The Most Misunderstood Women of the Bible: What Their Stories Teach Us About Thriving (The Women of the Bible)

Wow. I've never read Mary De Muth before, but if this is her usual, she has a new fan. Misunderstood Women of the Bible is not exactly a devotional, but I kind of treated it as such, reading just a chapter at a time. Actually though, a chapter at a time is the best way to read this, because it is so packed with information and edification, you will feel "stuffed."First off, I loved the format of the book. Mary starts each chapter with a "fictionalized" account of each woman's story, but what I like is that most of the stories aren't fictionalized much or at all. It's more like Mary took what's in Scripture and said, "Okay, let's fill in the obvious blanks" (as in, if we go by Leah and Rachel's attitudes toward each other for example, it's easy to guess how they might've acted and reacted). Mary also clearly did her homework on how the original text plays out and chooses words. For instance, Bathsheba and Eve's stories read *so* much differently when you know exactly how Eve approached temptation and how Adam was supposed to stand up for her, or when you know exactly what the Bible means when it talks about how Bathsheba got to the palace.Speaking of, this book strikes a great balance between the "head knowledge" you get from it--as in, the educational stuff--and "heart knowledge." Mary ends each chapter with a hard-hitting, yet tender explanation of how each Biblical woman's story applies to us, and how they apply to different types of misunderstanding. I was convicted often, but never felt judged. And, I got some new perspectives on my own story and times of being misunderstood. For example, I found a new kindred spirit in Naomi, even though it was hard to face my own bitterness. And Hagar reminded me how easy it can be to misunderstand others based on how I have been hurt. (Ouch, but again, in the best way).One final note has to do with my recommendation. I recommend that every Christian woman read this book, not only because it's great, but for a specific reason. These days in the Church, women's Bible study is getting a bad rap for being shallow, silly, focused on chocolate and gossip disguised as prayer time. Some Christian women have even spent entire episodes on YouTube channels tearing down any study of women in the Bible (and then telling women they can't know their Bible because they're not men/the Bible has little to say specifically to women, and if you say it does, you're making the gospel about you). I have seen books and Bible studies that fall into this--but The Most Misunderstood Women in the Bible is *not* one of them. The book is faithful to Scripture throughout and encourages, almost requires, a deep dive. It truly ministers to women, and challenges us in a way we need. The Christian market needs more books like this.

Misunderstood No More.This statement reminds me of the long-standing admonition, “Begin with the end in mind.” The last chapter of Mary DeMuth’s new book, The Most Misunderstood Women of the Bible is aptly titled, “Misunderstood No More.” Through the Bible stories of ten women, DeMuth illustrates the value of enduring the tension and hostility of being blatantly maligned, dismissed, and misunderstood. She writes, “I believe we can grow in our understanding of misunderstanding and, through that learning process, begin to act as Jesus did—with perseverance.” To learn more, continue reading this new book review on The Most Misunderstood Women of the Bible.This book is organized around the stories of ten women in the Bible: Eve, the Blamed One; Hagar, the Forgotten One; Leah, the Unlovely One; Rahab, the Prostituted One; Naomi, the Grieved One; Bathsheba, the Harmed One; Tamar, the Violated One; The Proverbs 31 Woman, the Perfect One; Mary of Magdala, the Demonized One; Phoebe, the Unknown One. These chapters begin with a fictionalized retelling of each woman’s story bringing her specific circumstances and challenges to life. A commentary with vital biblical and theological insights follows. Applicational truths, along with five discussion questions, conclude each chapter.My favorite chapter in The Most Misunderstood Women of the Bible, “Leah, the Unlovely One,” surprised me. Though I knew her story, I’d not paid much attention to Leah before. I’d discounted her, too. Living in the shadow of her beautiful younger sister, Leah knew well what it meant to be underestimated and overlooked. Unloved by her husband, she deeply grieved this unmet need. However, she knew the overwhelming love of the eternal One. And as she persevered, she experienced fruitfulness in faith and family. Leah birthed many six sons, including Judah, through whom Jesus Christ, “The Misunderstood One,” came to earth.Mary DeMuth describes herself as “a storyteller at heart.” She is a wife, mom of three, a triathlon runner, prolific author (over 40 published books), international speaker, literary agent, and creator of the Pray Every Day podcast. I had the privilege of meeting Mary when she spoke to aspiring writers at the seminary where I study. While sharing bits of her life journey, she exuded a down-to-earth kindness and heart-felt desire to encourage.Do you need a bit of encouragement, or do you know someone who does? I highly recommend reading The Most Misunderstood Women of the Bible. It’s a journey to the worthy destination: “Misunderstood No More.”

This is a timely read for me in that it's a faith-boosting book for women. If you're in need of a reminder that you're chosen, cherished, and that no challenge can come against you except what God is going to carry you through, then here's a fresh take on old Bible stories that will pump courage into your heart. It will give you the brave to embrace the calling of being a godly woman in this ungodly time.

I’ve always been deeply touched and moved by Mary DeMuth’s writing, so I had great expectations of her latest book “The Most Misunderstood Women of the Bible”. The content and format exceeded all my expectations by miles! DeMuth’s literary prowess is phenomenal and her biblical interpretations are incredibly refreshing and redemptive. This book is going to be particularly appealing for any woman who has felt the weight of societal expectations on her shoulders.