Four simple rules, amazing results--how wisdom from an overlooked biblical hero can change your life! Tikva Frymer-Kensky shows readers how a seemingly minor story in the first book of Samuel can teach them key lessons to dramatically improve their lives. Saul, abandoned by God, approaches a medium in the village of Endor to call up the spirit of Samuel. Though Saul had outlawed her craft, she helped him when he promised her safety. And after Samuel prophesied Saul's death, she showed the shaken king hospitality.
Determination. Excellence. Caution. Benevolence. Four qualities of the "witch" of Endor will bring you success, even when the whole world stands against you. Are you ready to follow your dreams? To succeed when others tell you to give up? Embrace the wisdom of a little-known hero from the Bible--and see how it leads you to the life you were meant to live.
About the Author :
Tikva Frymer-Kensky (1943-2006) was professor of Hebrew Bible and history of Judaism at the University of Chicago Divinity School. A pioneer in the study of Scripture, she authored Reading the Women of the Bible, In the Wake of the Goddesses, and Motherprayer: The Pregnant Woman's Spiritual Companion, among other books.
Review :
The Christian Century
"Just as the witch of Endor feeds Saul, Frymer-Kensky feeds us through this delightful little book." "I am so delighted that this last manuscript of Tikva's is now available. She was an amazing scholar and a trail-blazer."
--Carol Newsom, Emory University
"An introspective and personal rumination on the wise woman of Endor (1 Samuel 28) by a benevolent and caring feminist scholar who loved the Bible. If you know somebody who needs courage to pursue their dreams, give them this little book. In her reading, Frymer-Kensky counsels her readers just like the witch of Endor took care of King Saul's psyche. A delightful and endearing read!"
--Susanne Scholz, Southern Methodist University
"What an astonishing joy to hear Tikva Frymer-Kensky's wise voice reemerge in the summer of 2023 in these pages of her reflections on the "mistress of the 'ob" in 1 Samuel 28. As with her much-loved Motherprayer: A Pregnant Woman's Spiritual Companion, Professor Frymer-Kensky turns ancient lore into modern jewels of wisdom, wit, and lived virtue. In this newly discovered book, she addresses each reader personally, summoning each of us, and especially those whose talents and worth are continually called into question, to follow the example of the enigmatic 'wise witch' of 1 Samuel 28 and strive persistently for uncommon excellence and unselfish benevolence."
--Margaret Mitchell, University of Chicago
"Tikva Frymer-Kensky inspires and encourages her readers in this creative and timely case study of an oft-forgotten and controversial woman, the witch of Endor (mistress of an 'ob). In this small powerhouse book (small like the Prayer of Jabez book [2000], which it is in part a response to), Tikva weaves together wisdom from exegetical insights and personal reflections in the style of midrash. This delightful and unexpected gift allows us to hear her (much missed!) voice and passion, raising awareness once again for the complex, marginalized, and inspiring women of the Bible."
--Jenny Matheny, Baylor University
"It is a rare privilege to hear again the literary voice of such an esteemed and beloved scholar and teacher. Though not one of the students in her classroom, the scholarship of Tikva Frymer-Kensky shaped me as a budding biblical scholar. Now, the web of her wordcraft captures me again in this rich exegetical unfolding of another woman who mastered her craft. Dr. Frymer-Kensky's words of wisdom are at times sermonic, at times didactic, and always meticulously rigorous. This is a treasure I look forward to sharing and assigning."
--Wil Gafney, Texas Christian University
