Shallum's daughters are some of the first women in the Bible noted for non-traditional female roles. I am so curious about them. They helped rebuild the wall around Jerusalem to protect the sacred city so central to their faith.
Nehemiah was known to them. Nehemiah's passion to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem was contagious. He was cupbearer to King Xerxes (yes, the same King who married Esther) and the King respected Nehemiah enough to offer aid in rebuilding the wall. Many hands were needed.
Typically, men were seen as the builders. Women needed all day to manage the home and tasks like making breads. Shallum's Daughters were granddaughters to Hallohesh, the ruler of half the district of Jerusalem. Who were these women?
Perhaps, they were more affluent and had more time to do the things that interested them. Perhaps, they were good with their hands and wanted to do their part. The scriptures give few extra details, but it is clear they helped on the wall. They must have been fierce.
"Next to him Shallum the son of Hallohesh, ruler of half the district of Jerusalem, repaired, he and his daughters." -Nehemiah 3:12
Shallum's daughters must have felt they had something to pour into the project. Perhaps they were smart about architecture and building. Whatever inspired them, they did what they set out to do.
I love that they did not let anyone intimidate them enough to keep them from the job. They did what they felt directed to do. Surely, they would be legends to the generations that followed.
When God calls us according to His purpose, we feel the call. We can do ordinary tasks with extraordinary care and passion. We can step out into bigger adventures when we trust His heart and His hand.
The book of Nehemiah is only 13 chapters, but don't read it too swiftly. There is much to learn and explore.
Today, I am grateful for Shallum's Daughters.
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