IF:Gathering Booklet

M Y G R ACE I S A LL YOU N EE D. MY POW E R WO RKS B EST I N W E AKN ESS.

2

Corinthians

12:9

museumoftheBible.org

TH ROU G H TH E AG ES , WOME N H AV E B E E N MAKI N G I M PO RTA N T D EC I S I ON S I N H ISTO RY, AN D T H E I R IN F LU E N C E AN D PE RSE V E R A N C E IN S H AP I N G C U LT U R E I S UN PARALL E L E D .

There are almost 200 women mentioned by name in the Bible, some of whom books of the Bible are named after, including Esther and Ruth.

We see women influencers who have paved a path during times when people might not have thought women had the power to affect change. Women who rose above the ranks, took risks, fought for what was right, and made an impact on their culture. To this day, women still make such decisions, creating an unparalleled impression in today’s world.

This small booklet shows the big impact three inspiring Biblical women made.

*traditional protestant Bible

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Abigail • A woman of good understanding and beautiful countenance (1 Samuel 25:3)

• The wife of Nabal. Nabal was wealthy with 3000 sheep, but evil and churlish (1 Samuel 25:3) • Stopped a war between David and Nabal when Nabal refused to show hospitality for David and his men who were traveling (1 Samuel 25:4-13) • After the Lord stopped Nabal’s heart (1 Samuel 25:38), David took Abigail as his wife (1 Samuel 25:42) • Mother of King David’s son, Daniel (1 Chronicles 3:1)

U N D E R S TA N D I N G BEAUTIFUL COUNTENANCE WIFE AND MOTHER

Esther • As a Jewish woman was told to keep her Jewish faith/background a secret from the Persian people • Adopted into the family of her cousin, Mordecai, when her parents died (Esther 2:7) • Becomes the wife of King Xerxes after he banishes his wife, Vashti, made her Queen Esther (Esther 2:17) • Willing to die to save her people by going to the King when she had not been summoned – which was against the law. (Esther 4:16) • Saves the Jewish people from destruction during King Xerxes reign when Haman wanted to have all Jews killed (Esther 7: 3-7) • Is identified as the daughter of Abihail (Esther 9:29) • Is awarded Haman’s estate by the King

• Because of her efforts, a decree is given by the King that all Jews would have the right to unite and defend their lives (Esther 8:11) • Queen Esther, along with her cousin, Mordecai, established the Festival of Purim (Esther 9:29)

ADOPTED JEWISH DEFENDER OF PEOPLE DAUGHTER QUEEN

Ruth

• Daughter-in-law of Elimelech and his wife, Naomi • Widowed Moabite woman

• Devoted to Naomi - “Do not ask me to leave you and turn back. I will go wherever you go and live wherever you live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.” (Ruth 1:16) • Collected grain during the barley harvest to feed herself and Naomi • Boaz noticed Ruth’s love and kindness in taking care of her mother-in-law Naomi and married her • They had a son named Obed, who is the father of Jesse, and the grandfather of King David – making Ruth the Great Grandmother of King David (Ruth 4:17)

WIDOWED DEVOTED

CARING LOVED

STRENGTH AND HONOUR ARE HER CLOTHING; AND SHE SHALL REJOICE IN TIME TO COME. - Proverbs 31:25

MUSEUM OF THE BIBLE IF:Gathering is proud to collaborate with Museum of the Bible, which will open in Washington, D.C., just blocks from the National Mall, in November 2017.

The museum is an innovative, global, educational institution whose purpose is to invite all people to engage with the history, narrative, and impact of the Bible.

Join the mission by following us on social media, checking out the website to learn more (including how to get your name on the wall of the museum! Go to: www.1mn.me) and sharing the excitement with your network of influence.

museumoftheBible.org