This book examines the Hebrew Bible's numerous laws about sacrificial procedure to understand the significance of gender in sacrificial rituals and the reasons that gender distinctions are so vital in these acts. Gender selection of both victims and participants is an intrinsic aspect of the nature and purpose of each rite, affecting its form and function, as well as its legitimacy. Sacrifice and Gender in Biblical Law considers the laws of the firstborn, the rite of the red cow, laws of slaughter, rituals of purification, and other offerings. It shows that these laws regulate material wealth and contribute to the construction of social roles.

'… Sacrifice and Gender in Biblical Law offers a broad investigation of the relationship between the two categories named in the title. Ruane is a close and observant reader of texts, and is careful to ground her readings in both textual scholarship and theories of sacrifice … a valuable contribution to scholarship on gender in ancient Israel.'

Rhiannon Graybill Source: Biblical Interpretation

'… Ruane’s accomplishments in this volume are considerable, and it will be an essential addition to the body of works on biblical sacrifice.'

Pamela Barmash Source: Interpretation: A Journal of Bible and Theology