Lessons from Old Testament Women

“I’m pregnant.” While these words can bring joy to any expecting mother, they can also bring trepidation. How true was this for Mary after learning she would give birth to Jesus, the Son of God?

What will my parents think? What about my fiance, Joseph? How will I tell them?

Her other concerns were likely wide-ranging. Spiritual: Am I righteous enough to rear God’s child? Social: How will I face everyone when I go to the synagogue? Physical: How will my body change?

One of Mary’s worst fears was almost realized. When she told Joseph what was happening, he was ready to quietly end their engagement (Matt. 1:19).

Thankfully, the angel of the Lord guided Joseph to the right choice: He would wed Mary.

Even with this good news, Mary needed time and space to process everything. She headed to Judah “with haste” to visit her aunt Elisabeth (Luke 1:39), who was six months pregnant with John the Baptist at the time (vs. 36).

Mary took comfort in spending time with Elisabeth, away from intrusions from friends and family. She could rely on this older woman of God and prepare herself to be the mother of God on Earth.

Yet this young Jewish lady did not just rely on women alive in her time. She also drew courage and comfort from those who had lived many centuries before. In verses 46-56, Mary praises God: “My soul does magnify the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has regarded the low estate of His handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed…” (vs. 46-48).

Mary’s words were not all her own. Many of them were from Hannah, the mother of the prophet Samuel in the Old Testament.

Mary largely repeated or adapted Hannah’s prayer from when she dropped Samuel off to begin his training at the Temple (I Sam. 2:1-10). Mary drew inspiration from this story of a woman who also had an extraordinary pregnancy and a son with a special purpose.

If Hannah could do it, she may have thought, so can I.

Mary did what you can do today. Whatever troubles life throws at you as a wife, mother, daughter—woman—you can turn to those who came before you for comfort. Godly ladies in the Old Testament can be a guiding light to fulfill your role as part of womankind.

Heirs Together

So what did these women of old know? What set them apart as godly examples? For one, they understood what God wanted from them.

They knew why God made men and women: “So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them” (Gen. 1:27).

These righteous women knew both males and females were created in God’s image—that everyone can be born into the God Family.

The roles of men and women have been blurred and obscured throughout history. Just look at the world today. One extreme is radical feminism. Another is to paint females as second-class citizens, an idea promoted by some Christian denominations. They think women should stay “barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen.”

Yes, the Bible does say husbands are the head of the home (Eph. 5:22-24), and men are the ones who speak in Church services (I Cor. 14:34-35). In addition, God did make the woman as a “help meet” for man (Gen. 2:18).

Yet these verses should never be used to make women feel inferior or pushed aside.

God’s mind on this matter is simple. There are clear physical and mental differences between males and females—which complement their different roles—but that does not make men superior to women.

Gender roles were debated in the first century, just as today. The apostle Peter approached the topic by telling husbands to “dwell with them [their wives] according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life…” (I Pet. 3:7).

Physically weaker now, yet heirs together for eternity.

Men and women have many differences, but God sees everyone the same: “For you are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus” (Gal. 3:26).

Keep reading verses 27-28: “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

I Corinthians 11 takes one more look at this: “For man was not made from woman, but woman from man. Neither was man created for woman, but woman for man” (vs. 8-9, Revised Standard Version).

Husbands lead their households and men lead in the Church. Yet verse 11 puts it all in perspective: “Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man nor man of woman; for as woman was made from man, so man is now born of woman. And all things are from God” (vs. 11-12, RSV).

Being male or female has nothing to do with superiority or inferiority. It has to do with fulfilling God-given roles based on how He designed the sexes.

The context of I Corinthians 11 is talking about how women wear longer hair and men shorter—emphasizing that God wants there to be differences between genders. Yet “all things are from God.”

Everything God created is good (Gen. 1:31), and He desires men and women to play to their strengths. When women understand godly womanhood, they can fully excel in all they do.

The many examples in the Old Testament bear this out. These powerful Bible figures show just how successful and influential women can and should be when living God’s Way.

Inner Strength

Ruth overcame many challenges in her life. She married an Israelite man in her home country of Moab and was married to him for 10 years. Yet she was unable to bear any children during this time. Her husband then died. Afterward, she followed her mother-in-law, Naomi, back to the land of Israel.

Despite being a foreigner, her faith was incredible. She told Naomi: “Wherever you go, I will go; and where you lodge, I will lodge: your people shall be my people, and your God my God” (Ruth 1:16).

Back in Israel, she worked hard to take care of Naomi, and her example caught the eye of a man named Boaz. He said that “all the city of my people does know that you are a virtuous woman” (3:11).

The same Hebrew phrase is found in Proverbs 31: “virtuous woman.” This chapter can give us greater insight into what Ruth was like—and the character of all godly women.

Proverbs 31:10 asks: “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.”

“Virtuous” means strength, efficiency, wealth and ability. This verse could also be stated: “Who can find a strong woman in this world? A righteous woman able to tackle an incredible diversity of tasks?”

Godly women who are achieving their full potential are markedly rare. Today, ladies are often pushed to be more like men or become quiet church mice. Neither is what God wants!

So what does Proverbs 31 tell us about the virtuous woman?

She is trustworthy: “The heart of her husband does safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil” (vs. 11).

She is business-savvy: “She considers a field, and buys it: with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard” (vs. 16).

She is confident in her abilities: “She perceives that her merchandise is good: her candle goes not out by night” (vs. 18).

She is kind: “She stretches out her hand to the poor; yes, she reaches forth her hands to the needy” (vs. 20).

All of these things—and there are many more listed in Proverbs 31—reveal a powerful inner strength.

Verse 25 summarizes: “Strength and honor are her clothing…”

What woman does not want these things? Confidence, poise and strength.

Ruth exhibited this fortitude early on. She was “steadfastly minded” (Ruth 1:18) to go with her mother-in-law back to Israel. Ruth was leaving her home country to ensure Naomi was cared for. She knew what to do and was determined to make it happen.

Ladies, with the help of God, you can tap into that same strength today: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be you steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (I Cor. 15:58).

Of course, you should abound in God’s Work in general, but you should also excel in God’s work for you as a woman on an individual level.

Intelligence and Understanding

When King Josiah learned that the Book of the Law had been rediscovered—as he was starting to put Israel back on track after a string of bad leaders—to whom did he turn?

The young king wanted advice from God on how to proceed. Did he consult Jeremiah or Zephaniah? Both were operating as prophets at the time.

No. He sent men, led by the high priest Hilkiah, to someone else…

“So Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam, and Achbor, and Shaphan, and Asahiah, went unto Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe; (now she dwelt in Jerusalem in the college;) and they communed with her” (II Kgs. 22:14).

To be fair, perhaps Jeremiah was traveling and Zephaniah was unavailable. Regardless, the person consulted was Huldah. She read the book of the Law and told Hilkiah God’s thoughts on the matter.

God used her to tell Josiah that Israel had fallen into wickedness and He would punish them—but that would not occur in the time of Josiah (II Kgs. 22:16-20).

Reading between the lines, Huldah did more than just faithfully convey what God thought. She was respected and well-educated. Notice that she lived “in the college.” This was likely a school of the prophets. She would have been well-versed in God’s Word.

Virtuous women know that physical strength is not enough. It must be coupled with the wisdom that comes from a deep understanding of God’s Way.

Hannah shows this as well. Her prayer that Mary quoted has a deluge of Bible references. She alludes to Psalm 5:11, Psalm 75:10, Psalm 9:14, Exodus 15:11, Deuteronomy 4:35 and Deuteronomy 32:31—in just the first two verses!

This woman was a student of God’s Word. She diligently searched Scripture for meaning. This gave her strength to overcome hardships and trust in God’s timing.

The Queen of Sheba was another voracious learner who diligently sought to know more of God’s Way. She “heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord,” and she “came to prove him with hard questions” (I Kgs. 10:1).

Not only that, she knew God’s wisdom was something to be valued. Look at what she brought to visit Solomon: “And she came to Jerusalem with a very great train, with camels that bare spices, and very much gold, and precious stones: and when she came to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart” (vs. 2).

In the end, she told Solomon this: “Blessed be the Lord your God, which delighted in you, to set you on the throne of Israel: because the Lord loved Israel forever, therefore made He you king, to do judgment and justice” (vs. 9).

The queen saw God’s blessings in Israel and discerned that He was working there.

Matthew 12:42 shows that the Queen of Sheba (“queen of the south”) will be resurrected in the judgment and condemn the generation alive during Jesus’ time. Through this, we can know she had learned God’s wisdom and put it to good use.

Of course, not every woman is a ruler of a nation. Yet you can still use your knowledge and understanding to help those around you.

Did you know Isaiah’s wife was a prophetess? Go read Isaiah 8:3. She, too, likely learned at a school of the prophets.

Isaiah had a challenging role in warning Israel of their sins. His wife would have supported and encouraged him through God’s Word when needed.

Women, you should do the same today. Use the truths of God to teach your children, counsel your husbands, help one another, enrich your prayers and inspire others.

Never forget that God can use you to do great things.

In the time of the judges, God raised up Deborah to bring order to a chaotic Israel. Barak, a male leader at the time, heavily relied on her.

Judges 5:7 describes how she operated: “The inhabitants of the villages ceased, they ceased in Israel, until that I Deborah arose, that I arose a mother in Israel.”

This godly woman was a mother to the nation.

Where appropriate, you can be a “mother” to others in the Church (Mark 10:30). Take newly baptized brethren under your wing. You can especially teach younger women their roles (Titus 2:4-5). Yet you can also wisely encourage young men (vs. 6-7). Use your years of experience in God’s Way to help those younger in the faith to grow and mature.

Faith and Courage

Godly women are courageous. They know God has their backs and act accordingly.

Jochebed is a perfect example of this. That is Moses’ mom. She ignored Pharoah’s decree to kill all the Hebrew baby boys. One reason for this is that she and her husband knew murder is sin. But she also seemed to know God had a special purpose for her son.

Acts 7:20 states that Moses was an “exceeding fair” child. The New American Standard Bible says he was “lovely in the sight of God.” Even as a young man, Moses did seem to know God had a bigger plan for him (vs. 25).

So Jochebed put her infant son in an ark and placed it in the river. It floated down the river toward Pharaoh’s daughter.

Moses’ sister, Miriam, seems to have learned godly courage from her mom. Notice how she acted in the story: “And his sister stood afar off, to wit what would be done to him” (Ex. 2:4). Miriam saw Pharoah’s daughter open the ark and how she had compassion on baby Moses (vs. 5-6).

Not missing a beat, Miriam approached Pharaoh’s daughter and proposed a plan: “Shall I go and call to you a nurse of the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for you?” (vs. 7).

Young Miriam boldly addressed this royal lady and hatched a plan to allow Jochebed to wean her son, preserving Moses’ life.

Throughout her life, Miriam did big things. When she was older, she confronted Pharoah with her brothers, Moses and Aaron (Micah 6:4).

With godly courage, you too can be a buoy to those around you during tough times.

Miriam helped lead a song after Israel crossed through the Red Sea. Yes, this deliverance was a victorious moment but still a harrowing experience. This woman of God helped everyone keep the proper perspective: “And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances. And Miriam answered them, Sing you to the Lord, for He has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider has He thrown into the sea” (Ex. 15:20-21).

Younger women can also exhibit great courage. Rebekah heard how God was working with Abraham and Isaac. That was all she needed to hear to agree to go marry Isaac.

Her father agreed to the marriage but was not ready for Rebekah to leave right away (Gen. 24:55). Yet Abraham’s servant saw that God’s will was playing out and wanted to get moving.

Notice Rebekah’s reaction. Her dad asked her what she thought: “And they called Rebekah, and said unto her, Will you go with this man? And she said, I will go” (vs. 58).

Rebekah recognized God was working out a great purpose and moved to act.

Once she met Isaac and was married, notice the result: “And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her: and Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death” (vs. 67).

Wise Influence

Women, you have more influence on those around you than you may think. To ensure you use that influence wisely, you must remain humble. Focus on outflowing concern for others rather than what you want for yourself.

Look at Rahab, who is mentioned in Hebrews 11, the faith chapter: “By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace” (vs. 31).

Rahab helped the Israelites who were spying out Jericho as Israel was entering the Promised Land. She exhibited many of the qualities already mentioned, and her actions helped save her entire family.

Note her faith as she spoke to the spies: “I know that the Lord has given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you. For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when you came out of Egypt…And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath” (Jos. 2:9-11).

Everyone else in Jericho heard of God’s power and decided to trust in the walls of their city. Rahab was different. She learned of these miracles and turned toward the true God.

The spies promised she would be spared when the city fell, as well as anyone else in her house. This is where influence comes into play. Rahab carefully talked to her family and got them all to come to her house and await Israel’s victory. They stayed together in her home while the walls of Jericho came down.

Abigail, “a woman of good understanding” (I Sam. 25:3), also used her influence to save others. Her husband Nabal foolishly offended the soon-to-be King David—refusing to give him and his men provisions when they needed them (vs. 10-11).

In response, David was ready to wipe out Nabal and his men (vs. 13).

When Abigail heard of this, she sprang into action: “Then Abigail made haste, and took two hundred loaves, and two bottles of wine, and five sheep ready dressed, and five measures of parched corn, and a hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs…And she said unto her servants, Go on before me; behold, I come after you. But she told not her husband Nabal” (vs. 18-19).

When she approached David, she hurriedly bowed down before him (vs. 23).

“Upon me, my lord, upon me let this iniquity be,” she pleaded, “and let your handmaid, I pray you, speak in your audience, and hear the words of your handmaid” (vs. 24).

Abigail humbly placed the blame on herself for her husband’s misstep. She then wisely reminded David that vengeance belongs to God (vs. 26; Deut. 32:35).

David stopped dead in his tracks and deeply thanked Abigail for stopping him from shedding blood (I Sam. 25:32-33).

Abigail used her femininity to her advantage in this scenario. Her being a woman likely helped defuse the situation. Imagine if a man had hurriedly come toward David and his men when they were out for blood. Also note that she asked that the sin be on her—not her foolish husband. The chances of David attacking an unarmed woman were next to zero.

She then carefully used wisdom and knowledge of God’s Way to change David’s mind.

This virtuous woman quickly assessed the situation, devised a plan and executed it using the influence that comes from womanhood.

Yet ladies must be careful of how they wield the power they have.

In the book of Judges, Delilah wore Samson down to reveal the secret to his strength, ultimately leading to his capture and death.

“And she said unto him, How can you say, I love you, when your heart is not with me? You have mocked me these three times, and have not told me wherein thy great strength lies. And it came to pass, when she pressed him daily with her words, and urged him, so that his soul was vexed unto death” (Judg. 16:15-16).

Delilah manipulated Samson by playing to his emotions—“If you really loved me, you’d tell me”—but she also persistently nagged him until he relented.

King Ahab was “stirred up” to “work wickedness in the sight of the Lord” by his wife Jezebel (I Kgs. 21:25).

Of course, most women are not pushing their husbands toward outright wickedness, but they may use what they know about their husbands or others to get their way.

Later in her life, Rebekah did just this. She tricked her husband, Isaac, into blessing her favorite son Jacob rather than the eldest son Esau (Gen. 27:9). She also used her position as a mother to influence Jacob into agreeing to the scheme.

As a female, you can influence others—for good or for ill—using the physical and mental traits God has given you.

Perseverance and Patience

One theme permeates the stories of Old Testament women: patience. Rebekah waited 20 years to have a child. Rachel waited seven years to marry Jacob, then she endured many years of infertility while seeing her sister have seven children. Hannah was similar, not having a child and being ridiculed for it (I Sam. 1:2-7).

Abraham’s wife, Sarah, followed a similar path. Yet she ultimately gave birth to Isaac: “Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised” (Heb. 11:11).

For ladies, it can be incredibly difficult to wait on God and trust in His timing—especially regarding getting married or having children.

As Old Testament women waited, they did not always do it perfectly. Sarah knew God promised her and her husband a family, but she tried to bring about that promise by having a child through her handmaid Hagar. This wrong decision led to a world of problems still seen in the Middle East today. Yet, as Hebrews 11 shows, Sarah ultimately repented and trusted in God. In time, He fulfilled His promise.

When things get tough and it is difficult to find the patience to go on, remember what God is doing on Earth. He is reproducing Himself—both in this age and in the world to come.

Look one more time at Hannah’s prayer after she had Samuel. In her prayer of thanks, she talks all about God’s plan of salvation.

In I Samuel 2:7-8, she says, “The Lord makes poor, and makes rich: He brings low, and lifts up. He raises up the poor out of the dust, and lifts up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory…”

God is in control. He will soon take those that are low in this age—His people—and “set them among princes” in the Kingdom of God.

In verse 9, Hannah declares that God “will keep the feet of His saints.”

Even when life seems bleak, never forget these things. Remember that you are a joint-heir of salvation.

Each day, strive to be more like the Proverbs 31 virtuous woman: “Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come” (vs. 25).

Often, we cannot know what purpose God is working out in our lives. Yet know that He has a purpose.

Look how God used both Rahab and Ruth. Jesus’ family tree, recorded in Matthew 1, says this: “And Salmon begat Boaz of Rahab; and Boaz begat Obed of Ruth…” (vs. 5).

Think how these women will feel when they are resurrected and learn their lineage continued all the way to Jesus Christ. For Rahab, she started life as a prostitute and look where she ended up. Both women were Moabites rather than Israelites—and God used them for an awesome part of His Plan.

Lean on all the women that came before you and the ones around you today. Very soon, all of God’s people will be born into His Family.

The Church of God is often likened to being a woman (Eph. 5:25-27; Gal. 4:26; Rev. 21:9). The moment we receive salvation will be the ultimate fulfillment of Proverbs 31:29: “Many daughters have done virtuously, but you excelled them all.”