Von Mutterhäusern, Landestöchtern und Stadtfrauen

This paper deals with the connection of space and gender within the Old Testament. It proceeds on the assumption that space is not a static scenery but something dynamic. According to Martina Löw, space is a “relational ordering of living entities and social goods” and is constituted by people’s (or literary characters’) actions. Different aspects and texts concerning the correlation of space and gender are examined: There are problems with or criticizing of foreign women (Genesis24:6-8; 1 Kings 11; Ezra 9-10; Nehemiah13:23-31), the betrayal of the ancestress in the foreign country (Genesis12.20.26) and violence against foreigners (Genesis19.34; Judges19). The personification of the city is another important aspect concerning space and gender. On the one hand, the image of Mother Zion in Isaiah66:7-14 is analysed. On the other hand, the Daughters of Jerusalem play an important role in the Song of Songs. Finally, the concept of the house, which is related either to the father (Genesis38), the brother (2 Samuel13) or the mother (Gensis24:28; Ruth 1:8; Song of Songs3:4; 8:2), is taken into account.