are for this very hour for his glory.

 

Luke 1:30,38,46 – Mary, and obedient faith, submissive to Gods will.  Are we willing to submit and say to the Lord “Be it unto me according to your word, behold I am the Lords Handmaiden?”

 

Luke 2:36 –37 – Anna, a Prophetess and Intercessor.  Hebrew name Hannebiah – a woman who prophesys.  God is looking for more Hannebiah’s, are we willing to be his vessel in this way?

 

Luke 10:39-42 – Mary & Martha.    One was hungry for the word, the other a good hostess with her priorities mixed up, do we want to be like Mary and sit at the Masters feet?

 

Acts 16:14 – Lydia, Industrious and creative a businesswoman.  Has God called you to be His businesswoman to bring finances in to the Kingdom of God?

 

 Gods Aishet Chayel  is one who is modest

 

English Word: Modest

Usage Number: 1

Strong's Number: 2887

Greek Word: kosmios

Usage Notes: "orderly, well-arranged, decent, modest" (akin to kosmos, in its primary sense as "harmonious arrangement, adornment;" cp. kosmikos, of the world, which is related to kosmos in its secondary sense as the world), is used in 1Tim. 2:9 of the apparel with which Christian women are to adorn themselves; in 1Tim. 3:2 (RV, "orderly;" AV, "of good behavior"), of one of the qualifications essential for a bishop or overseer. "The well-ordering is not of dress and demeanor only, but of the inner life, uttering indeed and expressing itself in the outward conversation" (Trench, Syn., xcii). In the Sept., Eccl. 12:9. 

 

Genesis 24:65 – Rebekkah – Modest not a flirt

 

2 Timothy 2:9-10 – Greek – Ardos, sense of shame, or honor and regard for others, respect, reverance, self restraint, modesty or bashfulness to men not being bold or forward.

 

1 Peter 3:1-2 – Exhibits discretion, self-control, is chaste, temperate.  This is her witness to the  unsaved, (especially husband).  

           

  1. Submits to and obeys husband  (I might add as long as it does not compromise the Word of God or her morals)
  2. Obeys the Word
  3. Has chaste conversation
  4. Lets not the outward adorning be the chief aim in life
  5. Lets the inner man be adorned than the outward man
  6. Trust God
  7. Does well
  8. Lives faithfull to the husband of her youth, so there is no fear of being found guilty of infidelity.

 

Galatians 5:22-23 – She’s a woman who walks in the fruits of the spirit

1 Cor. 13:4-8 – She is a woman who walks in the love of God.

 

Gods Aishet Chayel is a Giver

 

Exodus 35:25 – Used talents to weave find linen for the Tabernacle

 

Proverbs 31:20 – Compassion for the poor

 

Luke 8:2-3 – Will give all they have of  themselves to the Lord

 

John 12:13 – Nothing is to costly to give in order to minister to Him

 

Example Acts 9:39 – Dorcas was loved because of the help she gave the widows.  She was industrious, a leader and well loved.

 

Gods Aishet Chayel has Wisdom and Virtue

 

Proverbs 11:16 – A woman of honor

 

Proverbs 12:4 – Hebrew/Chayel – a strength of mind or body, a morally strong woman is a crown to her husband, but the weakling contracts and communicates such diseases as being rottenness to the bones.

 

Crown – Hebrew/Atarah – an emblem of honor

 

Proverbs 14:1 – The wise woman through proper management increases the property, furniture, food and raiment of the household, but the thriftless woman causes the blessings to depart.

 

Ruth 3:11  And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.

 

The Aishet Chayel Ministry in the Word

 

Matthew 27:55-56 – To their honor, these woman showed more courage and affectionate concern for their Lord then the men who had promised to die with Him.  They ministered to Him out of their substance.

 

Woman in the New Testament did preach, pray and prophesy

 

Romans 16:9 – Phoebe called to minister

 

Acts 18:1-18, 26, Romans 16:3, 1 Cor. 16:19 – Priscilla and Aquilla ministered with Apollos

 

Romans 16:7 – Junia

 

Philippians 4:2-3 – Eusodious and Syntyche

 

Acts 21:8-9 – Phillips four daughters prophesied

 

John 4:29-30 – Woman at the well

 

Mark 5:30-34 – Woman with issue of blood

 

Matthew 28:1,10 – Woman at the tomb

 

Acts 8:3-4 – Woman preaching persecuted by Saul

 

Acts 1:14, 2:4 – Jewish woman in the upper room

 

How to live and minister as Gods Aishet Chayel/Woman of Valour

 

Galatians 6:2 – Sympathize, show mercy and love and do not browbeat a fallen brother/sister

 

Galatians 6:10 – Do good to all men, friends and enemies

 

Matthew 10:42 – Attitude toward new believers and children, the minutest details of goodness will not go unrewarded.

 

Deuteronomy 10:12 – Love and serve God, Spirit, Soul and Body

 

Ephesians 6:7-8 – Serve as unto the  Lord who sees all

 

Hebrews 12:28 – Serve God with fear (reverance, godly fear)

 

John 12:26 – The Father honors those who serve Yeshua

 

1 Cor. 7:22 – The Lords servant is a freeman, not one in bondage

 

Colossians 3:24 – Your reward is from the Lord

 

Psalm 40:8 – We should delight in serving God

 

Psalm 126:5-6 – The law of sowing and reaping.  Even though at times there is hurt, tears, discouragement and pain, if you keep your eyes on Yeshua/Jesus you will reap with joy.

 

Copyright July 28, 2001 Deborah’s Messianic Ministries and Deborahs Drash

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


[1] Everymans Talmud, p.123 Shochen publishers Abraham Cohen

[2] Rev. Martha Looper article “What Woman can Be and Do is Revealed By Gods Call on the life of Biblical Woman.”

[3] Dr. Howard Morgan

[4] Dr. John Garr Restore Ministries

[5] The Amplified Bible copyright 1987 by the Zondervan Corporation and the Lockman Foundation