We all know about the Hall of Fame Bible women like Mary, Sarah, Ruth, and Esther. But what about the obscure Bible women who quietly served God without drawing attention to themselves? The Bible is filled with women who saw needs and met them, took a stand when needed, and acted bravely when called upon, all without worrying about what others would think of them. Though they may not get the attention they deserve, we can study their stories and learn from their experiences.
1. Woman of Abel
The woman of Abel is found in 2 Samuel chapter 20. The city of Abel was under seige and chaos reigned. While everyone else panicked, this unnamed woman calmly walked to the edge of the city wall and yelled out that she wanted to speak with Joab, the military leader. Thanks to her peace negotiations, her city was spared.
How often do we feel helpless in times of disaster? If we can remain calm in the midst of tragedy, God can use us in mighty ways.
Learn more about the woman of Abel’s story HERE.
2. Rizpah
Rizpah was Saul’s concubine. When David tried to make amends for Saul’s failings with the Gibeonites, her two sons paid the ultimate price. Unable to save their lives, she took her burden to the Lord and did what she could to protect the bodies of her dead sons.
Though Rizpah was a victim caught up in the politics of the men in her life, and even though she was given little respect in her lifetime, God honored her by including her name in the Bible. She may have been invisible to her contemporaries, but she is forever immortalized through her inclusion in the pages of 2 Samuel.
Learn more about Rizpah’s story HERE.
3. Euodia and Syntyche
Euodia and Syntyche were two women involved in the building of the church in Philippi. They worked together, but at some point, had a difference in opinion that disrupted the work of their church. In Philippians 4:2-3 Paul had to implore the women to resolve their dispute so that everyone could get back to what they were supposed to be doing.
Disagreements happen, but how we handle them makes a big difference.
Learn more about Euodia and Syntyche’s story HERE.
4. Jehosheba
Jehosheba saw senseless murders happening right before her eyes,and found a way to save the life of an innocent baby. When Jehosheba discovered that Athaliah was killing all royal heirs, she found a way to rescue her nephew, baby Joash, from Athaliah’s killing spree.
God places us where we need to be so that we can accomplish what we need to do. May we have courage like Jehosheba to step into action.
Learn more about Jehosheba’s story HERE.
5. Daughters of Zelophehad
As the Israelites prepared to enter the Promised Land, the five daughters of Zelophehed took a stand and set a legal precedent for property rights for women. Thanks to their thoughtful and calm petition, women were able to inherit property if their father died without sons.
The story of Zelophehad’s daughters confirms that God treasures women. He doesn’t see us as second-class citizens. He supports our right to be heard, and He listens to what we have to say.
Learn more about the daughters of Zelophehad HERE.
Did you discover a new Bible woman you didn’t know about before? Which of these obscure Bible women is your favorite? Do you have another favorite obscure Bible woman? I’d love to hear from you in the comments.
Let’s chat! What are your thoughts?