IS your name Sarah or Hannah? Do you have a sister named Abigail or Esther? A cousin called Miriam or Huldah, or a friend named Deborah? These seven names are thousands of years old. They belong to women who are very important in Biblical history. The Tanakh (the Hebrew Scriptures or Old Testament) refers to three of them—Miriam, Deborah, and Huldah—as prophets. We can learn a lot from these seven women.

Each of these women is unique and brings different gifts and talents to the people of Israel. Yet each of them shows what all people are capable of. And through her example, each one continues to contribute to the world today.

Sarai (princess)

We first meet Sarai (whose name means princess) in Genesis. She is often referred to as the mother of nations. Sarai led an interesting nomadic life as the partner and wife of Abram. After they both grew a great deal in spiritual understanding, God changed her name to Sarah and her husband's name to Abraham (see Gen. 17:15, 5).

Miriam (Mary)

Miriam (Mary is a version of this name) danced and sang and played the tambourine after the Hebrew people crossed the Red Sea (the Sea of Reeds) from slavery to safety. This happened after Moses, Miriam's brother, had used the rod of God to part the waters.

In addition to being a musician and inspiring leader, Miriam was very clever. We first meet Miriam in Egypt. She watches as Pharaoh's daughter takes Moses, her baby brother, from his little ark in the waters. Then Miriam saves the day for the family by arranging for her mother to be the nurse who cares for Moses as he grows up (see Ex. 2:1-10).

Deborah (bee)

Deborah was a judge over Israel. She settled fights among the people from her office, which was under a tree! You can read in the Bible about "the palm tree of Deborah" and how "the children of Israel came up to her for judgment" (Judg. 4:5).

Deborah was available to help the people even though she was also in charge of the army. She planned the battles, and the commanders got their marching orders from her.

Hannah (grace)

Hannah marked a change in the way women express themselves. She prayed silently, going directly to God to answer her prayer. She also corrected a priest and stood her ground against a false accusation. Hannah is an example of moral courage and humble self-confidence. Here's how the Bible explains what happened once when Hannah was talking with God: "Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli [the priest] thought she had beendrunken..... And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the Lord" (I Sam. 1:13, 15).

Hannah later consecrated Samuel, her firstborn son, to God and to the temple. He became a great prophet.

Abigail (father is joyful)

Abigail was a diplomat and an ambassador of God. When her husband, Nabal, was rude to David's messengers, Abigail saved the day by making peace with David (see I Sam. 25:14-35). This kept him from seeking revenge on Nabal, which would have caused David to lose his future kingdom.

After Nabal's death, "David sent and communed with Abigail, to take her to him to wife" (I Sam. 25:39).

Then Abigail's adventures really began! She was kidnapped and later rescued by David. She lived in the thick of all the action.

Huldah (weasel—intended to refer to the weasel's gliding motion)

King Josiah sent some of his servants and a priest to Huldah to learn more about the Book of Law (see II Chron. 34:14-28). (The Book of Law, also called the Torah, forms the first five books of the Bible.) Huldah explained to them that what is written in the Book of Law is true. She also said how wrong it was for the Hebrew people to have begun worshiping idols. In the end, Huldah's prophecies turned King Josiah and the entire Hebrew nation back to the worship and honor of the one God.

Esther (star)

Esther was an ordinary girl who became queen. One of the books of the Bible carries her name. Esther put her life on the line to confront the king and to save the Jews from the immediate threat of destruction. Her actions, which saved the Hebrew people, are at the center of the Jews' Purim holiday. When Esther questioned whether she should confront the king, her mentor and cousin Mordecai asked her, "Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"(Esth. 4:14). Esther illustrates that we all have a purpose in our time and nation and family.

If you want to have a career in politics, the military, the church, or the temple, in the arts, scholarship, or in any area of life, these seven women are excellent examples to follow. They put God first and succeeded in what they did. And they continue, through their example, to bless countless numbers of people to this day.

WHAT'S IN A NAME?

Does Sarah seem to you like a princess in some ways? Does Deborah seem a bit like a bee? Ask yourself how these women's names fit the qualities they express and the things they did. Then pick one woman and write how, or if, you think she expresses the meaning of her name.

LEARN MORE ABOUT...

Sarah—Look at Genesis 21:1-8 to learn what Sarah has to teach us about laughter. What do you think laughing means in this case?

Hannah—After Hannah takes her son Samuel to live with Eli the priest and serve God, she prays. The Bible calls her prayer "Hannah's song." You can read it in I Samuel 2:1-10.

Abigail—Read the story about Abigail's trip to make peace with David (see I Sam. 25:14-35). What did Abigail bring with her to give to David? This is the last article in our Introduction to the Bible series. We hope it has helped you get to know the Bible better. In fact, we hope the Bible will be one of your dearest lifelong friends.