International Woman’s Day 2012

Woman’s Day 2012: What Does the Bible Say about Women

First Written on 7th Mar 2012

Posted  Mar-8th, 2012
Shan Sharma

One of the few blessings men worldwide have in common is a mother. Many have the privilege of having sisters, and most men eventually talk about their wives at all men’s meeting with ambivalent fondness.  Women in the recent decades have emerged from traditional household roles to contribute to society in most professions, businesses and politics. The word of God, is sprinkled with women who were plain old mothers of great men, but what made them great was their faith, we will see shortly, some were of political importance, but the reason they found themselves in such high positions 1000s of years back, was because they were women of great faith, some are portrayed as noble influences that turned murder and destruction around for a whole community, and so on.

Let’s look at a few examples:

Eve the companion: It isn’t far from creation that God said it is not good for man to be alone and He made Eve as an עֵ֫זֶר (ay'-zer) (Gen 2:18) i.e. a help or succor. She was created for intimate participation in Adams life, for community, communion, joint participation, sharing, intimacy and relationship. They were to walk together in front God with no inhibition till sin entered in the world and caused corruption.

Deborah the inspired poetess: When Barak was to command a force against an enemy army, Deborah, approached Barak and prompted him saying, God has said you must draw towards the Kishon (river) and God will give you victory over the enemy. Barak asked her to accompany him, and she did. During the battle while Barak was winning and enemy fleeing, she prompted him yet again to not let go of the enemy but pursue them and decimate them completely, and he did, and obtained a thorough victory. (Judges 4)

Esther Queen of Persia: The book of Esther bears testimony of how godly women are needed, and can be used of God. When the national conspiracy to kill the Jews of Persia was underway, having the king of Persia being manipulated into signing an irrevocable decree, the villain of the day Haman had all his ducks lined up to quench the discomfiture Mordecai had caused him by not bowing down to him. Its interesting how the International women's day 2012 is at the same day of Purim this year (March 8^th), the Jewish celebration for the overthrowing of the conspiracy to kill the Jews in this very story. (Est 9:19-22, 26-28)

Ruth the friend: In the midst of enormous adversities that would send many fending for themselves, having been widowed, destitute, when she was given an option to go and re-marry, she chose to say the following words and follow Naomi. And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me. (Ruth 1:16, 17).

Hannah the prayer warrior mother: Hannah prayed to God when she found herself not being able conceive a child. Her prayer in 1 Samuel 1:13 is an example of how God intently hears not only to the words of our mouth, but also the prayers that are in our hearts. She knew that God was listening her plea, and found it not necessary for the words that came out from her heart to leave out of her mouth. God gave her heart’s desire, and she kept the promise she had made to God and gave Samuel to God. I believe her prayers and promise keeping went further than just conceiving Samuel as her son. God had His eye on Samuel before he even knew the Lord and the word was revealed to him (1 Samuel 3:7). God did it, but Hannah had her part in it. 

And finally, Mary and her alabaster box (Matthews 26:7): She was sensitive to the fact the Jesus was in their midst, the bible doesn't describe what she was exactly thinking when she brought in this box and poured this precious ointment on Jesus. She was perhaps moved by the Spirit, since Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her. (Mat 26:13).

These all are examples of some of the great women of faith the Bible has a record of who are greatly admired and celebrated in the Christian world. Their actions and lives went far beyond morality or good works, these were spiritual women who had faith that could move mountains.