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Expanded Wall Label:
The Scarlet Thread and The Golden Cord: Thirteen Women of the Hebrew Scriptures
Edgar G. Boevé
The writers of the Hebrew Scriptures give great attention to the women. They were totally involved in the lives of their men and are often the driving force of their lives together. These women were the mothers of the leaders of lsrael, God's chosen people. The scarlet thread defines the place of those women in the royal line of David. Other women were essential to saving the nation of Israel, therefore, the golden cord.
The intent of the thirteen fabric art works is to interpret the essential character of each woman who contributed to the royal line of the preservation of lsrael by texture, color and design through diverse fabrics gathered from around the world.
Hannah
To Hannah childbearing was absolutely essential. She was the first of two wives to Elkanah. His other wife, Peninnah, bore many children and never ceased to taunt Hannah for being childless. Even though her husband loved her most, Hannah wept and would not eat. She went to the
temple and in her prayer to the "Lord of hosts" said that if she were to bear a son, she would dedicate him to the Lord. "all the days of his life" (I Samuel 1: 11 ). Hannah prayed so fervently that Eli, the priest, thought she was drunk. Eli scolded her for her passionate behavior. However, when Hannah shared with Eli her distress, he blessed her and asked the "God of Israel" to grant her petition.
The hands in prayer are in the position of an Orant, the posture of prayers lifted up by ancient people. As these "prayers" vibrate upward the golden cord and jeweled pendant descends, the sign of God's granting Hannah's wish for a son.
Hannah's son was Samuel and in response to this gift she sings a glorious song (I Samuel 12:1-10). Samuel is called by God to be a prophet and he leads Israel throughout his life. In his old age, he is asked by the leaders of the Israelites to appoint a king to govern them. It is
Samuel who anoints Israel's first king.
The Golden Cord continues.