Women of the Old Testament

“The woman who fears the Lord is to be praised… let her works bring her praise at the city gates.” (Proverbs 31:30-31)

From its very first page, the Old Testament is a story about both men and women. The Bible starts by explaining that God created the first humans “male and female” (Genesis 1:27). Whether it’s as mothers or mourners, queens or judges, prophets or martyrs, wives or widows – the Old Testament features women throughout.

As the story of salvation unfolds, both men and women play key roles. For every Abraham, there’s a Sarah. For every Moses, there’s a Miriam. And for every King David, there’s a Bathsheba. After the exile, we read of heroines such as Esther, Judith and Susanna, who were celebrated for their virtue and for triumphing over evil.

Within the pages of the Old Testament, there are also some stories about women that are quite surprising. In the Book of Joshua (2:1-21), we learn about the actions of Rahab, the righteous prostitute. In First Chronicles (7:24), we come across a female city builder, named Sheerah. And in the Book of Tobit (3:7-16), we read of suicidal Sarah, whose life was turned around by an angel.

Interestingly, in the books of Proverbs, Wisdom and Sirach, wisdom is usually described in female terms. In the last chapter of the Book of Proverbs, we find a celebration of the ideal woman (31:1-31). This woman cares for her household, works hard, runs a small business, buys property, gives to the needy – and enjoys the admiration of her husband and children. 

Here are 15 examples of women of faith from the Old Testament who took the lead, loved their families and saved the day.

1. Eve, the first woman
2. Sarah, the miraculous mother
3. Rebekah, the chosen bride
4. Rachel, the beloved wife
5. Miriam, the virgin prophet (pictured above)
6. Deborah, the judge and prophet
7. Ruth, the mother from Bethlehem
8. Abigail, the wise peacemaker
9. Bathsheba, the mother of Solomon
10. Hannah, the mother of Samuel
11. Rizpah, the mourning mother
12. The Queen of Sheba, the philosopher
13. Esther, the queen of Persia
14. Judith, the warrior widow
15. Susanna, the innocent victim

For further biblical examples of inspiring women, see Women of the New Testament.