Articles
The Women of the Bible
There are almost 200 named women in the Bible. There are also over 200 who were unnamed such as someone’s wife or the women of the town. Women in the Bible represent all aspects of human nature. Some were good women. Some were bad and some were indifferent. It was a woman who brought sin into the world and likewise a woman who gave the world the savior
from this sin. Some women of the Bible left their life’s example for all to follow, while others left their life’s example as a warning signal if you should also choose to disobey.
There are only two books in the whole Bible that are named after women. One is the book of Esther. The name Esther means star. The king at that time had chosen Esther as his queen. Haman was a prince who wanted to destroy all the Jews (Esther 3:8-13). Esther, being a Jew herself, could not take the thought of her people being killed so she reveals her identity as a Jew and asks the king to not allow these killings (Esther 7:3-4). The king does not allow this to happen and in fact, has Haman killed.
Esther’s life teaches us today to always remember where you came from. Even though, she was the queen, she remembered she was a Jew. Too many times a person becomes a Christian and then gains fame and fortune and forgets where they came from. They forget they were lost in sin and even possibly without food, shelter and even a job. Esther remembered her people and where she came from after she became queen. After we become a Christian may we never forget where we came from and who we need every day in our life. Esther had courage and she helped her people. May we also help our spiritual family.
The second book named after a woman is the book of Ruth. Ruth means something worth seeing. It is the seventh most popular name for women in America. Naomi in the book is left with two daughters-in-laws. One daughter in law leaves but the other one, Ruth, stays to help her because of her love and concern for her (Ruth 1:12-15). As Naomi gets older Ruth must work for both of them (Ruth 2:2). She meets Boaz, the owner of the field, and marries him.
The book of Ruth leaves us many godly examples to follow today. She was unselfish and loyal and a helper to Naomi. As young as she was, she could have wanted to find a new husband quickly and get out and start a new family but instead she put her mother in law’s needs in front of hers. May we all remember ruth as an example of how to be a loving and caring family member.
Both these women wanted to and did help others. In the New Testament where Jesus tells us to let our light shine, He is telling us to put into our life the godly actions of Esther and Ruth.
