Scripture is full of women who walked many different paths in life. No one story is the same. But there is one commonality: Jesus loved each of them. It’s an amazing thing to read the accounts in the Bible of women whom Jesus redeemed & restored. He often went to the most unloved, the dirtiest, and the loneliest and He worked miracles in their lives – and not just physically.
I’m not sure why, maybe because I am a woman myself and can easily relate, but I love studying women in Scripture. The Bible is filled with stories of women whose lives we can learn from, but for now, I will just share 3! I think it’s important to mention that though we can learn from their examples and lives, the ultimate purpose of each account in Scripture is Jesus. Ultimately, it’s all about Him. And so as I move forward, I pray through this blog, that you will ultimately see Jesus and that it will encourage you to study the Scriptures deeper yourself.
Let’s get to it!
1. Rahab. Her name means = “broad, large, a vast space of land”
You may be familiar with the story of Rahab. She was a prostitute who helped the Israelites by hiding two of their spies. In turn, her family was spared in the battle. Her son was Boaz who later married Ruth. Rahab was ultimately in the lineage of Christ. Rahab is even mentioned in Hebrews 11 for her faith! “By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace.” (Hebrews 11:31) There is nothing that we have done or will do that can keep us from the grace and forgiveness offered in Jesus Christ!
Read about Rahab in Scripture: Joshua 2-6
2. Hannah. Her name means = “favor, grace”
The story of Hannah is a great example of the importance of prayer. She prayed for years to have a child and eventually God granted that request. She gave birth to Samuel and gave him back to the Lord as she had promised. What I admire most about this story is that she persevered in prayer for a child. All the while, her husband had children with his other wife. Surely it was a discouraging time for Hannah. The Bible even says that she wept and did not eat. But she continued to pray that God would grant that request and eventually He did! Hannah is a godly example of what it means to persevere in prayer and to surrender our desires to the Lord. Ultimately, she glorified God with her life!
Read about Hannah in Scripture: 1 Samuel 1:1-28
3. Anna. Her name means = “gracious, one who gives”
Anna was a prophetess who was well along in age. She had been married previously but was a widow of 84 years. She continued to serve God day and night at the temple and was bold in proclaiming Him to others. I greatly admire Anna for her commitment to serve the Lord regardless of her age or circumstances. She remained true to the Lord, spent much time in prayer and fasting, and publicly praised Him. Her example serves as a reminder that regardless of my circumstances, I too can serve Him. No age, no situation, no circumstance is too great to keep us from living our lives for Jesus!
Read about Anna in Scripture: Luke 2:36-38
Of course, there are many more women in Scripture with incredible, life-changing stories.
Esther saved her people through obedience.
Ruth was selfless and compassionate towards her mother-in-law and she was rewarded in the end.
Mary surrendered and trusted the Lord with the honor of carrying baby Jesus. She said, “Behold the handmade of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.” (Luke 1:38)
The woman at the well was known, loved, and forgiven by Jesus even though she had a difficult past.
That is all without even mentioning Deborah, Eve, Sarah, Martha, Miriam, the woman caught in adultery, or the woman with the issue of blood. And I could continue on and on…but the point here is that there are many different women in the pages of Scripture with many different backgrounds. Jesus loved each of them. He healed them, forgave them, and worked in ways only He could! He chose to accomplish some amazing things through their lives. Those stories in the pages of Scripture serve as examples for us today. No circumstance, no sin, no past is beyond the reach of Jesus. And there is no limit to the things He can accomplish through a surrendered and obedient heart.
It’s amazing to think about women during Bible times and all the unique stories. It’s even more amazing to think about how the God of those women is the very same God today. When I look back at the pages of Scripture and see His faithfulness then, I am reminded that He will continue to be faithful today. After all, He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
If I had to choose, my favorite woman in Scripture would probably be Mary or Hannah. Or maybe Esther or Ruth. Then again, maybe Anna or Deborah. Ha! It’s a difficult choice! But now it’s your turn! If you have a favorite, I would love to hear about it in the comments below!
That She May Know 