5 Stunning Influential Women in the Bible!

In honor of National Women’s Day and the countless women who have been used to shape history- I could not help but think of the many influential women in the Bible that are worthy of our consideration and recognition.

From the beginning of time God has used women alongside of men to dramatically shape history. His redemptive purpose, callings, and Divine enablement’s have not been restricted to “men only” but women in all their gorgeous femininity have been used uniquely and strategically by God to influence culture, raise kings, give  birth to miracles, deliver from genocide, heal nations, preach the gospel, raise disciples, minister to the needy and the list goes on and on.
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​In the words of Dr. Herbert Lockyer from his comprehensive book “All the Women of the Bible” 

​“… how intimately they (WOMEN) were associated with the unfolding purpose of God. With the first woman He fashioned there came the first promise and prophecy of His redemptive plan for mankind. Because He is no respecter of person or sex, He used – and still uses – women to accomplish His beneficent ministry in a world of need."

​Below is a snapshot of only 5 (out of many) influential women of the Bible for your consideration and inspiration. I have included the scripture references so you can further study them on your own if you so desire. 

Sarah (Genesis 11:29 - 23:2)

​Sarah was the wife of Abraham and was chosen alongside of Abraham to be a, “mother of nations” and her descendants would be “kings of people.” Her faith in God gave her the Divine enablement to give birth to a child that would bring forth a new race of people known as the Hebrews or Jewish people. From this designated line, the Messiah would be born and all the people of the earth would be blessed. Her faith has influenced generations for time and eternity!

Hannah (1 Samuel 1:1- 2:21)

Hannah influenced the course of a nation by daring to pray and believe for the impossible. During a time that was marked by infidelity to God and “everyone doing what was right in their own eyes” she found herself grieved by the pangs of being barren compounded by the injurious tensions of a polygamous marriage.

​Instead of growing bitter she chose to bring her heartache to the Lord, asking boldly for a child that she could dedicate back to Him. God answered her prayer and one of the greatest prophets in the Old Testament was born ushering in the time of the kings. 

Abigail (1 Samuel 25:3-42)

Abigail, using wisdom and grace influenced David – turning him away from revenge – by reminding him of God’s great calling upon his life as the future king over Israel. She is described as “a woman of good understanding and beautiful appearance” while being married to a “man who was harsh and evil in his doings” named Nabal.  Courageously she intervened without hesitation and circumvented what was certain to have been a bloody massacre. 

Esther (Book of Esther)

​Esther is a woman in the Bible who exercised tremendous influence which resulted in saving her people from a genocidal plot.  Through a series of Divinely orchestrated events Esther, who was a Jewess, became queen of the Persian king Ahasuerus.  When her uncle Mordecai reveals a  wicked (no doubt satanic) scheme of Haman to destroy the Jews, she risks her life for the sake of her people by going to see the king without being summoned. In a collaborative effort with her uncle, along with the prayer and fasting of many, she exposed Haman’s plot,  won the favor of the king, and saved her people from destruction. (In many ways she was a feminine picture of Jesus)

Deborah (Judges 4-5)

Deborah was a wife, a prophetess, and a judge whose influence changed the culture and course of a nation.

Described as a time when “village life had ceased in Israel” Deborah arose as a mother in Israel.  Her godly wisdom, instruction, and faith-in-action can be largely credited with bringing  the nation out from under 20 years of harsh oppression and into 40 years of peace and restoration. 

I pray these women inspire you as they have me!  As Christian women may we more and more be known as godly influencers – shaping history – with the sweet inspiration of the Holy Spirit and the instruction of God’s unfailing Word.

If you would like to learn more about women in the Bible - I invite you to join me for a LIVE weekly online Bible study. Every week we are digging into the word of God together to discover and glean from their rich legacy of faith.  
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