The important roles of women in the Bible cannot be overemphasized. Throughout history and early Biblical days, women have always played vital roles from the Old Testament throughout to the New Testament. In this article, we shall look at some women in the Bible that played brave and vital roles to save their families and nations.
1. Abigail: She saved her family from being massacred by David and his men after her husband, Nabal spoke harshly to the men of David. She acted bravely and wisely to avoid conflict and the danger that lies ahead of the entire family – (1 Samuel 25, 1 Chronicles 2:16).
2. Shunnamite woman: When her son died, she gathered the courage and faith and asked for a donkey to look for Elisha. She didn’t tell the husband of the passing on of the son but had faith for her dead son to be restored. When questioned by Gehazi about her mission, she said, “All is well”. Her faith saved the entire family from losing a son – 2 Kings 4:18-37.
3. Queen Esther: Esther showed great courage by telling the Persian king about a plan to assassinate him, and later, a plan to have all the Jews in Persia killed. With the power of prayer and bravery, she saved her people. Esther is an inspiring story about a remarkable woman who was willing to risk her life to save her people. She was a woman of principle who was willing to put the lives of others ahead of even her own life. She was an outstanding example of serving others even under the most stressful circumstances. Esther modeled bravery and courage when she risked her life to save the lives of her people (Book of Esther).
4. Mary: She allowed herself to be used as a vessel to save the whole world from sin. Mary once again through her initiative, saved a freshly married couple from public disgrace and ridicule when the marriage ceremony ran short of wine. Her initiative led to the first ever public miracle of Jesus performed at a wedding ceremony. She was brave to accept not only the great honour that accompanied the salvation plan of God but the great suffering as well – (Luke 1:38, John 2:4)
5. Jael: Her name means “wild or mountain goat” and she acted wild as such to defend her people. Sisera fled to the tent of Heber the Kenite, whose wife Jael met Sisera and urged him not to be afraid but to turn in and rest. Seeing how worn and weary Sisera was, Jael covered him with a mantle, and when he asked for water to slake his thirst she opened a bottle of milk for him to drink. Then, assuring him that she would shield him from any searchers, she watched him as he fell asleep. Going softly to his side, Jael drove the tent nail through his head and pinned it to the ground. Ref: Judges 4:17-22; 5:6, 24-27.
6. Daughters of Zelophehad: The five daughters of Zelophehad – Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah and Tirzah – came to Moses with a concern over how the Promised Land was to be divided in relation to their family. Referenced in the Book of Numbers 27:1-11, these young women stood fearless and firm and as result reformed the culture of their day. Because they spoke up, they reversed precedent and claimed possession of their father’s inheritance. The case of Zelophehad’s daughters expanded the legal rights of women. Du rot the ruling regarding the daughters of Zelophehad, women were included in the list of eligible heirs of property.
7. Miriam: Moses’ sister Miriam displays remarkable intelligence and confidence. She not only helped to save her brother’s life but also helped set Israel’s deliverance in motion. The Hebrew woman, Jochebed, and her daughter Miriam saved him by hiding him among the reeds at the edge of the river. He was found by Pharaoh’s daughter, who adopted him. Miriam was strategic, arranging that the real mother of the baby should be a wet-nurse for the baby. She was a self-possessed girl who followed and watched over Moses, ultimately saving his life.
8. Jehosheba, the daughter of King Joram, is known for bravely saving her infant nephew, the prince Joash, from being massacred by the Queen Mother. Prince Joash’s survival preserved the line of David. – 2 Kings 11:2
9. Achsah, in the Bible is the daughter of Caleb, the friend of Joshua (Joshua 15:16). Caleb promises his daughter Achsah to whoever takes the town, and Othniel, son of Kenaz takes on the challenge. He succeeds and marries Achsah. She came with quite a bit of land as well. Achsah came with quite a bit of land, called Negev. The Negev is known for its dryness and Achsah asks her father for water. Caleb gives her springs known as the upper and lower springs (Joshua 15:19). She stepped out on faith and claimed additional blessing for her family because she was bold enough to ask for more.
Do you know other brave women in the Bible that saved their families and nations? Let us know in the comment box below.
