Bible – The Bible Society of Lesotho

As we celebrate Women’s Month, it is an opportune time to reflect on the significant roles women have played throughout biblical history. The Bible is full of stories of women who exhibited immense faith, strength, wisdom, and leadership. These narratives not only highlight the contributions of women in biblical times but also inspire and empower women today to embrace their God-given potential.

Esther, the Queen who Saved a Nation
The story of Esther is a testament to bravery and divine providence. As a Jewish queen in Persia, she risked her life to save her people from destruction. Her famous declaration, “If I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16), exemplifies her selfless courage and determination.

Deborah, the Prophetess and Judge
Deborah stands out as a remarkable leader in a male-dominated society. As a prophetess and judge, she led Israel to victory against the Canaanite oppression (Judges 4-5). Her wisdom and leadership were pivotal in the deliverance of her people.

Ruth, the Loyal Daughter-in-Law
Ruth’s story is one of loyalty, love, and redemption. Despite being a Moabite, her unwavering devotion to her mother-in-law Naomi and her faith in the God of Israel earned her a place in the lineage of King David and Jesus (Ruth 1-4). Her life exemplifies the virtues of kindness and fidelity.

Abigail, the Wise Counselor
Abigail’s quick thinking and wisdom prevented David from committing unnecessary bloodshed (1 Samuel 25). Her intervention not only saved her household but also demonstrated the power of wise counsel and peacemaking.

Priscilla, the Early Church Teacher
In the New Testament, Priscilla, along with her husband Aquila, played a crucial role in the early church. She is noted for her knowledge of the Scriptures and her ability to teach others, including the eloquent Apollos (Acts 18:24-26). Priscilla’s story underscores the importance of women in ministry and education.

Sarah, the Matriarch of Nations

Sarah, wife of Abraham, is celebrated for her unwavering faith. Despite her old age and initial doubt, she believed in God’s promise and became the mother of Isaac, through whom the nation of Israel was established. (Genesis 17:15-16)

Miriam, the Prophetess

Miriam, the sister of Moses and Aaron, played a crucial role during the Exodus. She led the women of Israel in song and dance after crossing the Red Sea, exemplifying leadership and the power of worship. (Exodus 15:20-21)

Conclusion

As we honor African Women’s Month, let us celebrate the incredible contributions of biblical women who have paved the way for future generations. Their stories are not just historical accounts but enduring lessons of faith, courage, wisdom, and leadership. By reflecting on their lives, we can find inspiration and empowerment to live out our own unique callings with confidence and grace. By drawing on these biblical examples, we can appreciate the profound impact women have had throughout history and continue to have today. Happy African Women’s Month!

1 And all the Congregation of the children of Israel departed from the wildernesse of Sin, by their iourneyes at the commandement of the Lord, and camped in Rephidim, where was no water for the people to drinke. 2 Wherefore the people contended with Moses, and sayde, Giue vs water that we may drinke. And Moses sayde vnto them, Why contende yee with me? wherefore do ye tempt the Lord? 3 So the people thirsted there for water, and the people murmured against Moses, and said, Wherefore hast thou thus brought vs out of Egypt to kill vs and our children and our cattel with thirst? 4 And Moses cried to the Lord, saying, What shall I do to this people? for they be almost ready to stone me. 5 And ye Lord answered to Moses, Goe before the people, and take with thee of the Elders of Israel: and thy rod, wherewith thou smotest the riuer, take in thine hand, and go: 6 Behold, I will stand there before thee vpon the rocke in Horeb, and thou shalt smite on the rocke, and water shall come out of it, that the people may drinke. And Moses did so in the sight of the Elders of Israel. 7 And he called the name of the place, Massah and Meribah, because of the contention of the children of Israel, and because they had tempted the Lord, saying, Is the Lord among vs, or no? 8 Then came Amalek and fought with Israel in Rephidim. 9 And Moses sayde to Ioshua, Chuse vs out men, and go fight with Amalek: to morowe I will stande on the toppe of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand. 10 So Ioshua did as Moses bad him, and fought with Amalek: and Moses, Aaron, and Hur, went vp to the top of the hill. 11 And when Moses helde vp his hande, Israel preuailed: but when he let his hande downe, Amalek preuailed. 12 Nowe Moses handes were heauy: therefore they tooke a stone and put it vnder him, and hee sate vpon it: and Aaron and Hur stayed vp his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side: so his hands were steady vntill the going downe of the sunne. 13 And Ioshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword. 14 And the Lord sayde to Moses, Write this for a remembrance in the booke, and rehearse it to Ioshua: for I will vtterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from vnder heauen. 15 (And Moses builte an altar and called the name of it, Iehouah-nissi) 16 Also he said, The Lord hath sworne, that he will haue warre with Amalek from generation to generation.

1 And all the congregation of the children of Israel journeyed from the wilderness of Sin, after their journeys, according to the commandment of the LORD, and pitched in Rephidim: and there was no water for the people to drink. 2 Wherefore the people did chide with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said unto them, Why chide ye with me? wherefore do ye tempt the LORD? 3 And the people thirsted there for water; and the people murmured against Moses, and said, Wherefore is this that thou hast brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our cattle with thirst? 4 And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, What shall I do unto this people? they be almost ready to stone me. 5 And the LORD said unto Moses, Go on before the people, and take with thee of the elders of Israel; and thy rod, wherewith thou smotest the river, take in thine hand, and go. 6 Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel. 7 And he called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah, because of the chiding of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the LORD, saying, Is the LORD among us, or not?

8 ¶ Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim. 9 And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand. 10 So Joshua did as Moses had said to him, and fought with Amalek: and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. 11 And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. 12 But Moses’ hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. 13 And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword. 14 And the LORD said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven. 15 And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovah-nissi: 16 For he said, Because the LORD hath sworn that the LORD will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.

Exodus 17