5 Inspiring Women in the Bible
Famous figures in the Bible have taught generations of Christians important life lessons, like how to bless others with your unique talents and the importance of trusting God. While most of them are men, plenty of Biblical women deserve recognition. Girls and their parents can look to the incredible women of the Bible for spiritual guidance. Learn about a few of the women featured in the Bible who lived inspirational lives.
Esther
While many books in the Bible have names as titles, Esther’s is one of two that belonged to a woman. Esther had humble beginnings as an orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai, who worked for King Xerxes. When the king sought a new bride, he selected Esther for her beauty and grace, not knowing she was a Jew. Haman, the king’s advisor, devised a plot to kill all the Jews in the land. Mordecai caught wind of this and asked Esther to prevent it. Despite her status as a queen, Esther had to rise above her rank to speak to the king. Trusting that it was God’s will, Esther talked to King Xerxes, and her people were saved. Haman was hanged, and Mordecai filled in the role of advisor to the king. Esther certainly comes to mind when we read: “Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” - Proverbs 31:30 NIV.
Ruth
Ruth is the namesake of the other Bible book named after a woman. One of three widowed women who married into the same family, Ruth is best known for her loyalty to her Jewish mother-in-law Naomi. When her husband and her sister-in-law’s husband passed away, she stayed by Naomi’s side. She said, “Where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God.” - Ruth 1:16. Ruth met a nobleman Boaz who helped her family escape poverty despite her status, then agreed to marry her due to her virtuous character and extraordinary loyalty to her family. Ruth is the great-great-grandmother of King David, and Jesus is a descendant of Ruth. Her virtuous actions teach the lesson that loyalty to others is also loyalty to God.
Deborah
Before Israel had its first king, Deborah served as the only known female judge, which was unheard of in her time. As a prophetess, she told a military leader named Barak to conquer the Canaanites who oppressed God’s chosen people of Israel. When he asked her to join, she gave him this warning: “I will surely go with you; nevertheless, the road on which you are going will not lead to your glory, for the Lord will sell Sisera into the hand of a woman.” - Judges 4:9. When Barak had doubts, Deborah reminded him that God was on their side. After the battle was won and the top commander killed, Israel had peace for 40 years. Deborah’s story teaches the lesson that wisdom and judgment help us follow in God’s plan, which ultimately brings about peace.
Mary Magdalene
Mary Magdalene is best known for her loyalty to Jesus, even in his darkest time. In her earliest Bible mention, Jesus cast seven demons out of Mary Magdalene, earning her lifelong love. Many men abandoned Jesus before his Crucifixion, but she stayed by his side. She was present at the tomb, and she was the first person Jesus told about His resurrection. This made her the first person to preach the Gospel. Her status as an apostle went on for years after His death, and she stayed just as loyal as any of the men by His side.
Miriam
Moses’s older sister Miriam helped save his life when his mother first gave birth to him. When his mother sent him down river to avoid execution, Miriam stood watch to keep him safe. When a princess found him, she suggested using her mother Jochebed as a Hebrew wet nurse, pretending not to know who the baby was. Miriam used poetry and song to inspire faith in God. She helped with the exodus of the Jews from Egypt, proclaiming and singing about the power and faithfulness of God at the Red Sea. In her old age, she became Moses’s chief singer while their brother Aaron served as high priest. Despite her virtuous nature, she wasn’t without flaws. When she coveted more power, God cursed her with leprosy, but she was cured of the illness when Moses prayed for her recovery.
We believe children and their parents can learn a lot from the women in the Bible. With over 57 years of academic excellence, St. Teresa Catholic School, a Titusville Catholic school, provides a quality education that challenges and empowers students to develop to their full potential. Students foster qualities that are essential for lifelong learning and are equipped for future success. To learn more about why St. Teresa is the perfect fit for you and your student, contact us today.