Discover the background and life lessons of these strong women in the Bible.
Mary of Nazareth: Mother of Jesus
Her Background
• Lived in Nazareth (Luke 1:26)
• Engaged to Joseph (1:27)
• Related to Elizabeth (1:36)
• Descended from King David (3:31)
• Eventually had other children (Mark 3:31-32)
Her Story
• An angel appeared to her, announcing she had been chosen to give birth to Jesus (Luke 1:30-33).
• She submitted herself to God’s will (1:38).
• The angel’s message was confirmed by Elizabeth (1:42-45).
• She gave birth to Jesus in a stable in Bethlehem (2:4-7).
• She participated in the ministry of Christ (John 2:1-5).
• She was at the cross and given by Jesus into the care of John (John 19:25-27).
• She prayed with other believers for the Spirit in Jerusalem (Acts 1:12-14).
Life Lesson
Mary modeled an attitude of obedience and trust.
Esther: For Such a Time as This
Her Background
• A beautiful, orphaned Jewish girl (Esther 2:2)
• The adopted daughter of her cousin Mordecai (2:7,15)
• A God-fearing woman living in a pagan court (2:16-20)
Her Story
• She was chosen by King Ahasuerus to be queen (2:17).
• She learned that the Jews were to be executed by Haman (2:22).
• She risked death by approaching the king (4:10-11, 5:1-2).
• She prepared a banquet for the king and Haman (5:4).
• She asked the king for a new edict (8:5).
• Her delivery of God’s people is still celebrated by Jews today during Purim (9:32).
Life Lessons
• Esther’s courage and wisdom were used by God to save His people from extinction.
• Beauty and creativity are also useful tools for a God-fearing woman.
Ruth: Loyal Daughter-In-Law
Her Background
• A native of Moab, east of the Jordan River (Ruth 1:4-5)
• The wife of Mahlon (4:10)
• The daughter-in-law of Naomi and Elimelech (1:4)
Her Story
• Her husband died before they had a child (1:4-13).
• She loved her mother-in-law Naomi and left her homeland to go with Naomi to Bethlehem (1:16-18).
• She listened to Naomi’s advice (3:1-5).
• Her spirit and character attracted Boaz, the kinsman-redeemer (“family redeemer,” 2:11; 3:11).
• Boaz agreed to buy Naomi’s estate and take Ruth as his wife (3:10-13).
• Through their family line came King David and ultimately Jesus, the Messiah (4:17,21-22; Matthew 1:5-6).
Life Lessons
• Ruth’s vow to Naomi is one of the most beautiful statements of commitment in Scripture (Ruth 1:16-17).
• Her obedience to Yahweh God brought rich rewards (4:10-17).
Eve: Mother of All Living
Her Background
• The first woman created by God in His image (Genesis 2:22)
• The wife of Adam (2:23)
• The mother of Cain and Abel (4:1-2)
Her Story
• She lived with her husband in the garden of Eden (2:8).
• She was deceived by Satan’s lie and disobeyed God (3:4-6; 1Timothy 2:14).
• She, with her husband, was evicted from the garden (3:23-24).
• She expressed hope for the future with the birth of her son Cain (4:1).
Life Lessons
• Eve sinned against God and had to suffer painful consequences (3:16).
• She took responsibility for her sin immediately (3:13).
• She experienced the grace of God (3:21)
Elizabeth: Mother of John the Baptist
Her Background
• The wife of Zechariah, from the lineage of Aaron (Luke 1:5-7)
• Childless
• A righteous woman
Her Story
• An angel appeared to Zechariah while serving in the temple, saying their prayers would be answered and they would have a son (1:11-17).
• Elizabeth conceived and was in seclusion for five months (1:24).
• She was visited by her cousin, Mary, who was pregnant with Jesus (1:39).
• She and her unborn child recognized Jesus the Messiah in utero (1:41-45).
• She gave birth to John the Baptist, whom Jesus called the greatest of all men (Matthew 11:11).
Life Lesson
Waiting on the Lord often brings unexpected blessings.
Rachel: A Beloved Wife
Her Background
• She was the beautiful daughter of Rebekah’s brother, Laban, living in Haran (Genesis 29:5-10).
• She married Jacob after he was deceived into marrying her older sister Leah (29:28).
• She was the mother of Joseph and Benjamin (30:22-24; 35:16-20).
Her Story
• Rachel was infertile, while Leah conceived easily, resulting in jealousy and resentment between the sisters (30:1).
• She stole her father’s household idols, perhaps in order to claim a family inheritance or as part of superstitious worship (31:19).
• She gave birth to Joseph, favored son of Jacob (30:22-24).
• She died while giving birth to Benjamin (35:18).
Life Lessons
• Unfulfilled dreams and expectations often result in bitterness and anger.
• Physical attractiveness does not necessarily result in contentment.
Hagar: An Abused Woman
Her Background
• She was Sarah’s Egyptian servant (Genesis 16:1).
• She was the mother of Ishmael (16:15).
• She found an Egyptian wife for Ishmael (21:21).
Her Story
• She was a surrogate for Abraham’s promised son since Sarah was infertile (16:3-4).
• She was promised that she would be the mother of a great nation, paralleling God’s promise to Abraham (15:4-5; 16:10).
• She gave birth to Ishmael (16:15).
• She was sent away by Sarah into the desert (16:6-7; 21:14).
• God provided for her and her son; they settled in the wilderness (21:20-21).
Life Lessons
• Hagar experienced prejudice, injustice, abuse, and despair.
• Yet God saw her and provided for her needs.
• She responded in faith to God despite difficult circumstances.
Mary Magdalene: A Devoted Follower
Her Background
• Resident of the village of Magdala
• Popularly identified as a prostitute, although there is no textual evidence for that view
Her Story
• She was delivered from seven demons (Luke 8:2-3).
• She financially supported Jesus’ ministry.
• She witnessed the crucifixion and burial of Jesus (Matthew 27:55-61).
• She went to the tomb early Sunday morning and reported it empty to Peter (John 20:1-2).
• She saw two angels in the tomb and spoke with them (John 20:13).
• She was the first to see the risen Lord (John 20:16-18; Mark 16:1-10).
• She delivered a message to the disciples (Matthew 28:10).
Life Lesson
An encounter with Jesus’ mercy and forgiveness can transform a life forever.
Martha of Bethany: A Dedicated Servant
Her Background
• She lived with her sister Mary and her brother Lazarus in Bethany (John 11:1).
• She welcomed Jesus into their home (Luke 10:38).
Her Story
• She was a faithful disciple (Luke 10:39).
• She gave a great confession of faith at the tomb of Lazarus (John 11:21-27).
• She complained about Mary’s lack of help as she worked to prepare for a dinner (Luke 10:38-42).
• She served Jesus at a dinner in Bethany, where her sister Mary anointed Jesus with oil (John 12:1-2).
Life Lesson
Martha was a spiritually-minded woman with a servant’s heart—two qualities that are not mutually exclusive.
Rebekah: A Chosen Wife
• Her family lived in Haran and was part of Abraham’s extended family there.
• She was chosen by God to be Isaac’s wife (Genesis 24:14).
• She was the mother of twin sons, Esau and Jacob, who were the progenitors of two nations (25:23).
Her Story
• She became pregnant with twins after years of infertility (25:21).
• She favored Jacob, the younger son, over Esau, who was favored by Isaac (25:28).
• She deceived her blind husband into giving Jacob the covenant blessing due the firstborn, stealing it from Esau (chap. 27).
Life Lessons
• Parental favoritism brings heartache, resentment, and estrangement.
• Trusting God for your child’s future will never involve manipulation or deceit.
Others you could look at include;
The Samaritan Woman, Sarah, Jehosheba, Deborah (Prophet and judge to Israel, Deborah is known for her wisdom, courage and compassionate zeal for justice.) Achsah, daughter of Caleb, 5 Daughters of Zelophead,
Hannah, Priscilla (ministered the gospel together with her husband Aquila. The Bible describes her as an effective mentor, when she and her husband take Apollos aside and explain to him the way of God more accurately.)
Content Provided by B&H Publishing Group, Excerpted and Revised from The Study Bible for Women.
