Strong Women in the Bible
Have you ever seen God’s strength displayed through women? Think of strong women in the Bible: the steadfast faithfulness of Ruth, for example. Or a woman who prayed without ceasing like Hannah, or strong women of faith, believing that God can do the impossible, like Mary?
Have you ever seen God use a woman like Esther to save a nation? Or win a battle like Deborah, and destroy an enemy like Jael?
There are many women in the Bible who displayed great strength in the Lord. They faced war, fear, heart-wrenching sorrow, and hopeless situations. Yet, in the midst of it all, they found their strength in the Lord. God gave each woman the courage, confidence, wisdom, faith, and strength they needed to fulfill His will.
“I love you, Lord, my strength.” – Psalm 18:1
The testimonies of the women in the Bible continue to inspire us today. And as the war here in Israel continues on, I know we all could use a little inspiration. Let’s journey through the Bible to discover several strong women of God.
This weekend, we celebrate Purim, a Jewish holiday celebrating God’s victory over evil in Persia. The story of Purim is God choosing to save the nation of Israel through the bravery of Queen Esther in the face of some serious antisemitism. Let’s take a closer look at God’s strength seen through her life and others like her.
1. Esther – A Woman Strong in Prayer & Courage in the Bible
Esther, also known as Hadassah, was a Jewish girl who was raised by her cousin Mordecai. She was taken to the palace with many other women, because King Xerxes was looking for a new queen. Esther found favor in the king’s eyes, and she became his wife and queen of Persia.
Through Mordecai, Esther heard about the edict from Haman and King Xerxes calling for the annihilation of the Jewish people. Shaken at first, Esther then fasted and prayed for three days and asked others to do the same with her.
“Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: 16 “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”” – Esther 4:15
God heard her prayers and the prayers of his people, and he gave Esther favor with the king once again. Esther exhibited great strength by showing restraint first – she did not ask for the king’s compassion right away but instead invited the king and Haman to two banquets.
Eventually, Esther bravely revealed her Jewish identity to King Xerxes and exposed Haman’s evil plot to kill the Jews. God used Esther to save the Jewish people from their enemy.
2. Deborah – A Strong Judge & Prophetess in the Bible
The next two strong women in the Bible, Deborah and Jael, also fought against a great enemy. However, God used their strengths to work together to defeat the enemy. Their stories are found in the book of Judges chapters 4 and 5.
It all started with Deborah, who was the only female judge of Israel, a prophetess, and was known as a mother to the nation of Israel. With God’s strength and wisdom, Deborah administered justice to her people.
“Villagers in Israel would not fight; they held back until I, Deborah, arose, until I arose, a mother in Israel.” – Judges 5:7
One day God told Deborah that He would hand Sisera, the commander of Jabin’s army, into Barak’s hands. But Barak didn’t have the courage to face the enemy by himself, so he asked Deborah to come with him. With God’s strength, Deborah marched down to the battlefield with Barak and they won the battle.
Deborah’s confidence in God gave both of them the courage they needed to do God’s will. Israel got the victory over their enemies at the hands of a strong woman of God! But one man from the enemy’s camp was still at large…
3. Jael – Strength Found in Wisdom & Hospitality
“Most blessed of women be Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, most blessed of tent-dwelling women. He asked for water, and she gave him milk; in a bowl fit for nobles she brought him curdled milk. Her hand reached for the tent peg, her right hand for the workman’s hammer. She struck Sisera, she crushed his head, she shattered and pierced his temple.” – Judges 5:24-26
Even though Jael’s story is a gruesome one, it expresses the physical strength and wisdom that God gave her when her enemy came to her home. Sisera, the commander of Jabin’s army, escaped the battle against Deborah and Barak, and fled to Jael’s tent.
What would you do if your enemy showed up at your front door? Jael acted with incredible wisdom through simple hospitality. She invited him into her tent, gave him a drink and a place to rest. Then, she drove a tent peg into his head while he was asleep.
Jael and Deborah
Jael and Deborah remind us that there is great strength found in unity in the body of Yeshua. Deborah won the battle, and Jael killed the enemy that escaped. Together, they accomplished full victory.
Similarly, we may sometimes think we won a battle, but the enemy still sneaks back into our lives. Thankfully, other believers can come alongside us and give us the courage to finish the battle and “cut down” the enemy that is still hiding in our lives.
4. Ruth – A Strong Woman of Unwavering Faithfulness in the Bible
Another strong woman in the Bible who displayed great strength in supporting others was Ruth the Moabite. Ruth remained faithful to her mother-in-law, Naomi, by not abandoning her in the midst of sorrow.
Naomi was bitter after losing her husband and two sons. Ruth found her peace and strength in the Lord after losing her own husband, and was able to see her mother-in-law’s devastation, sorrow, and brokenness.
‘“Look,” said Naomi, “your sister-in-law is going back to her people and her gods. Go back with her.” But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.’ – Ruth 1:15-16
God saw Ruth’s selflessness and faithfulness. She is the epitomy of a strong woman of faith in the Bible. Ruth stayed by Naomi’s side and cared for her by providing for their household. She did that by collecting leftover grains in Boaz’ fields. In return, God blessed her with a God-fearing husband (Boaz), a child, and the honor to be in the family line of King David and the King above all kings, Yeshua!
5. Hannah – Strength in Praying Without Ceasing
Similarly to Ruth, Hannah’s strength can be seen in her great trust in God. She was faithful, despite living in disappointment. She regularly poured out her heart to the Lord in prayer, asking for a child. One day she was praying in deep anguish near the Tabernacle. Eli the priest saw her and at first, accused her of being drunk.
‘“Oh no, sir!” she replied. “I haven’t been drinking wine or anything stronger. But I am very discouraged, and I was pouring out my heart to the Lord. Don’t think I am a wicked woman! For I have been praying out of great anguish and sorrow.”’ -1 Samuel 1:15-16
Amazingly, God answered Hannah’s prayers, and she gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, which means “God has heard”. And what did she do with this precious gift – the child she had prayed for? After he was weaned, Hannah gave Samuel back to God, by bringing him to the tabernacle, to serve in the house of the Lord with Eli the priest.
What great strength that is! Hannah was strong to pray without ceasing, and then, she displayed even greater strength as she gave the child back to the Lord, the very treasure she prayed for.
6. Abigail – How Turning Away Wrath Requires Strength
As we continue reading in 1 Samuel, we discover another strong woman of the Bible in chapter 25.
A beautiful woman named Abigail was married to a crude and mean man named Nabal. David sent a message to Nabal, asking him for food, yet foolish Nabal responded with anger. David set out to destroy Nabal, but Abigail acted quickly by gathering provisions and meeting David on the road.
She was able to prevent King David from making a rash decision that day, and Nabal ended up dying on his own. When Abigail became a widow, David chose her to be his wife. Abigail’s strength shows us how helping others can turn away wrath. It was the strength of her character that allowed her to leave vengeance in the Lord’s hands.
7. Mary – A Strong Mother
And now, let’s talk about the strongest mother in the Bible… Mary, the mother of Yeshua. Talk about strength… Mary bravely stood before an angel and believed the impossibility of her – a virgin – becoming pregnant with the Son of God. Her response to the angel Gabriel was:
“ “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.” – Luke 1:38
In the last months of her pregnancy, she had to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem. After this exhausting trip, she then had to give birth in a stable. She faithfully raised Yeshua.
And then, she stood by His side as He was beaten, whipped, bruised, and nailed to the cross. She saw Him take His last breath, which must have devasted her. But by God’s grace and miraculous power, she received the news of His resurrection!
8. Mary Magdalene – Strength Found in Steadfast Devotion
Another Mary who saw the empty tomb was Mary Magdalene. She was a devoted follower of Yeshua who endured a lot in her early life. Yeshua delivered her of many demons, and gave her true freedom. Her life was forever changed by the love and power of God.
Mary Magdalene was the very first person to witness Jesus’ resurrection and she played a key role in spreading the message that He was alive. Her role as a strong woman in the Bible was rewarded in this unique way.
“After Yeshua rose from the dead early on Sunday morning the first person who saw him was Mary Magdalene, the woman from who he had cast out seven demons. She went to the disciples, who were grieving and weeping, and told them what had happened.” – Mark 16:9-10
9. Lydia – A Strong Worker & Worshipper
Lydia was a successful businesswoman who dealt in purple cloth. This luxury item suggests she had influence and independence. After hearing the Good News from Paul the Apostle, God opened Lydia’s heart, and she became a believer in Yeshua. She became the first recorded European convert to Christianity.
Lydia showed great generosity by offering hospitality to Paul and his companions, and her house likely became an early church gathering place. Lydia’s strength wasn’t in battle but in her consistent strength in working hard and generously giving.
10. The Proverbs 31 Woman in the Bible – Clothed with Strength
“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.” – Proverbs 31:25
What does it mean to be a strong woman of God? Proverbs 31:10-31 explains
the characteristics of “A Wife of Noble Character”. As we look at these verses, we can see that a strong woman of God can be trusted, brings good to her husband, works hard and cares for her family. At the same time, she dresses in beautiful gowns, walks in strength and dignity, does business, instructs others with wisdom, and fears the Lord!
As we look at these characteristics, we should feel inspired. All the strong women in the Bible found their strength in the Lord and used it for His glory.
So, how do we become strong women and men of God? By fearing God, loving Him, and standing firm in His mighty power!
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” – Ephesians 6:10
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