Expert: Pastor Don Carpenter - 1/22/2007

Question
Hi! I am doing a research paper on some of the Great Women of the Bible.  I want to base my paper around strong, powerful women in the Bible; such as Deborah in Judges 4 and 5.  I was wondering if you could give me a few interesting women to talk about in my paper.  With these, will you also provide a small amount of background information and places to look for my research.  This would be of great help to me.  

Thank you,
Brittany

Answer
Hi Brittany,

Thanks for this great question.  The strongest woman in the Bible for me is Esther.  She was a Jewish girl brought up during a time when Jews were being ruled by the Persians.  A wicked man named Haman ploted to launch a gennocied against all the Jews.  Esther was used to stop his evil plan.  I suggest that you read the story found in the Book of Esther in the Bible.  You will find it to be exciting reading.  Let me quote one passage shoing her bravery:

Esther 4:13-17
13 Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king’s house, more than all the Jews. 14 For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?  15 Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer, 16 Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.  17 So Mordecai went his way, and did according to all that Esther had commanded him.  

The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

Another lady is written about in the following passage:

Acts 9:36-42
36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.  37 And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. 38 And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.  39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. 40 But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41 And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. 42 And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

Here is a woman who God used to reach many hurting widows with acts of kindness.  We read about the miracle done to her... but we also see that many women were touched by her acts of kindness done during her life.

I hope that this helps.

In Christ
Pastor Don