Jael/Yael Her name means: “A Wild or Mountain Goat” Her character: Decisive and courageous, she seized the opportunity to slay an enemy of Yehovah God’s people. Her sorrow: To be lauded by Deborah and Barak for her part in a decisive victory. Key Scriptures: Judges 4-5 Her Story Jael watched uneasily through the flaps of […]
'pagan women in the bible' Tagged Posts
Rahab/Rachav Her name means: “Storm,” “Arrogance,” “Broad,” or “Spacious” Her character: Rahab was both clever and wise. She saw judgment coming and was able to devise an escape plan for herself and her family. As soon as she heard what Yehovah God had done for the Israelites, she cast her lot with his people, risking […]
Potiphar’s Wife Her character: The wife of a prosperous and influential Egyptian, she was unfaithful and vindictive, ready to lie in order to protect herself and ruin an innocent man. Her sorrow: To be rejected by a slave. Key Scriptures: Genesis 39 Her Story We don’t even know her name. She is merely presented as the […]
Hagar Her name means: “Fugitive” or “Immigrant” Her character: A foreigner and slave, Hagar let pride overtake her when she became Abraham’s wife. A lonely woman with few resources, she suffered harsh punishment for her mistake. She obeyed God’s voice as soon as she heard it and was given a promise that her son would […]
Sarah Her name means: “Chieftainness” or “Princess” Her character: Beautiful enough to attract rulers in the ancient world, she could be strong-willed and jealous. Yet Sarah was considered a loyal wife who did what was right and who didn’t give in to fear. Her sorrow: That she remained childless for most of her life. Her […]
Priscilla Her name means: “Worthy” or “Venerable” Her character: One of the first missionaries and a leader of the early congregation (church), along with her husband, Aquila, she risked her life for the apostle Paul. Priscilla was a woman whose spiritual maturity and understanding of the faith helped build up the early congregation. Her sorrow: […]
Lydia Her name signifies that she was a woman of Lydia, from Asia Minor Her character: A Gentile adherent of Judaism, she was a successful businesswoman who sold a type of cloth prized for its purple color. As head of her household, she may have been either widowed or single. So strong was her faith […]
Dorcas Her name means: “Gazelle”; “Tabitha” Is Its Hebrew Equivalent Her character: An inhabitant of Joppa, a town on the Mediterranean coast, thirty-five miles northwest of Jerusalem, she belonged to one of the earliest Messianic congregations. She was a disciple known for her practical works of mercy. Her sorrow: To have suffered a grave illness. Her […]
The Syrophoenician Woman: Her character: Though a Gentile, she addressed Yeshua (Jesus) as “Lord, Son of David.” Her great faith resulted in her daughter’s deliverance. Her sorrow: That her child was possessed by an evil spirit. Her joy: That Yeshua (Jesus) freed her daughter from spiritual bondage. Key Scriptures: Matthew 15:21-28; Mark 7:24-30 Her Story Her […]