10 Stories About Influential Women in the Old Testament 

The 39 books of the Old Testament span centuries, include the stories of Creation and the Fall, how God chose Israel to be His people… There are poems and historical accounts, prophets and kings. There is so much to learn from the Old Testament! 

And women are present through it all. This is not an exhaustive list of women in the Old Testament, but is a sampling of some prominent and influential women whose stories of bravery, courage, and love leave a legacy until today. 

We encourage you to read and dive deeper into the scriptures to learn more about each one.

Sarai (changed to Sarah by God) is known as the matriarch of Israel and the wife of Abraham. She’s known for her barrenness and having a child at an advanced age, God’s fulfilled promise to her. Read her story starting in Genesis 11, where she is introduced, up to Genesis 23.  

“God also said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you are no longer to call her Sarai; her name will be Sarah. I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her. I will bless her so that she will be the mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her.” (Genesis 17:15-16)

Hagar is the mother of Ishmael, the son of Abraham. She is known for becoming pregnant by Abraham after his wife, Sarai, could not have a child. Hagar is known for trusting the Lord after he calls her by name and comforts her. Read Hagar’s story in Genesis 16 and Genesis 21. 

“God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, ‘What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid…’” (Genesis 21:17)

Rebekah was the wife of Isaac and is known for her strong character and bold actions to ensure Jacob received the family blessing. Isaac and Jacob, along with Abraham, were the three foundational patriarchs of the faith. Read Rebekah’s story in Genesis 24-27. 

“Now, my son, listen carefully and do what I tell you … so that he may give you his blessing before he dies.” (Genesis 27:8-13)

Pharaoh’s daughter is known for rescuing and adopting Moses from the Nile, allowing him to escape death and eventually lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Read her story in Exodus 2.

“Then Pharaoh’s daughter went down to the Nile to bathe, and her attendants were walking along the riverbank. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her female slave to get it. She opened it and saw the baby. He was crying, and she felt sorry for him.” (Exodus 2:5-6)

Miriam was Moses’ sister and a prophetess. She is known for leading the Israelites in praise after the parting of the Red Sea. Read her story in Exodus 2 and 5; read her song of praise in Exodus 15. 

“Then Miriam the prophet, Aaron’s sister, took a timbrel in her hand, and all the women followed her, with timbrels and dancing. Miriam sang to them: ‘Sing to the Lord, for he is highly exalted…’” (Exodus 15:20-21)

Rahab was a prostitute in Jericho who ended up professing faith in God and acted boldly to protect Jewish spies. This ultimately secured her spot in the lineage of David and, thus, of Jesus. Read Rahab’s story in Joshua 2 and 6. 

“Before the spies lay down for the night, she went up on the roof and said to them, ‘I know that the Lord has given you this land…’” (Joshua 2:8)

Deborah is a prophetess and judge, and she is known for leading Israel to military victory. Read about Deborah in Judges 4-5. 

“Then Deborah said to Barak, ‘Go! This is the day the Lord has given Sisera into your hands. Has not the Lord gone ahead of you?’” (Judges 4:14)

Ruth and Naomi are two widows who are known for their faithfulness to each other and to God after tragedy strikes their families. Ruth stays with her mother-in-law Naomi as they travel to a new place. Read their story in the book of Ruth. 

“But Ruth replied, ‘Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God…’” (Ruth 1:16)

Hannah was the mother of Samuel and is known for her deep despair over being barren, and God’s miraculous intervention. Hannah trusts the Lord and entrusts her son to Him. Read her story in 1 Samuel 1-2. 

“In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the LORD, weeping bitterly.” (1 Samuel 1:10)

Abigail is known for her quick thinking and courageous actions that prevented a bloodbath. You can read her story in 1 Samuel 25. 

“Abigail acted quickly.” (1 Samuel 25:18)

Huldah was a prophetess during the reign of King Josiah. She is known for giving counsel to the high priest, affirming the Book of the Law, and passing a message from God to the King: that because his heart was responsive, the Lord would not bring disaster on him. Read her story in 2 Kings 22. 

“Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam, Akbor, Shaphan and Asaiah went to speak to the prophet Huldah, who was the wife of Shallum son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe. She lived in Jerusalem, in the New Quarter.” (2 Kings 22:14)

The women of the Bible are diverse, gifted — and flawed — women. Just like the women in your life! We learn from their stories and let God speak to us through their accounts in the Bible.

We have lots of resources about Jesus, God, The Bible, and Christianity for you to explore. And if you ever want to reach out to ask a question or receive prayer, you can contact us at any time. We’d love to walk this journey together.