Woman in the Bible
Woman in the bible, there are numerous women in the Bible whose stories can instruct us in important ways. 2 Timothy 3:16, 17; Romans 15:4; Just a few of the biblical women are briefly described in this article. Numerous are excellent models to follow. Others give examples of caution. —Hebrews 6:12; 1 Corinthians 10:11.
(1) Abigail
(2) Deborah
(3) Delilah
(4) Esther
(5) Eve
(6) Hannah
(7) Jael
(8) Jezebel
(9) Leah
(10) Martha
(12) Mary (sister of Martha and Lazarus)
(13) Mary Magdalene
(14) Miriam
(5) Rachel
(16) Rahab
(17) Rebekah
(18) Ruth
(19) Sarah
(20) Female Shulammite
(21) Spouse of Lot
Abigail
Just who was Abigail? She was the wife of Nabal, a ruthless and affluent man. However, Abigail was wise and modest, in addition to being attractive physically and spiritually.—1 Samuel 25:3.
How did she act? To avert disaster, Abigail behaved with judgment and prudence. The future king of Israel, David, was hiding out in the area where she and Nabal dwelt. While David and his soldiers were around, they guarded Nabal’s sheep flocks from thieves.
But when David’s messengers requested Nabal for some food, he obstinately refused. David was furious! He then left with his men to kill Nabal and every man in his home. —1 Samuel 25:10–12, 22.
When Abigail discovered what her husband had done, she took immediate action. She sent her servants with food to deliver to David and his warriors, and then she went after him to beg for forgiveness.
David saw that God had used her to avert a calamity when he saw her gift, noticed her humility, and listened to her good counsel in (1 Samuel 25:14-19, 24-31). (See 1 Samuel 25:32–33) Nabal passed away shortly after, at which point Abigail married David. – 1 Samuel 25:37–41
How can Abigail teach us something? Despite being attractive and well-off, Abigail had a realistic opinion of herself. She was prepared to make an undeserved apology in order to maintain harmony. She handled a difficult circumstance with poise, bravery, and creativity.
Deborah
Deborah was who in the bible? Jehovah, the God of Israel, revealed his will via her as a prophetess in regards to issues impacting his people. She was also a tool that God employed to mediate disputes among the Israelites. Judges 4:1, 5.
How did she act? Deborah, a prophetess, bravely stood up for God’s followers. She called Barak to command an Israelite army against their Canaanite oppressors under his command. Judges 4:1, 6–7 Deborah refused to give in to fear and agreed to Barak’s request that they travel together. Judges 4:8–9.
Deborah wrote at least a portion of the song that she and Barak sung to commemorate the event after God granted the Israelites a resounding victory. She discussed Jael’s contribution to the Canaanites’ downfall in that song, another daring woman. —Judges 5 .
What can Deborah teach us? Deborah was brave and gave of herself. She exhorted people to act in a way that pleases God. She graciously acknowledged their accomplishments when they did so.
Delilah
Delilah, who was she? Samson, an Israelite judge, fell in love with this woman. Judges 16:4–5,
How did she act? To betray Samson, whom God had been using to free the Israelites from the Philistines, she accepted cash from Philistine authorities. He had a remarkable physical strength that the Philistines could not overcome. Judges 13:5 Therefore, Delilah was sought after by their officials.
To learn how Samson acquired his incredible power, the Philistines offered Delilah a reward. After making several unsuccessful attempts, Delilah finally succeeded in learning Samson’s secret after accepting the money. Judges 16:15–17 Samson was caught and imprisoned by the Philistines after she revealed his secret to them (Judges 16:18–21).
What can Delilah teach us? Delilah serves as a cautionary tale. She acted dishonestly, disloyalty, and selfishly toward a Jehovah God’s servant because she was overcome by avarice.
Esther
Esther was who? She was a Jewess who was chosen to be the ruler of Persia by King Ahasuerus.
How did she act? Esther the Queen utilized her power to stop her own people from being exterminated. She learned that a formal edict had been made setting a particular day for the execution of all Jews residing in the Persian Empire.
The prime minister, a man by the name of Haman, was responsible for this diabolical plan. (Esther 3:13–15; 4:1; 5) Esther exposed the plan to her husband, King Ahasuerus, with the assistance of her older cousin Mordecai and at the risk of her life.
In Esther 4:10–16 and Esther 7:1–10 The Jews were therefore permitted to defend themselves by another order that Ahasuerus let Esther and Mordecai issue.
What can Esther teach us? Outstanding examples of bravery, humility, and modesty were provided by Queen Esther. Philippians 2:3 and Psalm 31:24 She sought advice and assistance despite her status and beauty.
She used subtlety, respect, and boldness when talking to her spouse. She bravely revealed herself as a Jew during a time when Jews were in grave danger.
Eve
And who was Eve? She was the first woman ever, and the Bible makes reference to her first.
How did she act? Eve disregarded God’s unambiguous command. Eve was formed as a flawless human with free choice and the capacity to develop heavenly traits like love and wisdom, just like her husband Adam. (In Genesis 1:27) Eve was aware that God had warned Adam that they would perish if they ate from a particular tree.
She was tricked into thinking she wouldn’t pass away, though. In reality, she was made to feel that defying God would benefit her. She then convinced her spouse to consume the fruit after she had already done so. Genesis 3:1–6 and 1 Timothy 2:24.
How can Eve teach us something? Eve serves as a cautionary tale about the peril of obsessing over the wrong wants. She acquired a strong desire to take what wasn’t hers despite God’s plain instruction. – Genesis 3:6 and 1 John 2:16.
Hannah
Hannah, who was she? She was Elkanah’s wife and gave birth to Samuel, who rose to prominence as a prophet in ancient Israel. 1 Samuel 1:1, 2, 4, and 7
How did she act? Hannah prayed to God in her time of childlessness for consolation. The husband of Hannah had two wives. Peninnah, his second wife, had children, but Hannah was childless for a very long period after they were married. Hannah prayed to God for comfort as Peninnah mocked her brutally.
She vowed to God that if he gave her a son, she would give the child to him by setting up the child to work at the tabernacle, a movable tent that Israel used for worship ( 1 Samuel 1:11).
Hannah’s request was granted, and she gave birth to Samuel. As promised, Hannah took Samuel to work at the tabernacle when he was still a little child.
(1 Samuel 1:17) She made him a sleeveless coat every year and delivered it to him. God eventually gave Hannah two daughters and three sons, totaling five more offspring. 1 Samuel 2:18–21.
What can Hannah teach us? Hannah persevered through hardships thanks to her sincere prayers. She expressed her appreciation to God in a prayer that was described in 1 Samuel 2:1–10.
Jael
Jael was who? She was the non-Israelite Heber’s wife. Jael bravely stood up for God’s people.
How did she act? When Sisera, the commander of the Canaanite army, arrived in Jael’s camp, she made a quick decision. Sisera was seeking safety and sanctuary after losing his conflict with Israel. He was welcomed into Jael’s tent to take cover and relax. She killed him when he was asleep. Judges 4:17–21
Jael’s deed carried out a prophecy spoken by Deborah: “Jehovah will give Sisera into the hand of a woman.” Judges 4:9 Jael was referred to as the “most blessed of ladies” for her performance. Judges 5:24
What can Jael teach us? Jael took action with guts and initiative. Her story demonstrates how God may control the course of events to carry out prophesy.
Jezebel
Jezebel, who was she? She was Ahab’s (the Israelite king’s) wife. She did not worship Jehovah and was not an Israelite. She adored the Canaanite deity Baal instead.
How did she act? Jezebel the queen was vicious, brutal, and controlling. She encouraged Baal worship and the related sexual depravity. She also made an effort to stop people from worshiping the real God, Jehovah. —1 Kings 18:4, 13; 19:1-3.
To sate her avaricious desires, Jezebel turned to deceit and murder. (1 Kings 21:8-16) She passed quite suddenly, as God had predicted, and was not buried. —2 Kings 9:10, 32–37; 1 Kings 21:23.
How can Jezebel teach us something? Jezebel serves as a cautionary tale. She was so morally reprehensible and dishonest that her name has come to stand for an undisciplined, immoral, and shameless woman.
ALSO READ JEZEBEL CHARACTERISTICS
Leah
Leah was who? She was patriarch Jacob’s first wife. Rachel, her younger sister, was his second wife. Genesis 29:20–29
How did she act? Eventually, Leah gave birth to six of Jacob’s sons. (Ruth 4:11) Not Leah, but Rachel was the woman Jacob wanted to wed. Laban, the father of the daughters, made preparations for Leah to fill in for Rachel.
Jacob faced Laban after realizing he had been duped into marrying Leah. The younger daughter wasn’t supposed to get married before the older one, according to Laban. Jacob wed Rachel a week later. Genesis 29:26–28
Jacob preferred Rachel to Leah. Genesis 29:30 Leah and her sister thus engaged in envious rivalry for Jacob’s love. Leah was blessed with seven children—six males and one daughter—because God was aware of her emotions. – Genesis 29:31
How can Leah teach us something? Leah prayed to God and did not let her difficult family situation prevent her from seeing God’s help. (Genesis 30:20; 29:32–35) Her life story vividly illustrates the drawbacks of polygamy, a practice that God once approved of. According to Matthew 19:4-6, a husband or woman is only permitted to have one spouse.
Martha
Martha, who was she? She shared a home with Mary and Lazarus in the Bethany village, which is close to Jerusalem.
How did she act? Jesus, who “loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus,” was close to Martha. (John 11:5) Martha was a warm-hearted person. Mary decided to listen to Jesus during one of Jesus’ visits while Martha took care of housework. He received a complaint from Martha that Mary wasn’t supporting her. Jesus gently rebuked Martha’s perspective. —Luke 10:38-42.
Martha, who was she? She shared a home with Mary and Lazarus in the Bethany village, which is close to Jerusalem.
How did she act? Jesus, who “loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus,” was close to Martha. (John 11:5) Martha was a warm-hearted person. Mary decided to listen to Jesus during one of Jesus’ visits while Martha took care of housework. He received a complaint from Martha that Mary wasn’t supporting her. Jesus gently rebuked Martha’s perspective. —Luke 10:38-42.
In hopes that Jesus may heal their sick brother, Martha and her sister sent for him when Lazarus was ill. (John 11:3, 21) But Lazarus perished. In her dialogue with Jesus, Martha demonstrated her faith in both the Bible’s prediction of a resurrection and in Jesus’ capacity to save her brother. —John 11:20-27.
How can Martha teach us something? Martha put a lot of effort into showing hospitality. She humbly took advice. She was honest in talking about her emotions and her faith.
Mary (mother of Jesus)
And who was Mary? She was a young Jewish woman who miraculously conceived God’s son while still a virgin. She also gave birth to Jesus.
How did she act? Mary submitted graciously to God’s will. When an angel revealed that Mary would conceive and give birth to the long-awaited Messiah to her, she was already betrothed to Joseph. (Luke 1:26-33) She took up her duty voluntarily. Mary and Joseph had four boys and at least two daughters together before the birth of Jesus.
ALSO READ Contentious Woman Meaning
Mary therefore stopped being a virgin. In Matthew 13:55–56 Despite having a special advantage, she never sought or earned praise, whether it was during Jesus’ ministry or when she was a part of the first Christian church.
What can Mary teach us? Mary was a trustworthy individual who voluntarily took on a significant obligation. She had a thorough understanding of the Bible. She reportedly quoted from the Bible 20 times when she spoke the words found in Luke 1:46–55.
Mary (sister of Martha and Lazarus)
And who was Mary? She had a close relationship with Jesus, just like her sister Martha and brother Lazarus.
How did she act? Mary frequently expressed her admiration for Jesus as the divine Son of God. She was present when her brother Lazarus was raised from the dead, and she expressed faith that Jesus might have stopped her brother’s death.
When Mary decided to listen to Jesus rather than assist with home work, her sister Martha reprimanded her. Jesus, however, praised Mary for prioritizing her faith. —Luke 10:38-42.
Mary once again showed Jesus extraordinary hospitality by applying “expensive fragrant oil” to his feet and head. Matthew 26:6, 7. Mary was accused of being wasteful by others in the room. Jesus, however, stood up for her and said, “Wherever this good news [of God’s Kingdom] is preached in throughout the world, what this lady accomplished will also be remembered in memory of her.” Matthew 26:8–13 and Matthew 24:14.
What can Mary teach us? Mary developed a strong faith. She prioritized her adoration of God over everyday concerns. And even though it cost her a lot of money, she modestly honored Jesus.
Mary Magdalene
Mary Magdalene: Who was she? She was one of Jesus’ devoted followers.
How did she act? Several women went with Jesus and his followers, including Mary Magdalene. She kindly contributed to their necessities out of her own pocket. (Luke 8:1-3) She stuck by Jesus till the end of his ministry and was present when he was put to death.
She had the honor of seeing Jesus for the first time after his resurrection. —John 20:11–18
What can Mary teach us? Mary Magdalene remained a loyal follower of Jesus and gave liberally to his mission.
Miriam
Miriam, who was she? She was Moses’ and Aaron’s sister. She is the first female prophetess mentioned in the Bible.
How did she act? She had a part in communicating God’s words as a prophetess. After God defeated the Egyptian army in the Red Sea, she held a prominent position in Israel and joined the soldiers in a victory song. Exodus 15:1, 20, and 21
Later, Miriam and Aaron criticized Moses in their speech. They were obviously driven by pride and resentment. God “was listening,” and he gave Miriam and Aaron stern advice. Numbers 12:1–9 The leprosy that followed was probably a punishment from God for Miriam for starting the negative conversation.
She was cured after Moses prayed to God on her behalf. She was given a seven-day quarantine before being allowed to return to Israel’s camp. Numbers 12:10–15.
Miriam reportedly agreed to the adjustment, according to the Bible. God later reminded the Israelites: “I sent before you Moses, Aaron, and Miriam,” referring to her special privilege. —Micah 6:4.
What can Miriam teach us? The narrative of Miriam demonstrates that God listens to what his worshipers say to or about one another. We also discover that in order to satisfy God, we must abstain from tendencies like excessive pride and jealousy that could lead us to damage other people’s reputations.
Rachel
Rachel was who? She was the patriarch Jacob’s preferred wife and a Laban’s daughter.
How did she act? Jacob and Rachel had two sons together, who eventually became some of the first leaders of the 12 tribes of ancient Israel. While caring for her father’s sheep, Rachel met her future spouse. Genesis 29:9 and 10 Compared to her older sister Leah, she was “extremely gorgeous.” In Genesis 29:17
After falling in love with Rachel, Jacob decided to work for seven years in order to get married to her. (Genesis 19:18) But Laban fooled Jacob into marrying Leah first, and then Laban gave Jacob permission to wed Rachel. Genesis 29:25–27.
More than Leah and his offspring, Jacob loved Rachel and her two sons. Genesis 37:3; 44:20, 27–29; 37:3; Rivalry developed between the two women as a result. Genesis 29:30; 30:1,15.
What can Rachel teach us? Rachel persevered through a challenging family circumstance while maintaining faith that God would answer her prayers. In Genesis 30:22–24 Her experience illustrates the burden that polygamy places on families.
Rachel’s story proves the wisdom of God’s original marriage law, which stipulated that a man should only have one wife. Matthew 19:4-6.
Rahab
Who was Rahab? She was a prostitute in Jericho, a Canaanite city, and she converted to Jehovah worship.
How did she act? Two Israelites who were spies for Israel were hidden by Rahab. She did this because she had heard stories of how Jehovah, the God of Israel, had rescued his people from slavery in Egypt and later from an Amorite onslaught.
When the Israelites arrived to destroy Jericho, Rahab begged the spies to spare her and her family.
They consented, but only under the terms that she keep their mission a secret, that she and her family would defend themselves within their home in the event that the Israelites attacked, and that she would tie a scarlet rope from her window to mark her residence. Rahab followed every directive, and when the Israelites took Jericho, she and her family were still alive.
King David and Jesus Christ both trace their ancestry to Rahab, who later wed an Israelite (Joshua 2:14–25; 6:25; Matthew 1:5, 6).
How can Rahab teach us something? Rahab is cited in the Bible as a shining example of faith. James 2:25 and Hebrews 11:30, 31 Her experience serves as proof that God is merciful and unbiased, favoring those who put their faith in him despite their circumstances.
Rebekah
Rebekah, who was she? She was Isaac’s wife and gave birth to their identical sons, Jacob and Esau.
How did she act? Rebekah obeyed God’s commandments despite their difficulty. She was drawing water from a well when a man requested her to give him a sip. Rebekah offered to fetch water for the man’s camels and gave him a drink right away.
Genesis 24:15–20 He had come a long way to find a wife for Abraham’s son Isaac. That man was Abraham’s servant.
In Genesis 24:2-4, He prayed to God for blessings as well. He realized that God had heard his prayer and that He had chosen Rebekah for Isaac when he observed her work ethic and friendliness. Genesis 24:10–14, 21, and 27.
Rebekah consented to accompany the servant on his mission when she heard about it, becoming Isaac’s wife in the process. (In Genesis 24:57-59) Finally, Rebekah gave birth to twin boys. Esau, the eldest of the two boys, will serve Jacob, the younger, God had revealed to her.
In Genesis 25:23 Rebekah took action to ensure that Jacob received the blessing when Isaac planned to give Esau the firstborn’s blessing, in accordance with what she understood to be God’s desire. Genesis 27:1–17
What is Rebekah’s lesson for us? Rebekah was successful as a wife, mother, and worshipper of the true God because she was modest, hardworking, and friendly.
Ruth
And who was Ruth? She was a Moabitess who fled her native land and her pagan gods to follow Jehovah in Israel.
How did she act? Ruth’s devotion to Naomi, her mother-in-law, was exceptional. In order to flee a famine in Israel, Naomi traveled to Moab with her husband, their two sons, and other family members. Eventually, the sons wed Moabite women named Ruth and Orpah. But eventually Naomi’s husband and her two boys passed away, leaving her with three widows.
When the drought in Israel ended, Naomi made the decision to go back there. Orpah and Ruth decided to accompany her. However, Naomi urged them to go back to their families. So acted Orpah. (Ruth 1:1-6, 15) But Ruth remained steadfastly with her mother-in-law. She desired to worship Naomi’s god, Jehovah, since she adored Naomi. —Ruth 1:16, 17; 2:11.
Ruth quickly gained a positive reputation in Bethlehem, Naomi’s hometown, thanks to her status as a caring daughter-in-law and a hard worker. Ruth emotionally moved Boaz, a wealthy farmer, who generously gave food to her and Naomi. (Ruth 2:5-7, 20) Ruth eventually was married to Boaz and was related to both Jesus Christ and King David. Matthew 1:5, 6, 16, etc.
What can Ruth teach us? Ruth voluntarily uprooted her life out of love for Naomi and Jehovah. Despite hardship, she was devoted, loyal, and hardworking.
Sarah
And who was Sarah? She was Isaac’s mother and Abraham’s wife.
How did she act? Because she had faith in the promises God had made to her husband, Abraham, Sarah uprooted her comfortable existence in the affluent city of Ur. Abraham was instructed by God to depart from Ur and travel to Canaan. God promised to make him prosperous and a powerful nation. (Genesis 12:1–5) At the time, Sarah might have been in her 60s. Sarah and her husband started living in tents as nomads after that.
Sarah encouraged Abraham as he followed God’s guidance despite the dangers associated with a wandering lifestyle. In Genesis 12:10 and 15, Sarah had been childless for many years, and it pained her deeply.
However, God had vowed to favor Abraham’s descendants. (Genesis 12:7; 13:15; 15:18; 16:1, 2, 15) God eventually confirmed that Sarah will give birth to Abraham’s child. Although she was long past childbearing age, she did give birth. Her spouse was 100 years old, and she was 90. (Genesis 17:17; 21:2-5) They gave Isaac as his name.
What can Sarah teach us? We can always rely on God to keep his promises, even those that seem impossible, thanks to Sarah’s example! (Read Hebrews 11:11) She also serves as a wonderful example of how crucial respect is to a successful marriage. —1 Peter 3:5, 6.
Female Shulammite
Who was the girl from Shulammite female? She was the main character in the biblical novel Song of Solomon and a stunning country girl. Her name is not mentioned in the Bible.
How did she act? The shepherd lad she cherished had the Shulammite maiden’s undying loyalty. Song of Solomon 2:16 King Solomon, a powerful man, was drawn to her great beauty, and he made attempts to capture her heart.
Others pushed the Shulammite female to choose Solomon, but she declined (Song of Solomon 7:6). She was devoted to the poor shepherd lad and loved him. Song of Solomon 3:5, 7:10; 8:6.
What may we infer from the female from Shulammite? Despite her attractiveness and the attention she received, she kept a low opinion of herself. She refused to let peer pressure or the lure of worldly wealth and reputation influence her affections. She maintained emotional restraint and moral propriety.
Spouse of Lot
Who was the wife of Lot? Her name is not mentioned in the Bible. However, it does reveal that she had two children and settled with her family in Sodom. — Genesis 19: 1,15.
What may we infer from Lot’s wife? Her experience illustrates the peril of idolizing things of the world to the extent of defying God. She was used by Jesus as a cautionary tale. He said, “Remember the woman of Lot.”—Luke 17:32
How did she act? She disobeyed God’s instruction. Because of Sodom’s egregious sexual immorality and that of the surrounding cities, God had made the decision to destroy them. God sent two angels to transport virtuous Lot and his family out of love for them when they were in Sodom. Genesis 18:20; 19:1, 12, 13.
Lot’s family was instructed to leave the area and not to turn around or they would perish by the angels. (in Genesis 19:17) When Lot’s wife “started to gaze back, she turned into a pillar of salt,” In Genesis 19:26.