The story of Lilith.

I learned of a story that isn't in the Bible as we know it and I wanted to share it.

unknown source:

(Jewish literature) Lilith was named as Adam's first wife, created out of earth in the same way as he had created the first man. The pair immediately began to quarrel because Lilith refused to lie beneath Adam sexually; she saw no reason to since they had both been created from the same earth or dirt (Long, 1991; Matthews, 1992; Gottlieb, 1993). When Adam refused to compromise Lilith fled to the Red Sea to 'consort' with demons, according to most accounts, though this might be understood as the choice to live an independent life in which she could enjoy autonomy. Demetra George writes that she refused subjugation, and, as a wind spirit, flew away and resumed her ancient sexual practices by living at the Red Sea, or as many would interpret it, dwelling in a womb of power, of menstrual blood (George, 1992).

When Adam complained to God that she had left him, the story goes, God sent three angels,Senoy, Sansenoy and Semangelof 2to bring her back to the Garden of Eden. She refused. When the angels then threatened to drown her, she swore that she had been sent by God and that although her 'function' was to kill babies, she would spare any child protected by an amulet or plaque with her name on it if they let her go. The angels meted out drastic punishment. There are three versions of this punishment in the literature: 100 of her babies would die each night; she would be doomed to giving birth to children who were demons; or God would make her barren. All three options are equally frightening; this part of the legend was clearly constructed to illustrate the horrible fate which awaited women who did not obey their husbands.3 No doubt this extended to one's father or priest -- to any male who wanted to claim 'dominion' over the woman or women in his arena of control.

For me, this reinforces my view of the Bible as a collection of stories written by men intended to teach society lessons on how best to live. I always had issues with church readings and lectures that taught women and children to be subservient. This story tries to tell women to relinquish our independence or else you will be punished by being barren or having demon children.