Michal Her name means: “Who Is Like God?” Her character: A woman of strong emotions, she was unable to control the important circumstances of her life. Forcibly separated from two husbands, she lost her father and her brother, who were savaged by their enemies. Her sorrow: That she was ensnaredRead More …

Hannah Her name means: “Graciousness” or “Favor” Her character: Provoked by another woman’s malice, she refused to respond in kind. Instead, she poured out her hurt and sorrow to God, allowing him to vindicate her. Her sorrow: To be taunted and misunderstood. Her joy: To proclaim God’s power and goodness,Read More …

Ruth Her name means: “Friendship” Her character: Generous, loyal, and loving, she is strong and serene, able to take unusual risks, dealing actively with life circumstances. Her sorrow: To have lost her husband, homeland, and family. Her joy: To discover firsthand the generous, loyal, and loving nature of God, asRead More …

Naomi Her name means: “My Joy” or “Pleasant” Her character: Suffering a threefold tragedy, Naomi refused to hide Her Sorrow or bitterness. Believing in God’s sovereignty, she attributed her suffering to his will. But her fixation on circumstances, both past and present, led to hopelessness. A kind and loving mother-in-law,Read More …

Delilah Her name means: “Dainty One” Her character: A prostitute whose nationality is unknown, she used her beauty to betray her lover and enrich herself. Her sorrow: That Samson lied to her, making her look foolish on three different occasions. Her joy: That she overpowered one of history’s most powerfulRead More …

Jael Her name means: “A Wild or Mountain Goat” Her character: Decisive and courageous, she seized the opportunity to slay an enemy of God’s people. Her sorrow: To be lauded by Deborah and Barak for her part in a decisive victory. Key Scriptures: Judges 4-5 Her Story Jael watched uneasilyRead More …

Deborah Her name means: “Honey Bee” Her character: Her vision of the world was shaped not by the political situation of her day but by her relationship with God. Though women in the ancient world did not usually become political leaders, Deborah was just the leader Israel needed—a prophetess whoRead More …

Rahab Her name means: “Storm,” “Arrogance,” “Broad,” or “Spacious” Her character: Rahab was both clever and wise. She saw judgment coming and was able to devise an escape plan for herself and her family. As soon as she heard what God had done for the Israelites, she cast her lotRead More …

Miriam Her name means: “Bitterness” Her character: Even as a young girl, she showed fortitude and wisdom. A leader of God’s people at a crucial moment in history, she led the celebration after crossing the Red Sea and spoke God’s word to his people, sharing their forty-year journey through theRead More …

The Mothers of Moses Jochabed Her name means: “The Lord Is Glory” Her character: Her fierce love for her son, coupled with her faith, enabled her to act heroically in the midst of great oppression. Her sorrow: To live in bondage as a slave. Her joy: That God not onlyRead More …