Resisting rape culture: The ten concubines of 2 Samuel 15–20 and #MeToo

Abstract

This article poses this question: how do readers engage sacred texts in ways that honor the work of #MeToo by combatting the normalization of sexual violence within our society, by hearing the voices of victims of sexual violence, and by holding perpetrators of sexual violence accountable? First, identify and eradicate “rape myths.” Second, promote affirmative consent. Third, practice shifting our worldview. To illustrate, this article examines a case study of ten concubines. Identification of attitudes of rape culture permeating modern biblical scholarship highlights the need for a new reading of these women. Outlining the patterns of power, consent, and autonomy within the narrative of 2 Samuel 15–20 resists modern “rape myths” and offers a liberative way for readers to engage this story in the era of #MeToo.