Mothers in the Bible
Where would any of us be without our mothers?
The answer is obviously nowhere, but if we stop and think for a minute, most of us can’t even begin to think of all the things our mothers have done for us besides giving birth: that innate, unconditional love towards us that God gives them.
The bible puts a special emphasis on mothers in many scenarios. In fact, God even compares himself to a mother when referring to his comforting ability (Isaiah 66:13 says, “As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you”).
In honor of mothers everywhere, we have curated this article to celebrate their remarkable contributions. We shine a light on the noteworthy mother figures in the Bible, reminding us of the enduring sacrifices and unwavering love exhibited by mothers throughout history, tending to their husbands and children.
Rachel, the patient mother
To begin, we have Rachel, who is one of the main characters in the book of Genesis. She was the wife of Jacob and mother to Joseph and Benjamin, two of the twelve sons of Jacob—the patriarchs from whom sprang all Israelites. Rachel mourned for her children in a way that God deemed “exceedingly bitter” (Genesis 31:15).
Rachel was incredibly patient throughout her marriage to Jacob. In spite of the fact that it took him many years to bear children, she remained submissive and obedient towards her husband while patiently waiting for God’s timing in their lives. Rachel’s patience is an example to all mothers out there who have had to go through similar trials as they wait for the Lord’s perfect timing.
Hannah, the persevering mother
Another biblical mother we can learn from is Hannah, the mother of Samuel—the prophet with whom God shared his words. In 1st Samuel 2, Hannah prayed a prayer to God despite her sadness over being barren. She promised that if God granted her a son, then she would dedicate him to serve in the temple for all days of his life. She made this promise to God, and she kept her word.
Hannah serves as a reminder of the perseverance and trust that all mothers should have in God’s perfect timing. No matter how difficult things may seem for us right now, we must always have faith that God will provide for us—just like He did for Hannah.
Jochebed, the courageous mother
The bible also shares the story of Jochebed, the mother of Moses and Aaron. Faced with a precarious situation, she bravely hid Moses in a basket when Pharaoh commanded that all Hebrew baby boys should be thrown into the Nile. She was courageous enough to defy Pharaoh’s commandment despite the danger involved—and ultimately her faithfulness saved Moses’ life.
In this way, Jochebed serves as an example of the courage and strength that all mothers should have. Even when faced with seemingly impossible odds, mothers should never doubt their ability to do what is best for their children, no matter how difficult the situation may be.
Ruth, the devoted mother
The last woman we want to highlight here is Ruth. As a widow, she had faced many hardships before meeting and marrying Boaz—a prominent figure in Bethlehem at that time. She was also an ancestor of David and was a great-grandmother to King Solomon.
Despite all her losses, and despite being married into a new family, Ruth remained devoted to her mother-in-law (Naomi) and continued to follow her wherever she went. This devotion is something that all mothers can learn from; even when faced with difficult choices, we should always remember to remain loyal and devoted to those who have been there for us throughout our lives.
Ruth was a widow who chose to stay with her mother-in-law and follow God despite being without a husband or father for her son. Her faithfulness towards Naomi was rewarded when Boaz married her and became the ancestor of King David.
Blessed Mary, ever-virgin
Perhaps the most well-known mother in the bible, Mary, accepted the role of being a mother willingly in a time when the odd circumstances of her pregnancy could have resulted in terrible things for a woman.
Thankfully, the angel also visited Joseph in the night, putting any doubts that he may have had in Mary’s story to rest.
There are many virtues associated with Mary: purity, prudence, humility, faithfulness, and devotedness to name a few. Her love for Jesus was evident throughout her life, but perhaps the most notable example was when she stayed to witness Jesus’ crucifixion.
Most mothers would not be able to witness anyone they’re close to going through something so horrible, let alone their own son. But Mary put herself through the pain of seeing that to be there for her son.
Sarah, the patient one
Sarah went through some extraordinary trials in her lifetime. She thought she would never have kids. She even laughed at the idea of herself bearing children at such an old age (Genesis 18:12).
It would have made it even more difficult going through a lifetime of being barren only to have her house maiden Hagar conceive a child before she was able to. But after that, Sarah rejoiced in the fact that she was able to conceive, this time laughing with joy (Genesis 21:6-7).
The experience Sarah went through would have been one of the most difficult trials; to believe that you are barren for most of your life. However, she rejoiced and thanked the Lord in the end for allowing her to birth a child even at such an old age. And even though she was far from a perfect role model, she still sets an example on the virtue of patience.
The Strength of Hagar
Hagar was a mother who endured many trials and serves as a testament to the strength many mothers must possess and may aspire to, not just for the normal trials that come with being a parent, but for her specific circumstances.
She had to endure not only living in fear due to the jealousy of Sarah, who also bore one of Abraham’s sons, but the eventual banishment of herself and her own son.
Hagar had to endure the fear of dying out in the desert and nearly witnessed her son die as well. God saved both her and her son in the end and created nations from both of Abraham’s offspring.
Hagar went through many trials and tribulations before she realized what her destiny was, but just like Mary, she trusted God’s judgment, and just like Job, she refused to curse his name.
Hagar endured demeaning words and actions for nearly her entire life, none of which she had asked for, and in the end, she was repaid for her sacrifice with a nation.
Rebekah, the faithful
Rebekah was a woman of faith. Genesis 25:23 says, “The Lord said to her, Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.”
This would have been unheard of back in that time. It’s interesting how so many times – such as was the case with Mary and Sarah – that the most shocking news is first presented to a mother or mother-to-be. Perhaps God feels that they are often the most well equipped to handle it.
Rebekah handled this situation with both finesse and dedication, telling nobody about it, but assisting the prophecy in coming true. She even took the curse upon herself when Jacob was not certain that he wanted to go through with the deception (Genesis 27).
It may be heavily debated on whether Rebekah did the right or wrong thing in this situation (though it seemed to go along with God’s plan, it still seemed quite shady). However, the lengths that Rebekah was willing to go for her son and her willingness to fulfill the prophecy that God laid down before her make her stand out as one of the most faithful and loving mother’s in the bible.
Conclusion
The mothers in the bible are an example of tenacity, courage, and faith. From Ruth’s devotion to Naomi to Mary’s willingness to witness her son’s crucifixion, these mothers have shown us that no matter what life throws at you, it is possible to remain faithful and loving. We can all learn from their examples and strive for the level of strength they displayed throughout their lives.
These mothers have faced extraordinary challenges and overcome seemingly impossible odds, but in the end, they have all been rewarded for their faithfulness. It is a reminder that no matter how difficult things may seem, there can always be blessings from trusting in the Lord. May we all continue to learn from these amazing examples of motherhood and strive to be as devoted and faithful in our lives. Amen.
Application
It is vital that we take lessons from the mothers in the bible and apply them in our own lives. No matter what circumstances we may face, it is important to remain faithful and loving like these women have been throughout their journeys. We can strive to display similar tenacity, courage, and faith in our own lives as well.
When presented with difficult situations, we should remember that even if we can’t see the end result or understand why something is happening, God has a plan for us. We just have to trust in Him and remain faithful like these mothers have done throughout their stories. By doing so, we can follow their example and shine a light for others to follow. Just as these women have been rewarded for their faithfulness, we too can be blessed in the same way.
We must continue to honor the examples of these incredible mothers in the bible and strive to emulate their strength every day. Let us take up this challenge and carry on their legacies by living our lives with faith, courage, and love. May God bless us in our endeavors!
Amen.
Bible Verses About Mothers
Now the Lord was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did for Sarah what he had promised. 2 Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him. 3 Abraham gave the name Isaac to the son Sarah bore him.
Genesis 21:1-3 New International Version (NIV)
9 Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. 10 Remember the day you stood before the Lord your God at Horeb, when he said to me, “Assemble the people before me to hear my words so that they may learn to revere me as long as they live in the land and may teach them to their children.”
Deuteronomy 4:9-10 New International Version (NIV)
25 Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” 27 and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.
John 19:25-27 New International Version (NIV)
46 And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord
Luke 1:46-48 New International Version (NIV)
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.
Proverbs 23:22 New International Version (NIV)
20 My son, keep your father’s command and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.
21 Bind them always on your heart; fasten them around your neck.
Proverbs 6:20-21 New International Version (NIV)
“Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the Lord your God is giving you.
Deuteronomy 5:16 New International Version (NIV)
“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.”
Exodus 20:12 New International Version (NIV)
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— 3 “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”
Ephesians 6:1-3 New International Version (NIV)
4 For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.’ 5 But you say that if anyone declares that what might have been used to help their father or mother is ‘devoted to God,’ 6 they are not to ‘honor their father or mother’ with it. Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition.
Matthew 15:4-6 New International Version (NIV)
26 Whoever robs their father and drives out their mother is a child who brings shame and disgrace.27 Stop listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.
Proverbs 19:26-27 New International Version (NIV)
10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants.
16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Proverbs 31:10-30 New International Version (NIV)
“As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.”
Isaiah 66:13 New International Version (NIV)
But the child’s mother said, “As surely as the Lord lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” So he got up and followed her.
Kings 4:30 New International Version (NIV)
As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.”
Isaiah 66:13 New International Version (NIV)
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