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The Mothers and Daughters of the Bible Speak: Lessons on Faith from Nine Biblical Families
God always keeps His promises, but not always in the way we expect….
“Have faith” is a phrase we hear all the time. But what does it actually look like to live it out? In The Mothers and Daughters of the Bible Speak, Shannon Bream examines the lives of biblical women to see how God’s plans can turn our worlds upside down. She tells the story of Jochebed, a mother who took enormous risks to protect her son, Moses, from Pharaoh. Could Jochebed have imagined that God’s actual design for her son involved flight into exile and danger? And yet this was all part of the master plan to deliver Israel from slavery. Another biblical mother, Rebekah, made terrible choices in an attempt to ensure her son’s place in history. And a daughter, Michal, struggled to keep her faithless father, Saul, from sin, while battling pride in herself.
Through these stories, Shannon explains the intimate connection between faith and family—and how God’s unexpected agenda can redefine the way we think about family. Not all of these mothers and daughters in the Bible were paragons of virtue. Like us, they were human beings who faltered and struggled to do their best. While some heard God’s voice, others chose their own paths. Through the lens of their imperfections, we can see how God used their stories to bring about His divine plans. He’s still doing the same work in our lives today.
The Mothers and Daughters of the Bible Speak shows that faith is more often a twisting road than a straight line. Yet, as the stories of biblical families attest, at the end of these journeys lies greater peace and joy than we could ever imagine.
Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.
“Have faith” is a phrase we hear all the time. But what does it actually look like to live it out? In The Mothers and Daughters of the Bible Speak, Shannon Bream examines the lives of biblical women to see how God’s plans can turn our worlds upside down. She tells the story of Jochebed, a mother who took enormous risks to protect her son, Moses, from Pharaoh. Could Jochebed have imagined that God’s actual design for her son involved flight into exile and danger? And yet this was all part of the master plan to deliver Israel from slavery. Another biblical mother, Rebekah, made terrible choices in an attempt to ensure her son’s place in history. And a daughter, Michal, struggled to keep her faithless father, Saul, from sin, while battling pride in herself.
Through these stories, Shannon explains the intimate connection between faith and family—and how God’s unexpected agenda can redefine the way we think about family. Not all of these mothers and daughters in the Bible were paragons of virtue. Like us, they were human beings who faltered and struggled to do their best. While some heard God’s voice, others chose their own paths. Through the lens of their imperfections, we can see how God used their stories to bring about His divine plans. He’s still doing the same work in our lives today.
The Mothers and Daughters of the Bible Speak shows that faith is more often a twisting road than a straight line. Yet, as the stories of biblical families attest, at the end of these journeys lies greater peace and joy than we could ever imagine.
Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 29, 2022
776 people are currently reading
2157 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
October 27, 2022
Ten chapters help us to look more closely at families in the Bible and how God's promise continues despite their failings. The people we read about in scripture were not perfect. They had the same human tendencies we do, but God still used them in His story. Shannon Bream begins with Jochebed and Miriam and includes women we don't think about as often like Dinah and Michal. Each chapter is richly sprinkled with the corresponding scripture references and has a set of discussion questions at the end. Perfect for a study group.
April 7, 2022
Interesting read. I am a big fan of any book that brings attention to women’s roles in the bible and Shannon has chosen some of my favorites. The book is thought provoking and I think I am more enlightened for having read it. Thank you Shannon for a sharing your knowledge and ideas and a wonderful narration.
July 7, 2022
Got this as a Mother's day gift to read with my daughters! Absolutely loved it! It not only concentrates on the mom/daughter relationship but every relationship in the family is included, mothers and sons, father's and daughters etc. The Bible shows us so many examples of truly messed up families with real deep rooted problems, but God can and will restore them if we just let Him! Great biblical reference to compare our own family issues and to see the hope God has for us all!
October 12, 2023
A book on faith and family, telling the stories of women in the Bible. These are scripture based stories, easy to read and understand, bringing insight into their decisions and lives. Sometimes the stories are about flawed and imperfect individuals that give us insight on our modern challenges.
June 2, 2023
I usually enjoy Bible studies books but this one was too tedious for my liking. Reading it felt like a chore and that is never a good sign...
December 15, 2024
This review is about both the book and the Workbook.
This book is not just about mothers and daughters, but more accurately of nine separate families in the Bible.
The first part of the book is called Mothers and Daughters & the following are the chapters:
Jochebed and Miriam
Ruth and Naomi
Elizabeth and Mary
Then the second part of the book is on Mothers and Sons:
Rebekah
Bathsheba
Mary, Mother of Jesus
The next section is Daughters and Fathers:
Dinah
Esther
Michal
The final section is Miracles for Mothers…and Daughters, Too. There are no subchapters in this section.
This is a highly engaging personal Bible Study in that there are a lot of questions for the reader to digest and challenge their presumptions of these familial relationships by our current way of thinking.
Each chapter delves deep into each of the woman’s life including analysis of word, action, and their thinking as well as what was written in the Bible and what it meant that it was not included in the text of Scripture. Background for each story is also given. It uses scripture to interpret other scriptures and not outside sources, which to me is a huge plus. I also appreciated the look at the words in context in the original Hebrew or Greek.
Personally, I think the workbook is necessary in that it completes the book, and the questions and answers make everything more real for the learner. Highly recommend. 5*****
This book is not just about mothers and daughters, but more accurately of nine separate families in the Bible.
The first part of the book is called Mothers and Daughters & the following are the chapters:
Jochebed and Miriam
Ruth and Naomi
Elizabeth and Mary
Then the second part of the book is on Mothers and Sons:
Rebekah
Bathsheba
Mary, Mother of Jesus
The next section is Daughters and Fathers:
Dinah
Esther
Michal
The final section is Miracles for Mothers…and Daughters, Too. There are no subchapters in this section.
This is a highly engaging personal Bible Study in that there are a lot of questions for the reader to digest and challenge their presumptions of these familial relationships by our current way of thinking.
Each chapter delves deep into each of the woman’s life including analysis of word, action, and their thinking as well as what was written in the Bible and what it meant that it was not included in the text of Scripture. Background for each story is also given. It uses scripture to interpret other scriptures and not outside sources, which to me is a huge plus. I also appreciated the look at the words in context in the original Hebrew or Greek.
Personally, I think the workbook is necessary in that it completes the book, and the questions and answers make everything more real for the learner. Highly recommend. 5*****
May 17, 2022
A better title would be: Shannon Bream Speaks About Mothers and Daughters of the Bible.
This is a collection of carefully crafted stories based on assumed details that simply are not present in the Biblical text, and in some cases a small inaccuracy in scriptural interpretation is presented as a key point of the chapter. The historical context is often misinterpreted with the lens of modern culture. The sovereignty of God and his purposes are almost entirely ignored such that the reader will very likely fail to give God glory for his work through these people. Study questions at the end of each chapter are self reflection and self help rather than a study of God’s faithfulness and fulfillment of his promises. There are a handful of insightful comments throughout the book (e.g., the parallel between New and Old Testament Josephs), but they are surrounded by too much inaccuracy, misinterpretation, and speculation to be worth reading.
Bible verses are from the NIV translation.
This is a collection of carefully crafted stories based on assumed details that simply are not present in the Biblical text, and in some cases a small inaccuracy in scriptural interpretation is presented as a key point of the chapter. The historical context is often misinterpreted with the lens of modern culture. The sovereignty of God and his purposes are almost entirely ignored such that the reader will very likely fail to give God glory for his work through these people. Study questions at the end of each chapter are self reflection and self help rather than a study of God’s faithfulness and fulfillment of his promises. There are a handful of insightful comments throughout the book (e.g., the parallel between New and Old Testament Josephs), but they are surrounded by too much inaccuracy, misinterpretation, and speculation to be worth reading.
Bible verses are from the NIV translation.
July 20, 2022
Had this book been presented in a different way, not as Mothers and Daughters of the Bible, I might have liked it more. But because of what I was expecting from the title and description, I ended up disappointed. Many of the stories are mostly about men in the Bible, with a little bit about the woman or women who happed to be there, either as a mother or a daughter (though often not by blood). Only a few of the chapters focus on two women. If you are looking for a book about mothers and daughters, I would not recommend this.
January 8, 2023
So far, like a bad book report that extensively quotes the source material, summarizes it, and speculates about people’s thoughts and motives. Only one chapter purports to be about a mother/ daughter pair, and even it is more about people other than the mother and daughter. Wow, in the chapter on Michel, the author really puts thoughts and motivations into Michel and David that just aren’t in the Bible.
December 7, 2022
The audiobook is fantastic!
November 2, 2022
Another great book to aid in Bible study.
April 12, 2022
Overall, I enjoyed this and it made me think differently about some of the people from the Bible. For example, when the author talked about mothers and sons I did not think that Rebekah and Isaac were on the outs with each other. While I remember reading about Dinah in the Bible, I did not truly realize what happen to her, because the Bible translations always feel staid to me or very simple sentence that actually hold more emotional content. When there is a section about mothers and sons, you have to talk about Mary and Jesus. If you have seen some of my other reviews for religious books then you would know that I am Catholic. Catholics believe that Mary and Joseph had no other children, so every time I see a non-Catholic Christian book that refers to Jesus having siblings I get pull out of the book.
Verdict: I think this is good book that would be useful as a Bible Study or a Book Group.
Verdict: I think this is good book that would be useful as a Bible Study or a Book Group.
March 9, 2023
I appreciated the "Bible Study" aspect of this book.
Ideas expressed that resonated with me, or helped me understand Bible stories "better"....
- Jochebed, mother of Moses, Aaron and Miriam - loved Miriam's part in the life of Moses. Appreciated Jochebed's role as their mother.
- Ruth and Naomi - I'd not thought about the fact that Ruth didn't just take Naomi as her mother, but took on Naomi's God, to be her own. So beautiful!
- Elizabeth and Mary - Bream explained their relationship in a way that I had not gone deep enough to understand, before.
These spiritual mothers spoke to me about my own "spiritual mothers," those that shared love and wisdom with me along the way. Feeling quite blessed, as my own "Mom," and gra.ndmas were oh so precious to me.
I liked Bream's interpretation of David's and Bathsheba's loss of their first born son, and of David's broken heartedness. That he would go to Bathsheba, again, and for Solomon to be born of that (re)union....given the name that means "Peace." God Bless, Bathsheba, in that she made sure Solomon would "find his way to the throne" (p 132).
References from Genesis, telling Dinah's story spoke so loudly about family relationships, and purpose. Additionally, I reflected on how our relationships with our fathers do have a great deal of impact on our relationship with God. (A blessing for me!)
It was so timely that I would read about Esther, at Purim! I love her story, and her strength radiated off the pages. As well, Mordecai was that great example I alluded to above-Mordecai, tho not Esther's father by birth, but a relative that took her in when her parents died, was a stellar individual, protecting Esther, and giving her the guidance she required, to not just "save herself,"
but her people!
I did not the stories of Michal, Saul's daughter. How she was used as a token, to be torn between kings-her father, and her husband.
In the New Testament, Christian Scriptures, reading about Mary, the details shared were amazing, and right there, in words I had read, but did not quite embrace. Bream shared beautifully. (Between Bream's interpretation and watching the first two seasons of THE CHOSEN, I feel "baptized" in powerful words and feelings.)
The book was not sett up chronologically, but rather by relationship-theme, hence; I was all over the place with trying to keep up with the Scriptures, shared. That said, I did enjoy it, and I definitely learned from reading this book.
Ideas expressed that resonated with me, or helped me understand Bible stories "better"....
- Jochebed, mother of Moses, Aaron and Miriam - loved Miriam's part in the life of Moses. Appreciated Jochebed's role as their mother.
- Ruth and Naomi - I'd not thought about the fact that Ruth didn't just take Naomi as her mother, but took on Naomi's God, to be her own. So beautiful!
- Elizabeth and Mary - Bream explained their relationship in a way that I had not gone deep enough to understand, before.
These spiritual mothers spoke to me about my own "spiritual mothers," those that shared love and wisdom with me along the way. Feeling quite blessed, as my own "Mom," and gra.ndmas were oh so precious to me.
I liked Bream's interpretation of David's and Bathsheba's loss of their first born son, and of David's broken heartedness. That he would go to Bathsheba, again, and for Solomon to be born of that (re)union....given the name that means "Peace." God Bless, Bathsheba, in that she made sure Solomon would "find his way to the throne" (p 132).
References from Genesis, telling Dinah's story spoke so loudly about family relationships, and purpose. Additionally, I reflected on how our relationships with our fathers do have a great deal of impact on our relationship with God. (A blessing for me!)
It was so timely that I would read about Esther, at Purim! I love her story, and her strength radiated off the pages. As well, Mordecai was that great example I alluded to above-Mordecai, tho not Esther's father by birth, but a relative that took her in when her parents died, was a stellar individual, protecting Esther, and giving her the guidance she required, to not just "save herself,"
but her people!
I did not the stories of Michal, Saul's daughter. How she was used as a token, to be torn between kings-her father, and her husband.
In the New Testament, Christian Scriptures, reading about Mary, the details shared were amazing, and right there, in words I had read, but did not quite embrace. Bream shared beautifully. (Between Bream's interpretation and watching the first two seasons of THE CHOSEN, I feel "baptized" in powerful words and feelings.)
The book was not sett up chronologically, but rather by relationship-theme, hence; I was all over the place with trying to keep up with the Scriptures, shared. That said, I did enjoy it, and I definitely learned from reading this book.
September 9, 2024
I think that this is a great way to bring attention to women and to relationships with them in the Bible.
There were certain chapters that stuck out to me more than others, but I think the over message was good.
The writing style was a bit dry to me, but as someone who wants to be a mother and wife I thought this is amazing book to read before going into my marriage.
It is also good to read and reinforce the teachings and word of the Lord whenever possible. 💛
There were certain chapters that stuck out to me more than others, but I think the over message was good.
The writing style was a bit dry to me, but as someone who wants to be a mother and wife I thought this is amazing book to read before going into my marriage.
It is also good to read and reinforce the teachings and word of the Lord whenever possible. 💛
August 10, 2023
"Jesus was sent to redeem us all, not to just show up as a good luck charm when we need him."
As soon as I finished reading The Women of the Bible Speak: The Wisdom of 16 Women and Their Lessons for Today, I set my sights on reading this book. But, this book just didn't speak to me the way The Women of the Bible Speak: The Wisdom of 16 Women and Their Lessons for Today did.
It could've been that I hyped it up, that I'm not totally the right demographic, or that the title is a bit more misleading that I originally thought. But that isn't to say that this book didn't touch me.
Something about the way Mrs. Bream gets into the heads of these people of the Bible and then further dives into why they made the decisions they did has really touched me and there were plenty of 'aha' moments for me.
First of all pay attention to the smaller print on the title. Unlike the bold prints imply, this book doesn't really focus on Mothers and Daughters of the Bible.
Instead we get a collaboration of stories featuring, Mothers & Daughters, Fathers & Daughters, and Mothers & Sons, and then a brief section on Miracles & Mothers.
Had I known that this book wouldn't be just about Mothers and Daughters I probably would've been able to enjoy it a bit more.
My favorite thing about this book was breaking apart these well known stories (at least imo), and digging into these people's heads. It really gave me a greater appreciation for some of them, and cleared up questions I haven't bothered to ask (but definitely wondered).
Oh, and I also thought it was cool that Mrs. Bream didn't stick to bio family, but also to spiritual, and adoptive families as well.
If you're looking for a devotional, or even just to broaden your understanding of the Bible I'd definitely recommend either The Women of the Bible Speak: The Wisdom of 16 Women and Their Lessons for Today or The Mothers and Daughters of the Bible Speak: Lessons on Faith from Nine Biblical Families :)
˚₊‧✩ Happy Reading ✩‧₊˚
As soon as I finished reading The Women of the Bible Speak: The Wisdom of 16 Women and Their Lessons for Today, I set my sights on reading this book. But, this book just didn't speak to me the way The Women of the Bible Speak: The Wisdom of 16 Women and Their Lessons for Today did.
It could've been that I hyped it up, that I'm not totally the right demographic, or that the title is a bit more misleading that I originally thought. But that isn't to say that this book didn't touch me.
Something about the way Mrs. Bream gets into the heads of these people of the Bible and then further dives into why they made the decisions they did has really touched me and there were plenty of 'aha' moments for me.
First of all pay attention to the smaller print on the title. Unlike the bold prints imply, this book doesn't really focus on Mothers and Daughters of the Bible.
Instead we get a collaboration of stories featuring, Mothers & Daughters, Fathers & Daughters, and Mothers & Sons, and then a brief section on Miracles & Mothers.
Had I known that this book wouldn't be just about Mothers and Daughters I probably would've been able to enjoy it a bit more.
My favorite thing about this book was breaking apart these well known stories (at least imo), and digging into these people's heads. It really gave me a greater appreciation for some of them, and cleared up questions I haven't bothered to ask (but definitely wondered).
Oh, and I also thought it was cool that Mrs. Bream didn't stick to bio family, but also to spiritual, and adoptive families as well.
If you're looking for a devotional, or even just to broaden your understanding of the Bible I'd definitely recommend either The Women of the Bible Speak: The Wisdom of 16 Women and Their Lessons for Today or The Mothers and Daughters of the Bible Speak: Lessons on Faith from Nine Biblical Families :)
˚₊‧✩ Happy Reading ✩‧₊˚
December 12, 2023
I loved this book. I learned some things that I didn’t know. I had some things refreshed in my memory. And was so blessed. I wish it had been longer, with more details at times too. I have studied the Bible for many years, and some of her correlations were insightful. Always like learning more. I know how much we are loved, because Jesus showed us throughout His ministry, and through His terrible but necessary sufferings. Then through His resurrection, our salvation was sealed. Without the resurrection all would have been in vain. He gave His perfect life by shedding His blood for all sins and the sinful nature within us all.
It will only be a reality in our lives if we confess our need for Him, and by faith believe. Shannon did a great job in relating to us who Jesus is and what we mean to Him. The stories she chose were exactly what Jesus lead her to share. She is my sister in Christ, and I am looking forward to the next books. We are loved by God more than anything else He created. We are it in His eyes, created in His image, and in His likeness. Destined to spend eternity with Him, and to be children of the Father now and forever if we choose His plan of salvation. One God in three persons. All working together in all things to fulfill His purposes. Thank you Shannon, and may God continue using you to teach and to win souls for Christ. ❤️CathyR
It will only be a reality in our lives if we confess our need for Him, and by faith believe. Shannon did a great job in relating to us who Jesus is and what we mean to Him. The stories she chose were exactly what Jesus lead her to share. She is my sister in Christ, and I am looking forward to the next books. We are loved by God more than anything else He created. We are it in His eyes, created in His image, and in His likeness. Destined to spend eternity with Him, and to be children of the Father now and forever if we choose His plan of salvation. One God in three persons. All working together in all things to fulfill His purposes. Thank you Shannon, and may God continue using you to teach and to win souls for Christ. ❤️CathyR
March 11, 2023
I really enjoyed this book! I loved the insight it offered on not only mothers and daughters, but also mothers and sons as well as fathers and daughters. We live in a fallen and sinful world and this book serves as a reminder that family relationships, broken families and heartache have existed and connect us all. Thank you to Shannon for writing this book and challenging us to use our struggles to grow closer to Him.
October 25, 2022
I really loved this book. I know all of these stories from the Bible and having Shannon Bream bring these stories to me with a fresh eye and more detail was indeed a blessing to my heart. I have passed it along to my mother because I am sure it will bless her, too.
This would be a wonderful gift for anyone for the upcoming Christmas season. Definitely recommend.
This would be a wonderful gift for anyone for the upcoming Christmas season. Definitely recommend.
May 1, 2022
Studying out some amazing women of God for Mother’s Day!
A very good book with exceptional referencing.
Plot 10 (1-10)❤️
A very good book with exceptional referencing.
Plot 10 (1-10)❤️
July 10, 2022
Clean for 14+
October 2, 2022
I really enjoyed the deep dives into the different Bible stories this book focused on. I would love to do this as a Bible study with others in the future!
Read
October 26, 2024DNF—got halfway through, it’s fine so far
August 29, 2022
This book is a beautiful look at the lessons on faith from nine biblical families. Author, Shannon Bream, examines many of the mothers in the bible and the lessons they teach us. Mothers such as Jochebed, who went to extremes to protect her son, Moses, from Pharoah. What I enjoyed most about this book is the beautiful connection of faith and family. I think as any person of faith will tell you, family is God send and a very high priority in our lives. I also really enjoyed the examination of the human side of these mothers and daughters. The mistakes, the imperfection and the salvation from God. Although there is a lot of references in this book to the bible, any person of any faith would likely enjoy it.
September 23, 2022
this is the second of Shannon Breams books about the Bible that I have read. Reading them has helped familiarize me with the various Bible stories but also relates them to everyday living. It adds a "human" perspective to all I have read and believed in the Bible.
March 26, 2023
Made it easy to understand the Bible stories. Loved sharing the stories with my daughters, having open and honest discussions about our faith and growing in our faith together.
January 10, 2024
A goid alternative way to study the scriptures. Better read than listened to on order to follow along with the study notes
April 26, 2025
This book has great insight into very familiar bible stories that make you think about them very differently.
February 15, 2024
As someone who did not grow up in the church, I appreciated this volume very much. It was a series of interesting stories focusing on the people, the characters, and tying that to lesson in the stories. Each section had a series of discussion questions after it, so it could be useful for a study group.
July 20, 2024
I listened to this audiobook read by the author. I really enjoy her voice, and her books are so well written and interesting!
It is easy to underestimate the impact women of the Bible have had on history, but Shannon Bream’s books highlight how profoundly women have shaped and influenced even the most powerful men of the Bible. It is clear to me that God greatly values women and their unique nature and abilities.
It is easy to underestimate the impact women of the Bible have had on history, but Shannon Bream’s books highlight how profoundly women have shaped and influenced even the most powerful men of the Bible. It is clear to me that God greatly values women and their unique nature and abilities.
April 3, 2022
Amazing
What a beautiful insight to some of the women of the past. God gave Shannon Bream a gift that only a few have. Bless her & family with many great insights like this. It’s awesome to know that some people are so in lightened by the Holy Spirit. Thank You God Bless
What a beautiful insight to some of the women of the past. God gave Shannon Bream a gift that only a few have. Bless her & family with many great insights like this. It’s awesome to know that some people are so in lightened by the Holy Spirit. Thank You God Bless
Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews