The Alphabet of Ben Sira, a medieval Jewish text dating back to the 9th or 10th century, offers one of the most influential and well-known stories about Lilith, deeply embedding her within Jewish folklore. This satirical commentary on the Book of Proverbs introduces Lilith not merely as a figure of myth but as an empowered and defiant character—one whose influence has only grown with time. In the Alphabet of Ben Sira, we witness the birth of Lilith’s character as a demonic figure, one who defies the patriarchal norms of her time and challenges the very foundations of creation.
Lilith in the Alphabet of Ben Sira: Rebellion and Power
The Alphabet of Ben Sira provides the first fully developed account of Lilith’s story, highlighting her creation and rebellion as the first wife of Adam. Unlike the more commonly known biblical account of Eve, where woman is created from Adam’s rib, the Alphabet of Ben Sira portrays Lilith as being created at the same time as Adam, both from the earth. This portrayal underscores a critical shift: Lilith is Adam’s equal, not his subordinate.
The Equal Creation of Lilith and Adam
The narrative begins with Adam and Lilith being formed together from the earth. Unlike the later account of Eve, who is created from Adam’s rib as a complementary figure, Lilith’s creation from the earth signifies a sense of independence and equality. In this version of creation, Lilith is not made to serve Adam or to fulfill a secondary role. Instead, she stands alongside him as an equal, a powerful reflection of feminine autonomy.
Lilith’s Rebellion: Refusing Subjugation
The key event in the Alphabet of Ben Sira is Lilith’s refusal to submit to Adam’s dominance. As Adam attempts to impose a traditional marital hierarchy upon her, Lilith rejects his demands. The most significant moment occurs when Adam insists that she lie beneath him during intercourse, a submission she refuses. Lilith’s stance is clear: she is his equal, not his inferior. In defiance of this hierarchical structure, Lilith chooses to leave the Garden of Eden, claiming, “I will not lie beneath you.”
Her departure marks her as a figure of rebellion against the expectations placed upon her by both Adam and God. Lilith’s refusal to submit to patriarchal norms transforms her into a symbol of defiance, one who refuses to adhere to the traditional roles that society and divine order impose upon women.
The Divorce and Lilith’s Exile
In her act of rebellion, Lilith leaves Adam and the Garden of Eden, choosing instead to dwell by the Red Sea—an area historically linked to demons and chaos. This exile is not merely a physical departure but a symbolic act of breaking free from oppressive norms. Lilith’s choice to leave the paradise and live independently represents her rejection of the submissive role that the divine order attempted to impose upon her.
Lilith’s Transformation into a Demon
After leaving Eden, Lilith’s story takes a darker turn. In the Alphabet of Ben Sira, she transforms into a demonic figure, terrorizing newborns and pregnant women. The text portrays her as a vengeful being, whose role is to instill fear in those who challenge the patriarchal order. Her association with childbirth and the death of children symbolizes society’s fear of a woman who exercises power over life and death, as well as a deeper societal fear of female sexuality and autonomy.
The Creation of Eve: A Contrasting Narrative
In contrast to Lilith’s rebellion, the Alphabet of Ben Sira also introduces the story of Eve as Adam’s second wife, created from his rib to serve as a companion in a traditional, hierarchical relationship. Eve’s subjugation is emphasized, highlighting her acceptance of the role assigned to her by Adam and God. This juxtaposition between Lilith’s defiance and Eve’s submission sets the stage for the evolving mythologies surrounding these two women, with Lilith symbolizing independence and Eve representing compliance.
Lilith’s Offspring: A Lineage of Chaos
According to the Alphabet of Ben Sira, Lilith does not leave Eden without consequence. She consorts with demons and bears numerous offspring, who later become agents of chaos and destruction. These demonic children are said to harm infants and plague humankind with nightmares and sleep paralysis. This demonic lineage serves as a powerful reminder of Lilith’s influence and her defiance of divine order, creating a legacy of rebellion that spans generations.
Lilith’s Association with Sexuality and Power
In addition to her rebellious nature, Lilith is closely linked to the darker aspects of sexuality. In the Alphabet of Ben Sira, her refusal to submit to Adam during intercourse positions her as an empowered sexual being, one who rejects the roles assigned to her by the patriarchal narrative. Later folklore expands upon this, portraying Lilith as a succubus—a demon who seduces men in their sleep, draining their life force.
Her role as a seductress ties her to the more dangerous, uncontrollable aspects of female sexuality, presenting her as a figure who challenges the traditional notions of female virtue and submission. This connection between Lilith and sexuality has made her both a symbol of empowerment for some and a cautionary tale for others.
Lilith as a Symbol of Feminine Power
While Lilith’s portrayal as a demon might be unsettling to some, it also positions her as a symbol of feminine empowerment. Her rejection of patriarchal norms and her quest for equality have led many to view her as a feminist icon—one who embodies strength, independence, and the power to define her own destiny. In modern feminist movements, Lilith is often reclaimed as a symbol of resistance to the oppressive structures that seek to limit women’s autonomy.
Her defiance in the Alphabet of Ben Sira is not just an act of rebellion but a statement about the power of women to shape their own narratives, make their own choices, and refuse to be constrained by societal expectations.
Epilogue: Lilith’s Legacy of Rebellion and Empowerment
The Alphabet of Ben Sira paints Lilith as a complex and multifaceted figure, one whose rebellion against Adam and the divine order has marked her as a symbol of both defiance and feminine power. Her story represents more than just a rejection of patriarchal structures; it encapsulates a broader struggle for female autonomy and empowerment. Though demonized by many, Lilith’s character has transcended her demonization to become an enduring symbol of sexual liberation, independence, and resistance to oppressive norms. As we explore Lilith’s tale in the Alphabet of Ben Sira, we uncover not just a mythical figure but a powerful representation of feminine strength and the refusal to conform.
