Poetry · Chapter
VII: The Woman Who Came Behind Him in the Crowd explained
A woman who has suffered for twelve years secretly approaches Jesus in a crowd, touches his garment, and is healed.
What happens
A woman who has suffered for twelve years secretly approaches Jesus in a crowd, touches his garment, and is healed. Though she tries to remain hidden, Jesus calls her forward, and she confesses everything at his feet. He addresses her tenderly as 'Daughter,' affirming that her faith has made her whole, and comforts her soul with abundant love.
Themes in this chapter
Redemption and Grace
The woman's healing and Jesus' tender reception of her illustrate grace that restores and redeems, transforming her shame into gladness.
Suffering and Purification
Her twelve years of suffering culminate in a moment of healing and purification, as her secret sorrow is brought into the light and met with compassion.
Characters to notice
- The Woman Who Came Behind Him in the Crowd
She steals through the crowd, touches Jesus' garment in faith, and is healed after twelve years of suffering. She confesses all at his feet.
- Jesus Christ
He perceives the woman's touch, calls her forward, and addresses her tenderly as 'Daughter,' affirming her faith and comforting her soul.
Key passages
“Near him she stole, rank after rank; She feared approach too loud; She touched his garment’s hem, and shrank Back in the sheltering crowd.”
She crept close to him through the crowd, afraid of making noise; she touched the edge of his robe and then withdrew into the safety of the crowd.
Depicts the woman's timid yet desperate act of faith.
“A shame-faced gladness thrills her frame: Her twelve years’ fainting prayer Is heard at last! she is the same As other women there!”
A joyful but embarrassed feeling runs through her body: her twelve-year-long desperate prayer is finally answered, and she is now like any other woman.
Highlights the relief and normalization of her condition after healing.
“To the one refuge she hath flown, The Godhead’s burning flame! Of all earth’s women she alone Hears there the tenderest name: “Daughter,” he said, “be of good cheer; Thy faith hath made thee whole.””
She fled to the only safe place, the blazing fire of the divine presence! Of all women on earth, she alone hears the most gentle address: 'Daughter,' he said, 'take courage; your faith has restored you completely.'
Emphasizes the intimate and compassionate response of Jesus to her faith.