Women in the Wilderness: The “Female Legislation” of the Book of Numbers (Num 5,11–31; 27,1–11; 30,2–17) by Francesco Cocco

Abstract

Reviewed by: Women in the Wilderness: The “Female Legislation” of the Book of Numbers (Num 5,11–31; 27,1–11; 30,2–17) by Francesco Cocco Micha Roi francesco cocco, Women in the Wilderness: The “Female Legislation” of the Book of Numbers (Num 5,11–31; 27,1–11; 30,2–17) (FAT 138; Tübingen: Mohr Siebeck, 2020). Pp. vi + 235. €94. This volume’s contribution to the field is evident even before one opens the first page; the title indicates that three separate laws in Numbers form a single code dealing with women. In support of this broad view, Cocco engages in a comprehensive and systematic analysis of the details. The first chapter deals with the sotah (suspected adulteress), the [End Page 488] second with inheritance by daughters, and the third with female vows. Exegeting the passages, C. focuses on terms and issues demanding particular attention, examining ancient Near Eastern parallels and succinctly summarizing the principal approaches. The writing style is clear and lucid, and the book will be of interest to anyone wishing to understand these three units. The typography and aesthetics are characteristic of the series of which it forms a part, also contributing to the overall reading experience. Summarizing his methodological approach, C. notes: The first stage of our study will be occupied with siting the pericope in its contexts, remote and close. We shall then proceed to mark out the boundaries of the literary unit. The second stage will turn to the internal organization of the pericope in order to propose structure in thematic segments which enables us to have a better understanding. Finally, we shall undertake the exegetical analysis proper by studying each of the verses which make up the pericope in order to shed light on the purpose of the text in its present form, as also –where possible –on the history of its literary formation and its connections with texts that are thematically and literarily similar. (p. 118) Identifying two stages in the formation of the law of the sotah (Num 5:11–31), C. argues that both are designed to mitigate the husband’s jealousy. The first stage—prior to the insertion of vv. 21 and 31—seeks to transfer responsibility for the woman from her husband to the priest. The second elucidates that even if she miscarries ( , “her womb shall discharge, her uterus drop,” v. 27)—a proof of her guilt—no human agent (husband, priest, or court) has the authority to punish her (v. 31), but only God. Given that the laws of inheritance (Num 27:1–11) are not discussed systematically anywhere else in the Pentateuch, the fact that the legislator focuses on women reflects his concern for their rights. The story of Zelophehad’s daughters—etiologically explaining how the Manassites dwelled east of the Jordan—serves as a platform for legal principles. The ordinances pertaining to vows (Num 30:2–17) address non-independent women—the exception being v. 10. This verse, which treats the vows made by widows and divorcees, appears to be a later addition. Cocco concludes that the three injunctions complement one another, all belonging to a later editorial stage and seeking to update and complete the biblical law system. Contra Origen and numerous others, the author “counts” women, thus seeking to care for them and protect their rights. The first two laws are easily intelligible within this framework, in particular with respect to the husband in the first and the relatives in the second. The third case, the woman submitting to a male—her father or husband—rather than being protected by him, is more problematic, however. Although C. endeavors to demonstrate that all three laws follow the same pattern, in the third case the woman needs protection from herself rather than from any man. In Num 30:7, 9, this protection from the commitments she has taken upon herself is most clearly reflected in the phrase (“the commitment to which she bound herself,” v. 9 NRSV). According to C., this designates an invalid commitment that she assumes idly. Although it constitutes only one of several formulations in the law code and does not necessarily reflect the type of commitment with...