Throughout scripture we see God honoring women in the Bible. In the ancient eastern culture in which the Bible was written, a woman’s worth was elevated a little more than livestock. Throughout scripture, we see God honoring and elevating women of the Bible. We want to highlight just a few of the women of scripture and how they played an integral role in advancing the gospel.
Who are significant women in the Bible?
- Hagar
Consider Hagar, the only recorded woman in the Old Testament to give a name to God. After her abandonment by Sarai, the angel of the Lord finds her by a spring in the wilderness, ministers to her, and makes her a promise. Hagar names God in response, and we can now take comfort in knowing God as El Roi – the God who sees. He is not far away and removed from us. He’s near and He sees. She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.” Genesis 16:13 - The Samaritan Woman
Or reflect on The Samaritan Woman, an unnamed societal outcast who becomes the first recorded Gentile to realize Jesus is the Messiah and then tell an entire community about Him! Because of the dignity shown to her by Jesus, we have the assurance of knowing that all people matter to God regardless of culture, history, past mistakes, or the opinions of others. Jesus is Messiah and salvation is still available to all who believe. Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” John 4:39 - Shiprah and Puah
Two midwives of the Old Testament, Shiprah and Puah, courageously defied the Pharoah and refused to kill baby boys born to Hebrew women in Egypt. Their fear of the Lord preserved God’s people and allowed the nation to flourish. In return, God blessed them and gave them families of their own. Their bravery stands as an example to us and a reminder of the blessing bestowed on us when we revere God. The midwives, however, feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do; they let the boys live. Exodus 1:17
So many other women in scripture play pivotal roles in God’s big redemption story. From Rachel to Mary, Ruth to Esther, and Rahab to Lydia, God used women in the Bible for countless purposes, like financial support (Luke 8:3), proclaiming the resurrection (Matthew 28:7) and so much more. Today, we celebrate these women of scripture and so many others whose stories of faithfulness still inspire us. And to the women of our QAVA audience, we pray you’ll be encouraged by the knowledge that you and your story matter. God sees you, He has made a way for you, and He will bless your faithfulness in serving Him. For more resources designed to equip you as you follow Jesus, visit our website at QAVA.tv.
