Her name means “oath of God.” We might say “God’s promise.” Her willingness and obedience opened doors for the coming of God’s promise, Messiah.

Her story: Luke 1:5-57

Elizabeth and her husband, Zechariah, were godly and upright individuals from the priestly line of Levi. They had no children. When Zechariah’s division went to Jerusalem to serve at the temple, he was chosen to enter the Most Holy Place at Passover. While he was there, the archangel Gabriel visited him and told him he would have a son and gave instructions about the child. Zechariah asked questions and Gabriel made him mute. When Zechriah returned home, Elizabeth became pregnant. During the sixth month of her pregnancy, Gabriel visited Mary and told her she would give birth to the Messiah. He also told her that Elizabeth was pregnant. Mary hurried to visit Elizabeth and when she greeted Elizabeth, Elizabeth’s unborn child leaped inside her and she was filled with the Holy Spirit. Elizabeth blessed Mary and called her the “mother of my Lord.” Elizabeth recognized the work God was doing in Mary’s life and encouraged her. “Mary’s Magnificat” was spoked to Elizabeth. When Elizabeth’s baby was born, there was an argument about what to name him and Elizabeth insisted on naming him John. When Zechariah was given a writing tablet, he wrote ‘His name is John” and immediately he was able to speak. He praised God and those present began to wonder what would become of John because of the miracles seen around his birth. Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied about John’s life. 

Her legacy for us: Elizabeth’s willingness to follow God’s instructions allowed her to be filled with the Holy Spirit in a way similar to John and those in the Upper Room at Pentecost. She was an encouragement to Mary during a time when Mary’s world was being turned upside down.  And, Elizabeth’s insistence on following God’s instructions helped her husband regain his voice. 

Our response to Him: What keeps me from simply listening to Your words and doing them? What would help me become quick to obey even when I don’t know what the results will be?

We don’t know her name. She was simply called the Shunammite. She knew where her help came from and went directly to the source herself.

Her story: 2 Kings 4:8-37, 8:4-5When Elisha the prophet traveled through Shunem, this wealthy, godly, generous woman created a room where Elisha could stay when he was in the area. To repay her kindness, Elisha told her God would give her a son and He did. Later, her son died in the field and the Shunammite (as Elisha called her) placed him on Elisha’s bed. She immediately traveled to get Elisha. She did not stop to explain things to Gehazi, Elisha’s servant, when he came out to meet her. Elisha returned with her and raised her son from the dead. Elisha continued to use her room when he was in Shunem. One day, he warned her of a seven-year famine about to start. He told her to move away. She did as he instructed and moved her entire household to Philistia. When she returned at the end of seven years, she had no husband. So she went to the king to appeal for the return of her house and land. When she arrived, the king and Gehazi were discussing all the things Elisha had done. Gehazi told the king about the Shunammite woman and her son. Gehazi recognized her in the room and introduced her to the king. The king asked her about what had happened and she shared. When she was done, the king ordered that her house, land and all the income from her fields from the day she had left to the present were to be restored to her.

Her legacy for us: Often we don’t discuss our deepest dreams, worst fears, greatest disappointments or other hard things with God first. Instead, we talk to everyone. Results happen when we go directly to the One who can help.

Our response to Him: How can I make coming to You my first response? How can I make listening to Your instructions and following them my heart’s desire and the actions I quickly take? How often do I share the good things You have done for me?

Her name was Jehosheba (Jehoshabeath).

Her name contains God’s name, Jehovah, and the verb “to swear or make an oath.” It can be interpreted as “God has sworn” or “she worships Jehovah.”  She worked quickly with God so that His promise to King David was not destroyed by evil.

Her story: 2 Kings 11:2; 2 Chronicles 22:10-12

Jehosheba is mentioned only twice in Scriptures and her bold action is described in both passages. There are many characters in her story. Jehosheba’s father was King Jehoram, the king of Judah. He had many wives and one wife was Athaliah, a daughter of Ahab and Jezebel (consider the ultimate wicked step-mother). Jehosheba married a priest in Jerusalem named Jehoiada. Athaliah had a son, Ahaziah. When Jehoram died, Ahaziah became the king. During Ahaziah’s reign, God sent Jehu to destroy the evil household of Ahab and Jezebel and the prophets of Baal in Israel. Jehu eradicated the family in Israel and then moved toward Judah to execute their family there. He found Ahaziah, his brothers and those who served him and executed them all. When that happened, Athaliah decided she would rule Judah and she annihilated all the royal male heirs, Jehoram’s line, she could find. Jehosheba hid an infant heir, Joash, and his nurse in the temple. They lived hidden in the temple for six years. When he turned seven, Jehoiada, the priest and Jehosheba’s husband, sent for the commanders of the army, bodyguards, and couriers and introduced them to Joash. They revolted against Athaliah and made Joash king.  Joash reigned forty years and did what was right in God’s sight. 

Her legacy for us:  We often understand the importance of protecting the innocent from evil, but we may not know the significance of these actions when we take an eternal perspective. History tells of others who hid away souls God intended to preserve. When we work with God, our actions make kingdom differences.

Our response to Him: How quickly do I act to save and care for the people and things You care for? What needs to change in me so that my worship and service of You becomes courageous?

Addendum: I got caught up reading the Jehosheba’s backstory. It is truly a good vs. evil tale played out in the lives of human begins. One thing struck me. Many of the evil kings had short, bloody, chaotic reigns, but Joash ruled 40 years. He worked to repair the temple, but when he was threatened by a neighboring king, he gave all the consecrated things from the temple as a tribute/ransom for safety. Later, his own servants conspired against him. And this is the question that I’m discussing with God: Where in my life do you see me handing away things that are consecrated to You and Your service? How do I treasure and care for what You treasure?

Her name was Huldah.

Her name means “weasel” and perhaps it refers to the gliding motion the animal makes. Animal names were popular during that time in Israel.

Her story: 2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 34:22

Huldah’s story is tied to King Josiah. He was born from a line of evil kings, but he stood out as a good king who loved God. When he was 26, Josiah took the funds collected by the priests, counted them and began rebuilding the temple. During the restoration, the high priest found “the book of the law” and gave it to the court secretary. He brought the book back and read it to the king. Josiah was convicted because the nation had violated God’s commandments, but he didn’t know what to do next. So he sent a delegation of five men to see Huldah. We don’t know how King Josiah knew her. There were other more famous male prophets he could have consulted (Jeremiah and Zephaniah), but he called her by name. Huldah was “the keeper of the wardrobe.” She kept clothes. We know nothing else, except she was also a prophetess. Huldah responded to the king’s question with a message in two parts: (1) Yes, disaster is coming, (2) but because your heart is eager to follow God, it will be delayed and you won’t see it. King Josiah’s brought all of Israel to the temple. He read the book aloud and made a covenant with God to do everything written in the book. On that day, Josiah’s reign was propelled from passively following God to an active battle to rid his nation of the things which God hated and bring back the things that God commanded. At the end of his life, Josiah’s activities as king were called “deeds of faithful love according to what is written in the law of the Lord.” (2 Chronicles 35:36)

Her legacy for us: Huldah was a simple woman with a simple job, but she changed the course of a nation because she knew God’s heart and mind and spoke His words.

Our response to Him: Is my trust in You the most prevalent thing others see in me? Do I continually and actively move closer to what You want? How well am I seeking to know Your heart and mind?

Her name means “grace, favored.” It comes from a verb meaning “to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior.” Outwardly, Hannah’s life was filled great favor and great disdain, but Hannah believed God would graciously bend down and hear her prayer and respond with kindness.

Her story: 1 Samuel 1:1 – 2:21

Hannah was a beloved wife who could not have children. Her husband’s other wife had sons and daughters and would often taunted and teased Hannah because she was childless. During one of the annual trips to the temple in Shiloh, Hannah went to temple to pray. She simply and quietly expressed her distress to God and humbly asked Him to remember her. She also promised if God would give her a son, she would give him back to serve God as long as he lived. During her prayer, the high priest, Eli, confronted her because he thought she was drunk. She explained what she was doing and Eli sent her home with a blessing that God would grant her what she had asked for. When the family returned home, Hannah became pregnant and Samuel was born. (Samuel means “asked from God”) Hannah took Samuel to back Shiloh when he was weaned. She presented Samuel to Eli and reminded him of her prayer. She “loaned” Samuel to God and prayed another prayer. This time, she praised God even as she made the biggest sacrifice of her life. Then she contrasted the arrogant and proud and how God responds to the strong and the weak. Lastly, she expressed her confidence that God was in control. From that time on, Samuel served with Eli. God gave Hannah three more sons and two daughters.

Her legacy for us: In times of deep distress and pain, God hears the cry of humble hearts and He answers those prayers. When we make promises to God, we must be careful to keep them. Expressing our gratitude and praise for His hand and His plans helps us keep those promises.

Our response to Him: When I am being taunted and feel distressed, how often do I directly run to You? When You answer my desperate prayers, how often do I keep the hard promises I have made to you and do it with a willing, grateful, worshiping heart?

The meaning of their names are similar. Shiphra means “fair, clear, like the brightness of sky” and comes from a verb meaning “to glisten.” Puah means “splendid” and comes from a word that means “to glitter, or brilliancy.” Mentioned by name only once, these women (Glisten and Glitter) played a crucial role in the Exodus story.

Their story: Exodus 1:8-22

Shiphrah and Puah were midwives for Israelite women in Egypt. There was a new king who did not know about Joseph and the blessings that came through him. This king was concerned that the Israelites were more numerous and more powerful than the Egyptians. He forced the Israelites to build supply cities for him. The more he oppressed them, the more they multiplied and became stronger. Maintaining his course of actions, he created even more hardships and removed necessary resources to do the work he commanded. He also summoned Shiphrah and Puah and commanded these midwives to kill all the baby boys born to the Israelite moms – at the moment they were born. Shiphrah and Puah feared God and killed none of the children born to Israelite families. When the king summoned them back to explain their actions (or inaction), they told the king the Israelite moms delivered their babies before the midwife could get to them. Because they had not followed the king’s order, God gave both Shiphrah and Puah their own families. These two midwives stood between the king and God’s people and protected the most vulnerable and innocent of the Israelites.

Their story: Exodus 1:8-22

Shiphrah and Puah were midwives for Israelite women in Egypt. There was a new king who did not know about Joseph and the blessings that came through him. This king was concerned that the Israelites were more numerous and more powerful than the Egyptians. He forced the Israelites to build supply cities for him. But the more he oppressed them, the more they multiplied and became stronger. Maintaining his course of action, he created even more hardships and removed necessary resources to do the work he commanded. He also summoned Shiphrah and Puah and commanded these midwives to kill all baby boys born to Israelite moms at the moment they were born. Shiphrah and Puah feared God and killed none of the children born to Israelite families. When the king summoned them back to explain their actions (or inaction), they told the king the Israelite moms delivered their babies before the midwife could get to them. Because they had not followed the king’s order, God gave both Shiphrah and Puah their own families. These two midwives stood between the king and God’s people and protected the most vulnerable and innocent of the Israelites.

Their legacy for us: In Acts, we read about Peter and John who were commanded not to talk about God and they ask, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to Him? You be the judges!” Shiphrah and Puah were shining examples of a living response to the same question and to the question, “Who do I ultimately trust?”

Our response to Him:  Am I courageously following Your instructions when it is hard as quickly as when it is easy? When others look at my life, do they know my first response will be to follow You?

Her name means “rebellious.” She was the responsible older sister who had guarded a helpless little brother and later had to learn an important lesson about complaining about God’s way of working.

Her story: Exodus 2:1-10, 15:1-21; Numbers 12:1-15, 20:1, 26:59; Deuteronomy 24:9; 1 Chronicles 6:3; Micah 6:4 

Miriam was Aaron and Moses’ older sister. When Moses was born, she guarded him after their mother put him in a reed basket and into the river for safety. Miriam courageously intervened when Pharaoh’s daughter found the baby and asked if she could get someone to care for the child. Then, she ran and got their mother. Over forty years later, when the children of Israel escaped through the Red Sea, Moses led the men of Israel in a victory song praising God and Miriam led the women in a corresponding victory dance. At one point during Israel’s wandering in the wilderness, Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses primarily because God communicated with Moses directly and they felt slighted. God called all three siblings into the Tent of the Meeting and stood in the doorway to speak to them. God told them that He revealed Himself to prophets, to them, in visions and dreams, but He spoke face-to-face with Moses. When God was done talking to them and moved out of the doorway, Miriam had leprosy. Aaron repented to Moses and Moses cried out to God to heal her. God told Moses to isolate Miriam for seven days. The entire nation of Israel waited for Miriam to be healed and to come back into the camp. Miriam died in the wilderness and was buried there. 

When God speaks through the prophet Micah, He says, “Indeed, I brought you up from the land of Egypt and redeemed you from that place of slavery. I sent Moses, Aaron and Miriam ahead of you.” Miriam was acknowledged as a leader like her brothers.

Her legacy for us: Miriam was a responsible leader in her own right. However, she became disgruntled and murmured to Aaron, she tempted him to grumble too. God met her face-to-face to correct the situation and taught an important lesson. Miriam became a living reminder of the power of words and consequences of grumbling against what God is doing. 

Our response to Him: When do I forget the power of words and grumble against Your plan? When I don’t understand Your plan, teach me to come to You and ask for clarification and instructions. Please help me sift my words so I speak words of life.

Her name means “ewe.” Raised in a culture where sheep and shepherding were predominant, ewes were prized as the heart and life of the flock.

Her story: Genesis 29:6-21, 29:34, 33:1-7, 35:16-25, 46:19-25, 48:7

Rachel was a shepherdess who met Jacob when he first arrived at the well where she watered her sheep. It was possibly 

love at first sight, because Jacob agreed to work seven years for her hand. Her father gave her sister as the bride instead. Jacob spent a week with Leah and then agreed to work seven more years for Rachel. When Leah began having children and Rachel could not conceive, she gave her maid to Jacob to have children for her. Eleven children were born before Rachel finally had a son. Joseph quickly became the favorite son of the favorite wife. When Jacob’s brother-in-laws became jealous, he decided to return home to Canaan with everything he had earned. When they left, Rachel stole a household idol and her father came after them. Laban searched the camp but couldn’t find the idol. To maintain peace, he and Jacob agreed to stay away from each other. Before the family reached Canaan, word arrived that Esau was coming to meet them. Jacob feared Esau would kill him, so he divided his family into little groups to go ahead of him. Because Rachel was so loved, she and her son were the last group. After the family was in Canaan, Rachel had a second son. She named him Ben-oni, “son of my sorrow,” and died in childbirth. Jacob named the boyBenjamin, “son of my right hand” (another reference honor and strength). Rachel was buried near Bethlehem. She is considered the fourth of the fore-mothers of Israel.

Her legacy for us: Rachel’s name describes how others saw her. She was the beautiful, beloved wife of a rich man. However, instead of working to make her family peaceful, she fought and complained about things that were beyond her control and what she didn’t have. She failed to recognize the blessings around her.

Our response to Him: What in me needs to change so I act and speak in a manner consistent with what You say about me? What would help me be grateful for Your blessings to me?

Her name comes from the Hebrew verb meaning “to tire or make exhausted.” It literally means “She wears me out.” Figuratively, Leah means “to be or make disgusted, be slow, with difficulty.” Her life reflects the goodness of a God who hears the cry for those who feel used and unloved.

Her story: Genesis 29:16-21, 29:33-33:7, 49:31

Leah was the oldest daughter of Laban, Rebekah’s brother. She was not the first of Laban’s two daughters Jacob saw when he arrived at the home of his mother’s family. She was not the one he fell in love with. Jacob worked seven years because he loved Leah’s younger, more beautiful sister. But Laban switched brides at the wedding and Jacob unknowingly married Leah. She was his wife for only one week and then Laban gave Jacob the woman he loved. The relation between these two sisters was competitive and contentious. God saw that Leah was unloved and He gave her four sons. The names of her four sons (Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah) reflect her journey from feeling unloved by Jacob to recognizing God deserved her praise. Then, the sister-fight over who could produce the most children started. After Rachel gave her slave to Jacob to bear children, Leah did the same. God opened Leah’s womb later and gave her two more sons (Issachar and Zebulun) and a daughter, Dinah. She forever remained the unloved wife, but she gave birth to tribes who became priests (Levi) and kings (Judah). She was buried in the family graves of Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, and Jacob.

Her legacy for us: Leah had a hard life. She was married off under pretense perpetrated by her brother, forever unloved by her husband, always competing with her sister. But Leah had tenacity and she learned to trust in God rather than those around her. Even in all the deception and hardships, even with all her flaws, Leah was one of the fore-mothers of Israel – a builder of a nation.

Our response to Him: How much do I persevere in the places where You put me? How much do I trust You above my feelings and the rocky relationships I might find myself in?

Her name means “ensnarer” and the Arabic meaning of the same word is “a rope with a noose.” It suggests that Rebekah’s beauty ensnared men, but it was her servant’s heart and kindness that won the hearts of Abraham’s servant and Isaac, her husband-to-be.

Her story: Genesis 24:1 – 28:5

Rebekah’s story began before she came into the picture. Sarah died and Abraham was old. Isaac needed a wife. Abraham sent his oldest servant to get a wife for Isaac. When the servant arrived after his long journey, he prayed a very specific prayer and then waited. When he asked for a drink of water at the well, the first woman he asked was the one he was looking for. Rebekah gave him and his ten camels water. The servant made arrangements to bring Rebekah back to Isaac and Isaac loved her. Isaac had no other wives. Isaac and Rebekah had twins, Esau and Jacob. The boys were very different and their parents had favorite sons, creating a divided family. When the boys were grown, Jacob traded a bowl of soup for Esau’s birthright and when it was time for Isaac to give the Father’s Blessing, Rebekah helped Jacob deceive his father and he stole the blessing as well. The division in the family then became hatred and Rebekah’s actions tore the family apart. She lost both sons. Esau took revenge by marrying several Canaanite women and eventually moved to live with Ishmael (Hagar’s son). Jacob was sent back to Rebekah’s family.

Her legacy for us: Rebekah was fearless. She went to a place she didn’t know to marry a man she didn’t know. But, Rebekah came from a family filled with deceptive practices. She herself helped with the deceit and tore her family apart. God wants us to trust Him and His plan rather than using the enemy’s strategies to get what God has promised.

Our response to Him: When You look at me, where do you see deception? What would help me trust Your timing and Your plan and be completely honest and blameless in Your sight?