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This article examines the social, economic, and legal status of the widow in the Bible and in Ancient Egypt. The widow, in both cultures, was regarded as a weak element in society, along with the orphan and the stranger. The widow was subject to economic, social, and legal difficulties, mainly because she lacked a male patron. Fensham1 emphasizes that concern for the widow was common in the ancient world and was an important component of the ruler's policies, for he was expected to establish justice. Defense of the widow was grasped as a moral duty, as part of the preservation of a just social order. Concern for the widow appears frequently in the legal literature as well as in the wisdom literature and didactic texts in the Ancient Near East.
The present article will compare and contrast the social and economic situation of the widow in biblical culture and in Ancient Egypt. The biblical documentation, like the Egyptian, comes from sporadic sources, reflecting various periods, and most of the Egyptian documentation derives from accounts of the social elite. However, along with that, there is also evidence about widows from other classes, some written sources and some pictographic.2
The Widow in the Bible
In the Bible, concern for the orphan and the widow was part of the ancient norms of society.3 The etymology of the word for widow, 'almanah, has not yet been established.4
Concern for the widow appears in biblical laws.5 The law demands of men that they behave with mercy and charity toward her. Those who violate the widow's rights will be punished with widowhood and orphanhood (Ex 22,21-23). The widow, like other oppressed members of society, is under the full protection of God (Deut 10,18). The ideal king is presented as one who gives aid and support to the weak elements of society, including widows,6 and the individual has a similar duty (Deut 14,28-29; 24,19-21). The one that will hurt the widow will be cursed (Deut 27,19). The Prophets address kings and rulers and call upon them to do justice and protect the oppressed. That duty is expressed in two actions: punishment of the oppressors and assisting the poor7 (Isa 1,17.23; 10,1-2; Jer 7,6; 22,3; Zach 7,8-14 et al). Ezekiel emphasizes the...