Explanation Essay In

92.1
The Contemporary Torah: A Gender-Sensitive Adaptation of the JPS Translation , 87–

Diving into the pages of the contemporary Torah publication, I found a captivating exploration of
the women in the Exodus saga—midwives, Jochebed, Moses, and the daughter of Pharaoh. This
insightful text became a cornerstone for my understanding of their pivotal roles, weaving a
tapestry of significance in the biblical narrative. As I delved into the rich storytelling, I
meticulously summarized key episodes: the ominous decree from Pharaoh to slay infants amidst
a surge in fertility, the clandestine efforts of the midwives to shield the babies, the compassionate
choice of the daughter of Pharaoh to raise Moses, his transformative journey from infancy to
maturity, and the profound divine calling that anointed him as a leader. These nuanced details not
only provided a profound grasp of the Exodus story but also played a vital role in shaping my
biblical primer. The primer, in turn, has become a testament to the enduring influence of these
women on Moses, illustrating their collective impact on his destiny and emphasizing the intricate
interplay of resilience, strategy, and divine guidance within the tapestry of biblical history.

Miriam as Model for Contemporary Youth2

This insightful exploration of Moses' growth and influence from significant women, particularly
Miriam, has been instrumental in shaping the narrative of my biblical primer, emphasizing the
enduring impact of these women on Moses and, by extension, contemporary youth. The
detailed analysis of Moses' upbringing, guided by his mother Jochebed, and the daughter of
Pharaoh, provides a nuanced understanding of the intersectionality of cultural identity. The
juxtaposition of Moses' dual identity and Zipporah's pivotal role in performing circumcision
adds depth to the
discussion on gender roles within the biblical context. Miriam's emergence as a model for
contemporary youth, drawing from her experiences as a prophet and co-leader, offers a
compelling perspective on leadership, wisdom, and faith. The primer, inspired by these narratives,
strives to convey the intricate dynamics of identity, mentorship, and leadership, resonating with
the challenges and aspirations of today's youth. Miriam's influence becomes a guiding thread in
the primer, illustrating the importance of confidence, wisdom, and a strong foundation in faith
when navigating life's journey. Overall, the narrative not only enriches the biblical primer with
profound insights into Moses' character but also serves as a bridge between ancient wisdom and
modern reflections on gender, identity, and leadership.

Pharaoh as a Character in Exodus 1–2: An Egyptian Perspective3

Delving into the historical context surrounding Pharaoh's decisions provides a crucial backdrop
for understanding the dynamics at play in the biblical narrative, enriching the content of the
biblical primer. Pharaoh, as the authoritative king of Egypt, wields immense power and control
over his subjects. The detailed examination of his character reveals a stubborn and narcissistic
ruler who dismisses criticism and operates with a self-centered worldview. Unaware of the
authority of the
1
Stein, David E. S., ed. “Exodus 1–4.” In The Contemporary Torah: A Gender-Sensitive Adaptation
of the JPS Translation, 87–92. Philadelphia, PA: The Jewish Publication Society, 2006.
2
Lewis, Jennifer. “Girl Power Gone Right in Exodus 1–2: Miriam as Model for Contemporary
Youth.” Journal of Youth and Theology 18 (2019): 3–8.

3
Gendi, Magdi S. “Pharaoh as a Character in Exodus 1–2: An Egyptian Perspective.”
In Exodus and Deuteronomy, edited by Athalya Brenner and Gale A. Yee, 55–66. Minneapolis, MN:
Fortress Press, 2012.
late King Joseph and lacking familial ties to the Israelites, Pharaoh perceives them as a separate
and potentially threatening entity to Egypt. The primer delves into Pharaoh's fear-driven decisions,
stemming from concerns about the Israelites' multiplication and the perceived threat they posed
to Egyptian dominance. His attempt to paint the Israelites as anti-Egyptian and align them with
Egypt's enemies becomes a pivotal moment in the narrative. The historical background sheds light
on Pharaoh's drastic measures, including the order to kill male babies, driven by the belief that it
would curb the growth of the Israelite population and prevent them from becoming a formidable
force. This nuanced exploration of Pharaoh's motives contributes to the primer's comprehensive
understanding of the intricate socio-political and cultural factors influencing the biblical narrative,
fostering a deeper appreciation for the complexities of power, fear, and strategic decision-making
in the ancient world.

Exodus: These Are Not All the Names4

The exploration of the roles of women in the Exodus narrative, particularly the midwives Shiphrah
and Puah, Moses' mother Jochebed, and the daughter of Pharaoh unveils a profound synthesis
within the biblical primer, shedding light on the complex interplay of faith, resilience, and morality.
Shiphrah and Puah, as Hebrew midwives, emerge as key figures in defying Pharaoh's orders to
kill male infants. Their unwavering faith in God's command to procreate becomes a driving force,
leading them to hide the male babies by dressing them as females, ultimately ensuring Moses'
survival. Jochebed, Moses' mother and a midwife herself, exemplifies the depth of a mother's
love and commitment to her faith, as she goes to great lengths to protect her son, initially hiding
him and later entrusting him to the care of the daughter of Pharaoh. The daughter of Pharaoh,
known as Sheshan, plays a pivotal role in challenging her father's oppressive policies. Appalled
by the wholesale slaughter of Hebrew babies, she adopts Moses, seeking to prove that a
Hebrew child can be as valuable as an Egyptian. This act of compassion and defiance
contributes to Moses' identity as an Egyptian prince. The primer weaves together these stories
of courage, faith, and compassion, highlighting the diverse roles that women play in shaping the
destiny of Moses and the broader narrative of Exodus. The synthesis captures the essence of
their collective impact, showcasing how these women, from midwives to mothers and adoptive
caretakers, contribute to
the resilience and ultimate liberation of the Israelite people.
The use of ChatGPT5

The incorporation of ChatGPT into my research process not only enhanced my understanding of
the biblical narrative but also played a pivotal role in strengthening the defense of my research for
the biblical primer. ChatGPT's assistance was instrumental in extracting crucial elements from the
text, such as the defiant actions of the midwives who disobeyed Pharaoh's orders and
clandestinely kept the babies. The AI model's ability to help me pick out these pivotal moments
proved invaluable in highlighting the resilience and moral courage of the women in Exodus.
Additionally, ChatGPT served as an effective organizational tool, aiding me in structuring and
arranging my ideas cohesively. Through interactive discussions, the model facilitated the
refinement of my interpretations, enabling me to construct more articulate and nuanced
sentences. This collaborative process with ChatGPT became an integral part of my journey,
contributing to a more informed, well-organized, and compelling presentation of the importance
of women in Exodus within the biblical primer.

Tiktok Biblical Primer Video

4
Gafney, Wilda C. “Exodus: These Are Not All the Names.” In Womanist Midrash: A
Reintroduction to the Women of the Torah and the Throne, 87–106. Louisville, KY: Westminster John
Knox, 2017.
5Ancheta, Sophia. "Organizing and Synthesizing the Women in Exodus Biblical Primer." ChatGPT.
November 9, 2023. Accessed November 9, 2023. https://chat.openai.com/c/3fdd2053-b9ab-431f-bd85-
f582d672789f
The trend of creating TikTok videos with voiceovers has emerged as a dynamic and engaging
platform, allowing for the effective communication of factual stories on the internet. Leveraging
this trend proved to be a creative and impactful strategy for showcasing my biblical primer. The
combination of visual elements with a narrated voiceover provided an innovative way to
illustrate the intricate narratives of the women in Exodus. This medium allowed for a dynamic
presentation, capturing the attention of the audience and making the biblical stories more
accessible and relatable. The TikTok format, known for its brevity and visual appeal, served as
a compelling tool to convey the depth and significance of the roles played by figures such as the
midwives, Jochebed, and the daughter of Pharaoh. By embracing this trend, my primer was not
only able to reach a wider audience but also succeeded in presenting the richness of biblical
narratives in a manner that resonates with contemporary storytelling trends.

The World of the Text6

The utilization of Sandra Schneiders' concept of "The World of the Text" played a pivotal role in
shaping my interpretation and analysis of the biblical narratives within my primer. Drawing from
Schneiders' framework, I delved into the text to explore its internal dynamics, understanding the
cultural, historical, and literary aspects that inform the biblical stories. By immersing myself in
"The World of the Text," I could discern the complexities of the women in Exodus, such as the
midwives, Jochebed, and the daughter of Pharaoh. Schneiders' approach encouraged a deep
engagement with the narrative, allowing me to uncover layers of meaning and significance. The
concept enabled me to contextualize the characters within their historical and cultural milieu,
fostering a more nuanced analysis. As a result, my primer not only presented a faithful
representation of the biblical narratives but also offered a thoughtful and informed interpretation
that resonated with the richness of Schneiders' approach, enhancing the depth and authenticity
of the analysis.

6
Badion, Justin Joseph G. "Mythos and Ethos." Theology Department, Ateneo de Manila
University, 14.
Bibliography
Ancheta, Sophia. "Organizing and Synthesizing the Women in Exodus Biblical Primer." ChatGPT.
November 9, 2023. Accessed November 9, 2023. https://chat.openai.com/c/3fdd2053-b9ab
431f-bd85-f582d672789f

Badion, Justin Joseph G. "Mythos and Ethos." Theology Department, Ateneo de Manila University,
14.
Gafney, Wilda C. “Exodus: These Are Not All the Names.” In Womanist Midrash: A Reintroduction to
the Women of the Torah and the Throne, 87–106. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox,
2017.
Gendi, Magdi S. “Pharaoh as a Character in Exodus 1–2: An Egyptian Perspective.” In Exodus and
Deuteronomy, edited by Athalya Brenner and Gale A. Yee, 55–66. Minneapolis, MN:
Fortress Press, 2012.

Lewis, Jennifer. “Girl Power Gone Right in Exodus 1–2: Miriam as Model for Contemporary

Youth.” 18 (2019): 3–8. of Youth and Theology

Journal

Stein, David E. S., ed. “Exodus 1–4.” In The Contemporary Torah: A Gender-Sensitive Adaptation of the.
JPS Translation, 87–92. Philadelphia, PA: The Jewish Publication Society, 2006.