ABSTRACT
Since the 1960s, biblical studies has focused a good deal of attention on thewisdom literature of the OT. Among the important questions that have beenraised and variously answered are those concerning the locus of origin of early Israelite wisdom (whether clan or court) and the place of wisdom's faith expression within the context ofYahwistic theology. More recently, a raised consciousness with regard to sexual equality has prompted are-evaluation of the Bible's attitude toward women and an increased critical appreciation of the value of feminine imagery, both in biblical and modern theology. At the confluence of these two streams of interest stand the passages in the Succession Narrative that tell the tales of two wise women of early Israel.
