Background -- A word of caution -- Attitudes of compassion and leniency -- Relaxation of the laws of evidence concerning agunot : example of a methodology favoring leniency -- The uniqueness of the problem in our day -- The basic sources for kiddushei ta'ut -- The rishonim and the codes : stringent and lenient approaches -- The responsa literature -- General principles to be derived from the precedents.

Why haven't we North American biblical scholars done such a systematic study of the words for oppression in the Bible? If the answer is that we who possess the critical skills are not ourselves oppressed or identified with communities of the oppressed, then it becomes imperative that we listen all the more carefully to these voices from the South. -- Walter Wink, Professor Emeritus of Biblical Interpretation, Auburn Theological Seminary, New York This book is a welcome addition to a growing body of evidence that the Bible is a book about social justice for the oppressed of the land and that this indeed is the good news. -- Marie Augusta Neal, SND de Namur, author of A Socio-Theology of Letting Go Elsa Tamez's book attracts our attention, not only for wrestling with a major biblical theme but also for keeping us in continuous contact with the text of the Bible. -- Carroll Stuhlmueller, CP, general editor of The Collegeville Pastoral Dictionary of Biblical Theology A careful and creative interdisciplinary study in biblical theology, Old Testament, and social ethics. Elsa Tamez's work has contributed to the church in Latin America and is now available as a readable, important resource for the English-speaking church. -- Jane Cary Peck and Carole Fontaine, Andover Newton Theological School Writing from a perspective of those oppressed by poverty and sexism, Elsa Tamez has brought us a wealth of analysis of the biblical understanding of oppression. -- Letty M. Russell, Professor Emeritus, Yale Divinity School Elsa Tamez is the author of 'Through Her Eyes' (Wipf & Stock reprint, 2006), 'Jesus and Courageous Women' (2001), and coeditor of 'The Discourse of Human Dignity' (2003).

What is the secret to happiness? King Solomon was one of the greatest superachievers of all time and fabulously wealthy. He also had a reputation as the wisest man in the world. But at the end of his life he was so unhappy that he felt moved to cry out "all is vanity" and wish he had never been born. In Ecclesiastes, Solomon brilliantly diagnoses the causes of our continuing unhappiness and boils down the secret of peace and contentment to a few essential ingredients. The Great Reduction explains why his prescription for peace is just as relevant today as the day it was written. It also uses his diagnosis to shed light on a happiness that goes far beyond anything Solomon could have imagined.

Written BY Preachers and Teachers FOR Preachers and Teachers The Preacher's Commentary, Complete 35-Volume Set: Genesis–Revelation offers pastors, teachers, and Bible study leaders clear and compelling insights into the entire Bible that will equip them to understand, apply, and teach the truth in God's Word. Each volume is written by one of today's top scholars, and includes: Innovative ideas for preaching and teaching God's Word Vibrant paragraph-by-paragraph exposition Impelling real-life illustrations Insightful and relevant contemporary application An introduction, which reveals the author's approach A full outline of the biblical book being covered Scripture passages (using the New King James Version) and explanations Covering the entire Bible and combining fresh insights with readable exposition and relatable examples, The Preacher's Commentary will help you minister to others and see their lives transformed through the power of God's Word. Whether preacher, teacher, or Bible study leader--if you're a communicator, The Preacher's Commentary will help you share God's Word more effectively with others. Volumes and authors include: Genesis by D. Stuart Briscoe Exodus by Maxie D. Dunnam Leviticus by Gary W. Demarest Numbers by James Philip Deuteronomy by John C. Maxwell Joshua by John A. Huffman, Jr. Judges & Ruth by David Jackman 1 & 2 Samuel by Kenneth L. Chafin 1 & 2 Kings by Russell H. Dilday 1 & 2 Chronicles by Leslie C. Allen Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther by Mark D. Roberts Job by David L. McKenna Psalms 1-72 by Donald M. Williams Psalms 73-150 by Donald M. Williams Proverbs by David A. Hubbard Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon by David A. Hubbard Isaiah 1-39 by David L. McKenna Isaiah 40-66 by David L. McKenna Jeremiah & Lamentations by John Guest Ezekiel by Douglas Stuart Daniel by Sinclair B. Ferguson Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, and Jonah by Lloyd J. Ogilvie Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi by Walter C. Kaiser, Jr. Matthew by Myron S. Augsburger Mark by David L. McKenna Luke by Bruce Larson John by Roger L. Fredrikson Acts by Lloyd J. Ogilvie Romans by D. Stuart Briscoe 1 & 2 Corinthians by Kenneth L. Chafin Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon by Maxie D. Dunnam 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus by Gary W. Demarest Hebrews by Louis H. Evans, Jr. James, 1 & 2 Peter, and Jude by Paul A. Cedar 1, 2 & 3 John, and Revelation by Earl F. Palmer

Why did the Lord see fit to include the book of Ecclesiastes in His inspired Word? Down through the centuries, many people have wondered how Solomon could have moved so far from his walk with the Lord and the wisdom of the Proverbs to the pessimism of Ecclesiastes in one lifetime. For this reason, some have questioned Solomons authorship of the book. But Solomon is only one of many who have taken a spiritual detour in life. As a result, there are many people in our nation and our world who can readily identify with the outlook of Ecclesiastes, because they too are living their lives as Solomon did for a timeunder the sun. This verse-by-verse tour of Solomons experience will help you understand where Solomons spiritual detour took him, and where he finally came to realize he should have been going instead. You will be encouraged to move out from under the sun to the abundance of life in the light of the Son!