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Women of the Old Testament
From the beginning, women have been at the very heart of God s plan. Women of the Old Testament focuses on twenty remarkable women representing different ages, economic circumstances, family status, and cultures. All of them had challenges, but each had a divine potential to contribute to the Lord s work. Bestselling author Camille Fronk Olson brings these women to life, going beyond the traditional scripture story to provide insights that are amazingly relevant today. Elspeth Young s exquisite, full- color illustrations also reveal something about each woman s life and the customs associated with her culture. A Points to Ponder section at the end of each chapter offers thoughtful questions to consider individually or in a discussion group.
341 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 2009
64 people are currently reading
903 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
August 4, 2018
Took a couple of years to read this substantial work that I suspect often merely graces people's coffee tables. It is so rich in history and conceptual load that I would pick it up while having breakfast, read a section and ponder the ideas. Fronk has done a stellar job of seeking out interesting and sometimes more obscure women in the Old Testament and bringing their stories to life. As a gospel doctrine teacher, I feel this book really helped me contextualize the role of females in the Old Testament, and also understand the nuances of historical times in which they lived. I appreciate the fact that this book can be read piecemeal. If you find a topic that interests you, such as the story of Hannah, for instance, you don't have to read consecutive chapters. This would make an excellent reference work for those not as inclined to read the entire thing.
July 4, 2022
This is a sweet and helpful book highlighting the lives and influence of some of the women (some named and some unnamed) in the Old Testament, including Eve, Sarah, Hagar, Rebekah, Leah, Rachel, Miriam, Deborah, Hannah, Huldah, Shiphrah and Puah, Daughters of Zelophehad, Abigail, the widow of Zarephath, the Shuanmmite, and the little maid. Of course, there are others (I liked the list of all the women mentioned in the Old Testament on pages 271-279) and I wish some like Esther, Ruth, and Naomi had been mentioned more in depth, but there were some wonderful lessons I learned from each of those highlighted. Some of my favorites to learn from and think about this time were Rebekah, Miriam, and Hannah, and the lessons of courage, faith, kindness, and trust in the Lord. They each had individual relationships with the Lord, and they weren't afraid to share their faith and help others. They still help and inspire women today. Here are some good quotes:
"The Savior and the prophets drew a connection between obedience to God and understanding His mysteries (p. 11)."
"A life was sacrificed to provide the only sufficient covering for Adam and Eve. Being clothed in such a reminder of the Sacrifice of the Only Begotten, literally encircled in the love of God, Adam and Eve were blessed with the knowledge that they alone could not protect themselves in their vulnerable condition in a fallen world. They would need to live by faith in the Redeemer (p. 14)."
"The Atonement of Jesus Christ can truly cover us (p. 15)."
"Both Adam and Eve expressed joy at the consequences of their choices to leave the Garden, notwithstanding the hardships (p. 18)."
"No other woman could take her place. She had a unique mission to fulfill... So God intervened in a dramatic and powerful way--and Sarai was saved (p. 35)."
"God blesses us with greater wisdom and endurance when we accept His invitation to do what is difficult (p. 38)."
"Under the covenant, 'father' Abraham and 'princess' Sarah accepted a new responsibility and relationship with God, the definitive Father and King (p. 39)."
"Hagar typifies the future nation of Israel. She was freed from Egyptian slavery, directed to safety through God's intervention, and required to return to the place of her challenges to be purified and strengthened by covenant. Finally, just as Israel left Mount Sinai as a covenant people, so Hagar departed with God's covering, symbolic of the enabling power of His Atonement. She was spiritually free to receive His greatest blessings (p. 43)."
"An eternal companion with appropriate strength to rescue or save is essential for God's ultimate blessings (p. 44)."
"Considering that Sarah may have said good-bye to her only son without any guarantee that she would see him again in mortality may be one example of how this family 'all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off' (Hebrews 11:13, p. 45)."
"Most of the world population today looks to either Sarah or Hagar as their maternal ancestor... Our shared legacy inspires greater emulation of active faith in the Lord (p. 47)."
"'Without the added presence of some inexplicableness and some irony and injustice, the experience may not stretch us or lift us sufficiently' (Neal A. Maxwell, p. 47)."
"[Rebekah's] individuality and vitality among the covenant people is striking in stories of her qualifying as Isaac's wife, receiving revelation from God for their sons, and ensuring the bestowal of the birthright on Jacob, as God intended (p. 49)."
"With no feigned attempt to impress a stranger who had come to town, she demonstrated her true compassionate nature and closeness to the Spirit by being at the right place, at the right time, and engaging in the right activity (p. 52)."
"'Don't be paralyzed from fear of making mistakes. Thrust your hands into the clay of your lives and begin... 'I will go.'... Rebekah could have refused... But she didn't. She acted, and so should we... Begin! Don't be afraid. Do the best you can' (Smoot, p. 55)."
"Like Rebekah, a true follower of Christ is willing to serve without being asked, responding to others' needs without hesitation. Single-handedly watering ten camels could symbolize God-given assignments that are beyond our natural ability to perform... the Church and its members can accomplish whatever God requires by the enabling power of Christ (p. 57)."
"Concerned over struggles she felt in her womb, Rebekah did not go to family or friends for help but turned first to God to receive understanding and comfort... Rebekah spoke directly to God and God responded directly to her, without her prophet-husband's intervention (p. 58)."
"'Rebekah is one of the greatest patterns in all the revelations of what a woman can do to influence a family in righteousness' (McConkie, p. 59)."
"'Women are appointed, Rebekahlike, to be guides and lights in righteousness in the family unit... and to engineer and arrange so that things are done in the way that will result in the salvation of more of our Father's children' (Bruce R. McConkie, p. 60)."
"Does the image of Rebekah wearing a nose ring, culturally acceptable at the time, bother you? Why or why not? How may our interpretation of outward appearances color our perceptions of a person's spirituality or worth in God's eyes (p. 63)?"
"How much of Jacob's conviction that Rachel was to be his wife occurred by perceiving similarities in Rachel to his mother (p. 66)?"
"Rachel, Leah, and Jacob all endured uncertainties and adversities which led them to acknowledge that God was their foundation (p. 71)."
"In the imagery of barrenness, each of us is unfruitful without Jesus Christ. It is by His grace we are saved, no matter how great our works may appear to be. After listing Christlike attributes that make up our divine nature, the apostle Paul wrote, 'For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ' (2 Peter 1:8, p. 72)."
"A recurrence of mortal trials is evidence of a divine continuing-education program that includes objectives of building greater faith in the enabling power of Christ and a deeper sense of our profound indebtedness to Him (p. 73)."
"The number of years that Rachel waited for her righteous desire is not given in scripture. We know only that it was a long time. For some of us the time of uncertainty is even long--beyond this mortal life. But the same principle applies. God hears. He keeps His promises (p. 74)."
"Along with Zilpah and Bilhah, Leah and Rachel are the mothers of the twelve tribes of Israel (p. 79)."
"God does not measure greatness in number of children, age at marriage, titles, or material wealth. He looks at the heart and the commitment to respond as Rachel and Leah did: 'Whatsoever God hath said unto thee, do' (Genesis 31:16, p. 80)."
"When no one else seems to notice or appreciate your presence, how do you know God sees and cares about you? How has the Lord compensated your faithfulness to Him when individuals in your life ignore or patronize you (p. 82)?"
"Authors of the accounts in the Bible often use prophet in a more general sense that easily includes women. Biblical prophets and prophetesses possess the gift of prophecy, one of the numerous gifts of the Spirit, but are not authorized with keys to direct the affairs of God's church (p. 83)."
"'No special ordination in the Priesthood is essential to man's receiving the gift of prophecy' (James E. Talmage, p. 83)."
"Miriam was called a prophetess when she led the children of Israel in singing and praising the Lord after their deliverance from Egypt... Deborah rekindled her people's faith in the Lord to rise up against their oppressors... Huldah inspired Judah's king to deeper religious reform... Isaiah's wife gave their sons names that bore witness of the Lord's promise to scatter and then gather the tribes of Israel... Anna recognized one of those babies as the Son of God and bore witness of that fact (p. 84)."
"''Would God that all the Lord's people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit upon them!' We encourage everyone to study the scriptures prayerfully and seek personal revelation to know their meaning for themselves' (Dallin H. Oaks, p. 85)."
"After her people miraculously crossed the Red Sea and watched their mighty pursuers drown in their wake, Miriam was the prophetess who bore witness of their Deliverer in a prophetic hymn of praise and view of their future... Miriam invites us to learn deeper respect for God's authority and revelation after the chastisement she suffered because she criticized God's prophet (p. 87)."
"Miriam watched, ready to devise a plan that would protect her little brother, no matter what circumstances unfolded. If she were discovered, Pharaoh would certainly condemn Miriam to death (p. 90)."
"Miriam's quick thinking and wise timing created a way for the baby to have a continued relationship with his birth family (p. 91)."
"As He expects of each of us, God required the children of Israel to act, participate, and begin building a firm foundation of faith in Him (p. 93)."
"Miriam was long remembered as a leader among the Israelites... As with modern-day Relief Society presidents, she could inspire, instruct, and encourage the other women to value and succeed in their essential contribution (p. 95)."
"God led the Israelites 'through the way of the wilderness of the Red Sea' rather than the more direct route to Canaan, knowing their fear could entice them to 'repent,' or turn around, and return to Egypt (p. 97)."
"More likely, Miriam was author of the words of rejoicing and led the entire song (p. 98)."
"Perpetual negativity can have tremendous influence on the faith and hope of even the most fervent believers... With the spirit of faith and hope diminished, we can easily become jealous of another's gifts (p. 101)."
"We owe all that we are and can be to the Lord (p. 104)."
"How does Miriam bring you closer to Christ (p. 105)?"
"[Deborah's] conviction that God would deliver His people from twenty years of Canaanite oppression inspired an army to rise up and win freedom for Israel (p. 107)."
"A cyclical pattern of forgetting God, suffering hardship, and pleading to God for deliverance occurred often during the era of the judges. An entire rotation of the cycle is evident in the story of Deborah (p. 110)."
"Deborah provided the motivation that changed hearts and prompted ready action among the Israelites. She is the central figure in the story and the deliverer who turned her people back to the Lord (p. 111)."
"Confidence in the Lord and reminders of His power and love for them would quickly become the Israelites' only hope for victory (p. 117)."
"Even though Israel pulled away from God, God never forgot Israel (p. 124)."
"In the war in heaven, God and His followers defeated Satan and his followers with the use of two weapons: the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony (p. 124)."
"Their society continued to see barren women as a disgrace to their husbands and without purpose in their communities. The Lord had an important mission and lesson for Hannah that became apparent to her only through her struggles with barrenness... Through His compassionate acceptance and limitless strength, God helped this Israelite woman recognize that she could contribute to the Lord's work and have a fruitful life if she abounds in faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, brotherly kindness and charity (p. 127)."
"Hannah approached God humbly but also confidently... she already knew that God hears and answers prayers and that He does not ignore women as so many others in her life apparently did (p. 134)."
"In a clear indication of Hannah's unwavering faith in the Lord, she sang a song of rejoicing and praise to God after she returned her son to Him (p. 139)."
"Some of us will never bear children, some will never marry, some will never have a happy marriage, and some will never have good health in this life. But every one of us can be fruitful and filled with the power of Jesus Christ. When we find Him, like Hannah, we will lose our life in doing His work. That is His promise to all of us (p. 143)."
"Many have wondered why Josiah consulted Huldah rather than Jeremiah or one of the other prophets... Huldah was literate, whereas Jeremiah needed a scribe to record his messages (p. 155)."
"Huldah's courage and confidence in the Lord's word are striking (p. 157)."
"In our limited perspective, we often see the Lord's promises for our personal lives so narrowly that we fail to recognize a far greater blessing that He has in store for us (p. 159)."
"Huldah came on stage for one brief moment and left a lasting witness that continues to summon each of us to greater devotion to God... How does Huldah's example inspire us to succeed in nontraditional roles? How does she remind us that being in tune with the Spirit and courageously bearing witness of God's word is not a gender role but a disciple's role (p. 160)?"
"Midwives helped their communities better understand God and His essential support of life as a result of their services (p. 177)."
"Without waiting for someone else to speak for them or to see the injustice they had quickly ascertained or for God to intercede on their behalf, Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah stepped forward with faith and confidence that their request was righteous... Because of the young women's thoughtful petition, God modified the existing inheritance law and declared the daughters right in their request (p. 193)."
"Abigail's disposition had a gracefully calming effect on fearful and revengeful hearts. Courageous and gentle, she possessed exceptional wisdom and fortitude to disregard the law of her abusive husband and follow the laws of God (p. 199)."
"She could not change her husband. She could, however, trust in the Lord to find a solution to her perilous circumstances (p. 208)."
"Likening these nameless women to Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, Elder Neal A. Maxwell observed: 'Matching those three men are three young women whose names we do not have. They are mentioned in the book of Abraham, remarkable young women about whom I am anxious to know more. They were actually sacrificed upon the altar because 'they would not bow down to worship [an idol] of wood or stone.' Some day the faithful will get to meet them (p. 216).'"
"One suggestion is that the omission was made consciously to protect the individual from being maligned... we do know the names of many remarkable and chosen women... Perhaps the simplest explanation for the omission of names is that the author of the record did not know the name or did not perceive it was important to include... Whatever the reason for the absence of names, unexpected benefits are derived from the lack of some names... we often find ourselves more closely identifying with people in scripture who are not named than with those whose names are recorded... not knowing a person's name frequently directs us to see and praise God's influence in the story and avoid glorifying someone who has need of a Redeemer, as do we all (p. 217)."
"The Lord had warned the Israelites that an abundant harvest depended on their love and service to Him and that He would stop the rain if they worshipped other gods (p. 224)."
"Elijah the prophet was not spared the suffering, discomforts, and uncertainties of famine; neither were other followers of the Lord who lived under Ahab's rule (p. 225)."
"The widows, the fatherless, and strangers were the vulnerable and unprotected in society. They were the ones without family connection, without anyone to champion their cause or care for their needs... the widow of Zeraphath could just as easily have been seen as the least important to Israel... Yet the Lord sent the greatest to depend on the least (p. 226)."
"We can become complacent with God's daily miracles. During times of peace and prosperity, we may gradually lose the awe we initially experience when His grace dramatically sustained us beyond our natural abilities. Because of His constant gifts, we may begin to expect God's enabling power as something we deserve or have even earned. In the case of the widow of Zarephath, she may have felt forsaken by the Lord when He took her son's life (p. 230)."
"Reverence for God is important during peaceful and prosperous times, but how do we respond when a crisis erupts (p. 231)?"
"The Lord loved and cared for this widow in Zarephath. He went to great lengths to show her that she was known to Him, that she had a unique mission to accomplish for Him, and that she was just as precious in His sight as His prophet... God often teaches us through counterintuitive means. He often requires us to do or say or consider something that appears to contradict a favorable solution... God may ask us to put our trust in a stranger from enemy territory, to give away all that we have to gain infinitely more, or to obey God when His command will deprive our family of what they desire most. Despite the obstacles, trials, and dangers that Elijah or the widow faced, the Lord showed His power and compassion to bring them through victorious... No matter how ferocious the enemy, God will champion and never forget His own (p. 232)."
"How does God view wealth... Who are the poor and who are the rich to the Lord (p. 233)?"
"The power of the Lord was activated through sincere faith in Christ, prayer, and the authority God granted to the prophet Elisha (p. 246)."
"The Little Maid and Naaman discovered that no material wealth exceeds the value of a testimony of the living God (p. 262)."
"The absence of the girl's name further underscores her humility in serving solely out of love and concern for another, without any thought for herself (p. 262)."
"God's covenant is made with any person who accepts and heeds Him as God, whether that person is a literal descendant of the sons of Jacob or is from outside of Israel, whether that person is surrounded by other believers or is alone among unbelievers... the Little Maid was not alone. She knew her God was always with her. In simple ways, she exemplified much of what Jesus Christ has asked of us. She recognized the worth of a soul and knew that the atoning blood of Christ is available to every individual (p. 263)."
"The Savior and the prophets drew a connection between obedience to God and understanding His mysteries (p. 11)."
"A life was sacrificed to provide the only sufficient covering for Adam and Eve. Being clothed in such a reminder of the Sacrifice of the Only Begotten, literally encircled in the love of God, Adam and Eve were blessed with the knowledge that they alone could not protect themselves in their vulnerable condition in a fallen world. They would need to live by faith in the Redeemer (p. 14)."
"The Atonement of Jesus Christ can truly cover us (p. 15)."
"Both Adam and Eve expressed joy at the consequences of their choices to leave the Garden, notwithstanding the hardships (p. 18)."
"No other woman could take her place. She had a unique mission to fulfill... So God intervened in a dramatic and powerful way--and Sarai was saved (p. 35)."
"God blesses us with greater wisdom and endurance when we accept His invitation to do what is difficult (p. 38)."
"Under the covenant, 'father' Abraham and 'princess' Sarah accepted a new responsibility and relationship with God, the definitive Father and King (p. 39)."
"Hagar typifies the future nation of Israel. She was freed from Egyptian slavery, directed to safety through God's intervention, and required to return to the place of her challenges to be purified and strengthened by covenant. Finally, just as Israel left Mount Sinai as a covenant people, so Hagar departed with God's covering, symbolic of the enabling power of His Atonement. She was spiritually free to receive His greatest blessings (p. 43)."
"An eternal companion with appropriate strength to rescue or save is essential for God's ultimate blessings (p. 44)."
"Considering that Sarah may have said good-bye to her only son without any guarantee that she would see him again in mortality may be one example of how this family 'all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off' (Hebrews 11:13, p. 45)."
"Most of the world population today looks to either Sarah or Hagar as their maternal ancestor... Our shared legacy inspires greater emulation of active faith in the Lord (p. 47)."
"'Without the added presence of some inexplicableness and some irony and injustice, the experience may not stretch us or lift us sufficiently' (Neal A. Maxwell, p. 47)."
"[Rebekah's] individuality and vitality among the covenant people is striking in stories of her qualifying as Isaac's wife, receiving revelation from God for their sons, and ensuring the bestowal of the birthright on Jacob, as God intended (p. 49)."
"With no feigned attempt to impress a stranger who had come to town, she demonstrated her true compassionate nature and closeness to the Spirit by being at the right place, at the right time, and engaging in the right activity (p. 52)."
"'Don't be paralyzed from fear of making mistakes. Thrust your hands into the clay of your lives and begin... 'I will go.'... Rebekah could have refused... But she didn't. She acted, and so should we... Begin! Don't be afraid. Do the best you can' (Smoot, p. 55)."
"Like Rebekah, a true follower of Christ is willing to serve without being asked, responding to others' needs without hesitation. Single-handedly watering ten camels could symbolize God-given assignments that are beyond our natural ability to perform... the Church and its members can accomplish whatever God requires by the enabling power of Christ (p. 57)."
"Concerned over struggles she felt in her womb, Rebekah did not go to family or friends for help but turned first to God to receive understanding and comfort... Rebekah spoke directly to God and God responded directly to her, without her prophet-husband's intervention (p. 58)."
"'Rebekah is one of the greatest patterns in all the revelations of what a woman can do to influence a family in righteousness' (McConkie, p. 59)."
"'Women are appointed, Rebekahlike, to be guides and lights in righteousness in the family unit... and to engineer and arrange so that things are done in the way that will result in the salvation of more of our Father's children' (Bruce R. McConkie, p. 60)."
"Does the image of Rebekah wearing a nose ring, culturally acceptable at the time, bother you? Why or why not? How may our interpretation of outward appearances color our perceptions of a person's spirituality or worth in God's eyes (p. 63)?"
"How much of Jacob's conviction that Rachel was to be his wife occurred by perceiving similarities in Rachel to his mother (p. 66)?"
"Rachel, Leah, and Jacob all endured uncertainties and adversities which led them to acknowledge that God was their foundation (p. 71)."
"In the imagery of barrenness, each of us is unfruitful without Jesus Christ. It is by His grace we are saved, no matter how great our works may appear to be. After listing Christlike attributes that make up our divine nature, the apostle Paul wrote, 'For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ' (2 Peter 1:8, p. 72)."
"A recurrence of mortal trials is evidence of a divine continuing-education program that includes objectives of building greater faith in the enabling power of Christ and a deeper sense of our profound indebtedness to Him (p. 73)."
"The number of years that Rachel waited for her righteous desire is not given in scripture. We know only that it was a long time. For some of us the time of uncertainty is even long--beyond this mortal life. But the same principle applies. God hears. He keeps His promises (p. 74)."
"Along with Zilpah and Bilhah, Leah and Rachel are the mothers of the twelve tribes of Israel (p. 79)."
"God does not measure greatness in number of children, age at marriage, titles, or material wealth. He looks at the heart and the commitment to respond as Rachel and Leah did: 'Whatsoever God hath said unto thee, do' (Genesis 31:16, p. 80)."
"When no one else seems to notice or appreciate your presence, how do you know God sees and cares about you? How has the Lord compensated your faithfulness to Him when individuals in your life ignore or patronize you (p. 82)?"
"Authors of the accounts in the Bible often use prophet in a more general sense that easily includes women. Biblical prophets and prophetesses possess the gift of prophecy, one of the numerous gifts of the Spirit, but are not authorized with keys to direct the affairs of God's church (p. 83)."
"'No special ordination in the Priesthood is essential to man's receiving the gift of prophecy' (James E. Talmage, p. 83)."
"Miriam was called a prophetess when she led the children of Israel in singing and praising the Lord after their deliverance from Egypt... Deborah rekindled her people's faith in the Lord to rise up against their oppressors... Huldah inspired Judah's king to deeper religious reform... Isaiah's wife gave their sons names that bore witness of the Lord's promise to scatter and then gather the tribes of Israel... Anna recognized one of those babies as the Son of God and bore witness of that fact (p. 84)."
"''Would God that all the Lord's people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit upon them!' We encourage everyone to study the scriptures prayerfully and seek personal revelation to know their meaning for themselves' (Dallin H. Oaks, p. 85)."
"After her people miraculously crossed the Red Sea and watched their mighty pursuers drown in their wake, Miriam was the prophetess who bore witness of their Deliverer in a prophetic hymn of praise and view of their future... Miriam invites us to learn deeper respect for God's authority and revelation after the chastisement she suffered because she criticized God's prophet (p. 87)."
"Miriam watched, ready to devise a plan that would protect her little brother, no matter what circumstances unfolded. If she were discovered, Pharaoh would certainly condemn Miriam to death (p. 90)."
"Miriam's quick thinking and wise timing created a way for the baby to have a continued relationship with his birth family (p. 91)."
"As He expects of each of us, God required the children of Israel to act, participate, and begin building a firm foundation of faith in Him (p. 93)."
"Miriam was long remembered as a leader among the Israelites... As with modern-day Relief Society presidents, she could inspire, instruct, and encourage the other women to value and succeed in their essential contribution (p. 95)."
"God led the Israelites 'through the way of the wilderness of the Red Sea' rather than the more direct route to Canaan, knowing their fear could entice them to 'repent,' or turn around, and return to Egypt (p. 97)."
"More likely, Miriam was author of the words of rejoicing and led the entire song (p. 98)."
"Perpetual negativity can have tremendous influence on the faith and hope of even the most fervent believers... With the spirit of faith and hope diminished, we can easily become jealous of another's gifts (p. 101)."
"We owe all that we are and can be to the Lord (p. 104)."
"How does Miriam bring you closer to Christ (p. 105)?"
"[Deborah's] conviction that God would deliver His people from twenty years of Canaanite oppression inspired an army to rise up and win freedom for Israel (p. 107)."
"A cyclical pattern of forgetting God, suffering hardship, and pleading to God for deliverance occurred often during the era of the judges. An entire rotation of the cycle is evident in the story of Deborah (p. 110)."
"Deborah provided the motivation that changed hearts and prompted ready action among the Israelites. She is the central figure in the story and the deliverer who turned her people back to the Lord (p. 111)."
"Confidence in the Lord and reminders of His power and love for them would quickly become the Israelites' only hope for victory (p. 117)."
"Even though Israel pulled away from God, God never forgot Israel (p. 124)."
"In the war in heaven, God and His followers defeated Satan and his followers with the use of two weapons: the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony (p. 124)."
"Their society continued to see barren women as a disgrace to their husbands and without purpose in their communities. The Lord had an important mission and lesson for Hannah that became apparent to her only through her struggles with barrenness... Through His compassionate acceptance and limitless strength, God helped this Israelite woman recognize that she could contribute to the Lord's work and have a fruitful life if she abounds in faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, brotherly kindness and charity (p. 127)."
"Hannah approached God humbly but also confidently... she already knew that God hears and answers prayers and that He does not ignore women as so many others in her life apparently did (p. 134)."
"In a clear indication of Hannah's unwavering faith in the Lord, she sang a song of rejoicing and praise to God after she returned her son to Him (p. 139)."
"Some of us will never bear children, some will never marry, some will never have a happy marriage, and some will never have good health in this life. But every one of us can be fruitful and filled with the power of Jesus Christ. When we find Him, like Hannah, we will lose our life in doing His work. That is His promise to all of us (p. 143)."
"Many have wondered why Josiah consulted Huldah rather than Jeremiah or one of the other prophets... Huldah was literate, whereas Jeremiah needed a scribe to record his messages (p. 155)."
"Huldah's courage and confidence in the Lord's word are striking (p. 157)."
"In our limited perspective, we often see the Lord's promises for our personal lives so narrowly that we fail to recognize a far greater blessing that He has in store for us (p. 159)."
"Huldah came on stage for one brief moment and left a lasting witness that continues to summon each of us to greater devotion to God... How does Huldah's example inspire us to succeed in nontraditional roles? How does she remind us that being in tune with the Spirit and courageously bearing witness of God's word is not a gender role but a disciple's role (p. 160)?"
"Midwives helped their communities better understand God and His essential support of life as a result of their services (p. 177)."
"Without waiting for someone else to speak for them or to see the injustice they had quickly ascertained or for God to intercede on their behalf, Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah stepped forward with faith and confidence that their request was righteous... Because of the young women's thoughtful petition, God modified the existing inheritance law and declared the daughters right in their request (p. 193)."
"Abigail's disposition had a gracefully calming effect on fearful and revengeful hearts. Courageous and gentle, she possessed exceptional wisdom and fortitude to disregard the law of her abusive husband and follow the laws of God (p. 199)."
"She could not change her husband. She could, however, trust in the Lord to find a solution to her perilous circumstances (p. 208)."
"Likening these nameless women to Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, Elder Neal A. Maxwell observed: 'Matching those three men are three young women whose names we do not have. They are mentioned in the book of Abraham, remarkable young women about whom I am anxious to know more. They were actually sacrificed upon the altar because 'they would not bow down to worship [an idol] of wood or stone.' Some day the faithful will get to meet them (p. 216).'"
"One suggestion is that the omission was made consciously to protect the individual from being maligned... we do know the names of many remarkable and chosen women... Perhaps the simplest explanation for the omission of names is that the author of the record did not know the name or did not perceive it was important to include... Whatever the reason for the absence of names, unexpected benefits are derived from the lack of some names... we often find ourselves more closely identifying with people in scripture who are not named than with those whose names are recorded... not knowing a person's name frequently directs us to see and praise God's influence in the story and avoid glorifying someone who has need of a Redeemer, as do we all (p. 217)."
"The Lord had warned the Israelites that an abundant harvest depended on their love and service to Him and that He would stop the rain if they worshipped other gods (p. 224)."
"Elijah the prophet was not spared the suffering, discomforts, and uncertainties of famine; neither were other followers of the Lord who lived under Ahab's rule (p. 225)."
"The widows, the fatherless, and strangers were the vulnerable and unprotected in society. They were the ones without family connection, without anyone to champion their cause or care for their needs... the widow of Zeraphath could just as easily have been seen as the least important to Israel... Yet the Lord sent the greatest to depend on the least (p. 226)."
"We can become complacent with God's daily miracles. During times of peace and prosperity, we may gradually lose the awe we initially experience when His grace dramatically sustained us beyond our natural abilities. Because of His constant gifts, we may begin to expect God's enabling power as something we deserve or have even earned. In the case of the widow of Zarephath, she may have felt forsaken by the Lord when He took her son's life (p. 230)."
"Reverence for God is important during peaceful and prosperous times, but how do we respond when a crisis erupts (p. 231)?"
"The Lord loved and cared for this widow in Zarephath. He went to great lengths to show her that she was known to Him, that she had a unique mission to accomplish for Him, and that she was just as precious in His sight as His prophet... God often teaches us through counterintuitive means. He often requires us to do or say or consider something that appears to contradict a favorable solution... God may ask us to put our trust in a stranger from enemy territory, to give away all that we have to gain infinitely more, or to obey God when His command will deprive our family of what they desire most. Despite the obstacles, trials, and dangers that Elijah or the widow faced, the Lord showed His power and compassion to bring them through victorious... No matter how ferocious the enemy, God will champion and never forget His own (p. 232)."
"How does God view wealth... Who are the poor and who are the rich to the Lord (p. 233)?"
"The power of the Lord was activated through sincere faith in Christ, prayer, and the authority God granted to the prophet Elisha (p. 246)."
"The Little Maid and Naaman discovered that no material wealth exceeds the value of a testimony of the living God (p. 262)."
"The absence of the girl's name further underscores her humility in serving solely out of love and concern for another, without any thought for herself (p. 262)."
"God's covenant is made with any person who accepts and heeds Him as God, whether that person is a literal descendant of the sons of Jacob or is from outside of Israel, whether that person is surrounded by other believers or is alone among unbelievers... the Little Maid was not alone. She knew her God was always with her. In simple ways, she exemplified much of what Jesus Christ has asked of us. She recognized the worth of a soul and knew that the atoning blood of Christ is available to every individual (p. 263)."
November 28, 2018
When it comes to studying the Old Testament, this book is an absolute Game Changer. I loved the historical context given and the insights provided on each woman mentioned in the OT. Love, love, love. Read it now.
February 15, 2025
An exceptional read for any believer of the Old Testament.
July 17, 2010
This book has a great deal to recommend it, but it has some failings, too. It seemed to me that Dr. Olson struggled to decide just what kind of book she wanted it to be and, rather than leave something out that might be of worth, she ended up including almost everything.
The paintings are beautiful, though as others have mentioned, sometimes the models are a bit too blond-haired and blue-eyed for me to believe in their strict historical accuracy. I liked Elspeth Young's section at the end where she describes each painting and the symbols within them - I wish that those notes had been placed right next to the artwork instead of in an appendix. Numerous maps, photographs and sketches all aid the reader in picturing the events described and the lives of those mentioned in the Old Testament.
Dr. Olson balances her subjects well including well-known women such as Eve and Sarah, lesser-known women like Huldah and Abigail, and unnamed women like the little maid who inspires Naaman to seek help from Elisha. I appreciate that Dr. Olson draws from not only the Bible but also from archaeological discoveries, historical research and other authoritative texts like Josephus's history, Jewish Midrashim, and the Septuagint, to fill in the cultural and political context that modern readers often miss.
Dr. Olson puts an amazing amount of historical detail into the book, sometimes a bit too much. A lot of the information is valuable, but there was frequently so much that it weighed the prose down and made the book seem more like a textbook than I wanted. Every section had lengthy tangents that distracted from the woman or women at the heart of the chapter - and I'm not talking about the relevant historical context Dr. Olson provided that helped to put the women and their actions in proper perspective. There was also quite a bit of supposition that I found annoying after a while. A couple of times I was really confused at the leaps of logic she seemed to make - her conclusion or guess didn't seem to be supported in the text at all.
The weakest parts for me, though, were when Dr. Olson left the realm of historical fact or even educated guess and wandered into inspirational territory. I'm sure she's a great teacher and maybe it comes across better in person, but it just seemed "preachy," like she was trying too hard to force spiritual connections with these Old Testament women on her readers. Their stories are already incredibly inspiring - we don't need to be beat over the head to recognize how uplifting they are. Just present the information well and trust us to make the connections ourselves, m'kay?
Having read this book straight through, I would recommend it instead as a complement to your Sunday School reading or personal study. I think most of the flaws would be less noticeable that way, and you'd still gain the helpful information that would increase your appreciation for these amazing women.
For more book reviews, come visit my blog, Build Enough Bookshelves.
The paintings are beautiful, though as others have mentioned, sometimes the models are a bit too blond-haired and blue-eyed for me to believe in their strict historical accuracy. I liked Elspeth Young's section at the end where she describes each painting and the symbols within them - I wish that those notes had been placed right next to the artwork instead of in an appendix. Numerous maps, photographs and sketches all aid the reader in picturing the events described and the lives of those mentioned in the Old Testament.
Dr. Olson balances her subjects well including well-known women such as Eve and Sarah, lesser-known women like Huldah and Abigail, and unnamed women like the little maid who inspires Naaman to seek help from Elisha. I appreciate that Dr. Olson draws from not only the Bible but also from archaeological discoveries, historical research and other authoritative texts like Josephus's history, Jewish Midrashim, and the Septuagint, to fill in the cultural and political context that modern readers often miss.
Dr. Olson puts an amazing amount of historical detail into the book, sometimes a bit too much. A lot of the information is valuable, but there was frequently so much that it weighed the prose down and made the book seem more like a textbook than I wanted. Every section had lengthy tangents that distracted from the woman or women at the heart of the chapter - and I'm not talking about the relevant historical context Dr. Olson provided that helped to put the women and their actions in proper perspective. There was also quite a bit of supposition that I found annoying after a while. A couple of times I was really confused at the leaps of logic she seemed to make - her conclusion or guess didn't seem to be supported in the text at all.
The weakest parts for me, though, were when Dr. Olson left the realm of historical fact or even educated guess and wandered into inspirational territory. I'm sure she's a great teacher and maybe it comes across better in person, but it just seemed "preachy," like she was trying too hard to force spiritual connections with these Old Testament women on her readers. Their stories are already incredibly inspiring - we don't need to be beat over the head to recognize how uplifting they are. Just present the information well and trust us to make the connections ourselves, m'kay?
Having read this book straight through, I would recommend it instead as a complement to your Sunday School reading or personal study. I think most of the flaws would be less noticeable that way, and you'd still gain the helpful information that would increase your appreciation for these amazing women.
For more book reviews, come visit my blog, Build Enough Bookshelves.
October 20, 2011
I knew I wanted this book when I first saw it was available. Camille Fronk Olson is one of my favorite LDS authors and Elspeth Young is my favorite LDS artist. So a book by the two of them focused on Women of the Old Testament? I was very pleased when my in-laws bought it for me for my birthday.
Each chapter focuses on a woman from the Old Testament, each chapter is accompanied by a painting by Elspeth Young (at the end of the book, Young explains her paintings and why she painted them the way they did). One thing I like about Olson's writing is she expects you to be studying it in the scriptures as you read her commentary. She also points out so much -- what was going on at the time, what different texts and commentaries add to the story, what we can learn from it.
I learned a lot from this book. Be warned, though, it doesn't cover all of the women of the Old Testament, just a few (10 or t12 maybe), but wow! those she covers are covered in detail.
The preface referenced another book these two women are collaborating on that will focus on women in the Savior's lineage. I am excited for it to come out!
Each chapter focuses on a woman from the Old Testament, each chapter is accompanied by a painting by Elspeth Young (at the end of the book, Young explains her paintings and why she painted them the way they did). One thing I like about Olson's writing is she expects you to be studying it in the scriptures as you read her commentary. She also points out so much -- what was going on at the time, what different texts and commentaries add to the story, what we can learn from it.
I learned a lot from this book. Be warned, though, it doesn't cover all of the women of the Old Testament, just a few (10 or t12 maybe), but wow! those she covers are covered in detail.
The preface referenced another book these two women are collaborating on that will focus on women in the Savior's lineage. I am excited for it to come out!
October 1, 2010
Olson provides wonderful historical detail and background for the various stories of women in the Old Testament. She brings out the gospel principles that these women exemplify and provides questions for further personal study and reflection.
Why I started this book: I've been called as a Sunday School teacher, and the Old Testament is not my strong point.
Why I finished this: Olson was clear on what the historical record showed and what were her assumptions based on educated guesses. While she had to guess more than I felt comfortable with... she's a biblical scholar and not a student of modern history like me.
Major pet peeves: The paintings were beautiful... too bad that they all are blond. Can we say ethnocentric all together now? It reminded me of the song Everyone's a little bit Racist from Avenue Q. And Esther? I would like more than a paragraph or two about her.
Why I started this book: I've been called as a Sunday School teacher, and the Old Testament is not my strong point.
Why I finished this: Olson was clear on what the historical record showed and what were her assumptions based on educated guesses. While she had to guess more than I felt comfortable with... she's a biblical scholar and not a student of modern history like me.
Major pet peeves: The paintings were beautiful... too bad that they all are blond. Can we say ethnocentric all together now? It reminded me of the song Everyone's a little bit Racist from Avenue Q. And Esther? I would like more than a paragraph or two about her.
March 7, 2018
Elspeth Young's artwork is so astonishinly gorgeous, it makes reading the book a pleasure. She is going places, let me just be the first to tell you. Enjoying it so far. Whew! It took me awhile but it was worth it.
page 72: a very insightful paragraph on barrenness: In many way, barrenness is symbolic of any unrealized righteous desire or unforeseen difficulty that strikes everyone sooner or later. ...In the imagery of barrenness, each of us is unfruitful without Jesus Christ.
101 Criticism and chatisment (Miram)
176 An interesting history of midwives
The chapter on Esther was a huge disappointment.
Other than that, I felt like I did learn a few precious tidbits.
page 72: a very insightful paragraph on barrenness: In many way, barrenness is symbolic of any unrealized righteous desire or unforeseen difficulty that strikes everyone sooner or later. ...In the imagery of barrenness, each of us is unfruitful without Jesus Christ.
101 Criticism and chatisment (Miram)
176 An interesting history of midwives
The chapter on Esther was a huge disappointment.
Other than that, I felt like I did learn a few precious tidbits.
December 23, 2015
Excellent read! We used this in an Old Testament study group, and I cannot say enough good things about it. It didn't hurt that our study of women of the OT group was excellent as well. I really learned a lot and it literally changed my entire perspective of women in biblical times.
I was a little disappointed that this did not have Ruth, Naomi or Esther (Kinda big women in the OT, wouldn't you say?) but someone mentioned to me that they are covered in the second book, Women of the New Testament. Not sure why they ended up there (publishing reasons?), but it certainly has me interested in getting the second book!
I was a little disappointed that this did not have Ruth, Naomi or Esther (Kinda big women in the OT, wouldn't you say?) but someone mentioned to me that they are covered in the second book, Women of the New Testament. Not sure why they ended up there (publishing reasons?), but it certainly has me interested in getting the second book!
April 9, 2010
I love this woman. She knows so much about so many things ... I wish I could spend the afternoon with her and ask her everything I can think of.
This book is a fantastic resource for anyone who is interested in ancient Hebrew/Jewish culture. Olson puts context behind each of the women she highlights, which is really helpful. I don't agree with some of her personal opinions, but I value her stance on the moral applications and sensitivity. That's a nice relief from a lot of other bible commentary out there ... especially on women in scripture.
I'd recommend it to anyone.
This book is a fantastic resource for anyone who is interested in ancient Hebrew/Jewish culture. Olson puts context behind each of the women she highlights, which is really helpful. I don't agree with some of her personal opinions, but I value her stance on the moral applications and sensitivity. That's a nice relief from a lot of other bible commentary out there ... especially on women in scripture.
I'd recommend it to anyone.
September 5, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. The knowledge of the history with possible insights and the beautiful artwork all combined to make it a wonderful book for me. What I most liked however was the way the author was able to connect age old relationships with God to me now. I felt connected to the women of the Old Testament. I felt like we had common dilemmas and that I too can look to God and endure joyfully.
October 16, 2015
Great book! There was some speculation as to what really was happening with these women, as scriptural reference is somewhat scarce, but it was educated speculation. She provided historical information about what was going on at the same time period and place. In addition to learning more about these women and women in general from those times, the historical and archaeological information gave me more insight and understanding of the bible in general.
January 13, 2010
At last. A comprehensive look at women of the Old Testament. I loved reading more about the culture and politics during the times they lived. It gave me a much greater understanding knowing the time and place and conditions of their lives. If you ever wanted more than a passing glance at the women of the Bible, I highly recommend this book.
July 23, 2010
I haven’t read the whole book yet, but I read and re-read the chapter on Miriam which was OUTSTANDING! What impressed me the most about this book was the way Camille Fronk Olson was constantly weaving in Jesus Christ and current gospel principals into the Old Testament. It is an impressive work. I highly recommend it.
March 2, 2018
Such a wonderful book - I incorporated it with my personal scripture study and appreciated getting more in-depth background on regions, cultures, domestic rituals, etc. on the Old Testament women highlighted here, in particular the "anonymous women" chapter, the daughters of Zelophehad, and Abigail, but each chapter is excellent.
My one quibble was the scriptural reference errors within the chapters, which were more numerous as the book went on - some were off by a verse number, some by several chapters, others I couldn't locate at all. Normally I wouldn't have noticed this, but since I was cross-referencing my scriptures as I read, they stood out - I couldn't tell if they were misreads of handwritten manuscript, haste, etc.
However, the book ended on a high note with the fantastic contribution of Elspeth Young's insight into her paintings. I was fascinated to get even more insight on the life and times of Old Testament women from Young's descriptions of backgrounds, fabrics, objects, etc. in her paintings - truly a highlight of this read to have a window into the mind of the artist. As good as this book was to read, its impact was significantly enhanced by the inclusion of the portraits. I'm looking forward to reading the volume on New Testament women.
My one quibble was the scriptural reference errors within the chapters, which were more numerous as the book went on - some were off by a verse number, some by several chapters, others I couldn't locate at all. Normally I wouldn't have noticed this, but since I was cross-referencing my scriptures as I read, they stood out - I couldn't tell if they were misreads of handwritten manuscript, haste, etc.
However, the book ended on a high note with the fantastic contribution of Elspeth Young's insight into her paintings. I was fascinated to get even more insight on the life and times of Old Testament women from Young's descriptions of backgrounds, fabrics, objects, etc. in her paintings - truly a highlight of this read to have a window into the mind of the artist. As good as this book was to read, its impact was significantly enhanced by the inclusion of the portraits. I'm looking forward to reading the volume on New Testament women.
June 28, 2018
In this book I finally found what I was looking for in the last couple of books I have read on the Old Testament. The insights in this book were profound. Starting right with Eve, I wanted to attach lots of the things I was learning to notes in my scriptures. I was REALLY glad to find out that this book was available on the Deseret Bookshelf Plus. It meant I could copy and paste some of the notes where I wanted them. There were very few chapters that I read that didn't have something I wanted in my scriptures. Great book!
January 30, 2019
This is a beautiful book, well written, and i highly recommend it. But I didn't give it 5 stars for 2 reasons. She did a LOT of guessing in this book, some of which I didn't buy, which is fine, but still. And the paintings, while beautiful, are all light skinned women. Really? From the Old Testament? Disappointing. Still, I really loved this book.
December 31, 2022
This book is so beautiful and wonderful. I focused my reading of the Old Testament this year on the women and this book helped me understand so much. Not only does it focus on the women of the Old Testament, it gives an amazing amount of historical background. I can't wait to Women of the New Testament this year.
March 8, 2022
I loved this book! The context to understand the culture of the Old Testament is well researched and eye opening. I loved the pictures and felt it added a lot to my scripture study.
May 18, 2024
Absolutely fantastic. Every woman would find value in reading this. I'm still surprised Ruth was not included, but I loved hearing about all the others. I am a Camille Fronk Olson fan and will be buying this.
April 21, 2017
This is the best book I've read on the subject of women in the scriptures--a must read. Olson does an amazing job of synthesizing scripture, history/archaeology, modern revelation, and personal inference. The time periods and scriptures were so well-researched to make this a reliable account. The author's personal opinions and inferences were usually within the bounds of logic, though sometimes drifted slightly into supposition. Throughout the text, there are also exquisite paintings of all the women (though many are western, blond, blue-eyed types rather than middle eastern), sketches of artifacts, pictures of relevant places, peoples, and animals, and helpful timelines. I also appreciated that the appendix includes the artists' explanations of the paintings. One more thing to note is that even though the book looks huge (kind of like a textbook), it is not a long, arduous read; I found that I moved through the pages and chapters faster than I thought I would and enjoyed every bit of it.
There are several things I want to mention that made this an incredible read for me. I love that the consistent message behind every woman's story is that we all need a Redeemer; we all need Christ and His Atonement. Olson does a good job an explicitly pointing the reader to the Savior in every woman's story. I also found that I related to the women--OLD TESTAMENT WOMEN. I don't think I've ever seen them as the humans (inspired and influential humans, obviously) that they were. In more ways than I at first supposed, these women were a lot like me in their trials choices faced. Olson points out in her conclusion that God was able to work through these women (strengths, flaws, and all) to further his work on the earth and mold each one into much more than she could be on her own, ultimately leading each one back towards eternal life with Him. Sounds just like us, doesn't it?
There are several things I want to mention that made this an incredible read for me. I love that the consistent message behind every woman's story is that we all need a Redeemer; we all need Christ and His Atonement. Olson does a good job an explicitly pointing the reader to the Savior in every woman's story. I also found that I related to the women--OLD TESTAMENT WOMEN. I don't think I've ever seen them as the humans (inspired and influential humans, obviously) that they were. In more ways than I at first supposed, these women were a lot like me in their trials choices faced. Olson points out in her conclusion that God was able to work through these women (strengths, flaws, and all) to further his work on the earth and mold each one into much more than she could be on her own, ultimately leading each one back towards eternal life with Him. Sounds just like us, doesn't it?
March 23, 2010
I loved loved loved this book. It is such a great book. I really can't say enough good things about it. Since I live in Utah I am lucky enough to be able to check out a lot of LDS books from the library, but this is one I want to own.
I was first attracted to this book because I love hearing stories about women who do hard things. I was definitely not let down. There are stories of some amazing women in this book. But the whole point of the book, which is so important, is that all these women went through amazing hardships for the purpose of learning to rely on the strength of the Lord. While none of them were perfect, they each, through their own circumstances and trial, learned the importance of the Redemmer to THEM individually. I loved it.
It was great to learn about all the cultural happenings and customs that these women lived through and how it related to their specific trials. I would not know those things just by reading the Old Testament. I admit I skipped a bit of the history but that was only because the book was due, and then overdue and I still have it! This would be an excellent companion to Old Testament study, which I guess is the Gospel Doctrine subject this year.
My favorite line in the whole book is in the conclusion:
"As is true for all of us today, none of these biblical women was without weakness, and all had a divine potential to contribute to the Lord's work. That is why careful gospel study never confuses the Savior with anyone else in scripture. He alone is without sin; everyone else has a desperate need for the Redeemer."
Loved it!!
I was first attracted to this book because I love hearing stories about women who do hard things. I was definitely not let down. There are stories of some amazing women in this book. But the whole point of the book, which is so important, is that all these women went through amazing hardships for the purpose of learning to rely on the strength of the Lord. While none of them were perfect, they each, through their own circumstances and trial, learned the importance of the Redemmer to THEM individually. I loved it.
It was great to learn about all the cultural happenings and customs that these women lived through and how it related to their specific trials. I would not know those things just by reading the Old Testament. I admit I skipped a bit of the history but that was only because the book was due, and then overdue and I still have it! This would be an excellent companion to Old Testament study, which I guess is the Gospel Doctrine subject this year.
My favorite line in the whole book is in the conclusion:
"As is true for all of us today, none of these biblical women was without weakness, and all had a divine potential to contribute to the Lord's work. That is why careful gospel study never confuses the Savior with anyone else in scripture. He alone is without sin; everyone else has a desperate need for the Redeemer."
Loved it!!
January 2, 2010
This book wasn't quite what I had expected at first--many of the LDS books which feature paintings that I read are sort of generically spiritual and upbeat. This one was full of scriptural and historical detail. Once I recovered from my surprise, I dug in and loved it. I read the scriptures cited and took reams of notes. I was very interested in the stories included from the Jewish Talmud--although we as Saints don't necessarily believe this source was inspired, there is still a lot of fascinating material there and I've always been fascinated by what was there. This would make a fantastic companion to scripture study for the course of study this year (2010) and a good complement to the other study materials I have for this year.
I especially appreciated, in the paintings that accompany this book, that the women were portrayed just as one of us--good but in many ways ordinary women, definitely NOT "Hollywood"--who happen to have had enough faith to partner with the Lord in making something of their lives.
I especially appreciated, in the paintings that accompany this book, that the women were portrayed just as one of us--good but in many ways ordinary women, definitely NOT "Hollywood"--who happen to have had enough faith to partner with the Lord in making something of their lives.
May 8, 2010
This book is laid out like a school book with beautiful art, photos, maps time lines, questions to ponder... I loved it from the start. I did not read my scriptures with it in the beginning like suggested, but by the prophetesses I was so into it that I decided to read the passages from the OT as well, but reading it this way put me to sleep! It become too repetitive for me, so I just enjoyed this one without any guilt. I loved the Jewish additions and historical background to all these stories.
Elspeth Young's art is so beautiful and it was so interesting to read how she got her inspiration and how much research she did for this. She might have used way too many Nordic looking models for my taste, but that just reminded me how much we women enjoy playing dress up. Way to go! Awesome book.
Elspeth Young's art is so beautiful and it was so interesting to read how she got her inspiration and how much research she did for this. She might have used way too many Nordic looking models for my taste, but that just reminded me how much we women enjoy playing dress up. Way to go! Awesome book.
May 29, 2011
This book is incredible! Camille Olson developed an institute class specifically on Women of the Scriptures, then decided this information should be available for everyone! Each named woman (and some unnamed) in the Old Testament is given a chapter describing her life, circumstance, spiritual lessons learned, and faith promoting experiences. It has amazing historical insights and very thought provoking questions at the end of each chapter. Along with beautiful pictures depicting traits and parts of their lives I had never thought of. I loved how the author differentiates between "this is what we know" and "this is speculation". It is obvious there is a LOT of time, energy, effort, and forethought put into compiling this book. Once read, it serves as a great reference book. She is also working on one for women of the New Testament.
November 24, 2015
This is one of my "go-to" books when I'm studying the Old Testament. I've read it before but forget the details. Today I'm re-reading it & it's even better the 2nd time. Beautiful art. I suggest reading it in tandem with your Bible and be prepared to make notes in your scriptures helping with details for the next time you happen upon that passage & would benefit from Olson's commentary. I especially like the timelines and verse listings that help pull the scriptural character through the whole Bible, i.e. Like with Miriam. I really appreciate Olson's scholarship combined with her sensitivity and female perspective. We need more female voices of such caliber authoring scriptural commentaries and religious expositions on all subjects, not only women's studies.
June 20, 2012
This book is really wonderful. The paintings are lovely and really give you an idea of the personalities of these great women. The writing is scholarly and in depth and very well done. Olson is terrific! It really gave me a fascinating glimpse into the world that these women came from and what their stories have to teach us. They are great examples to women of today, and their examples can be so much help to us. I appreciate how this book, through word and pictures, really helped me to see these women as more than strange names on a page, but made them real and individual to me. Really wonderful.
February 10, 2010
What a great book! I learned a great deal from it. Camille Fronk Olson not only teaches the stories of the women from the Old Testament, but she shares a wealth of historical, political and cultural information to put the stories in context. The book contains a vast amount of research as well as spiritual insights. Reading this has helped me in my understanding and love of the Old Testament. Also, the paintings are beautiful and add to the book. Be sure and read the stories behind the paintings at the end of the book.
March 17, 2010
I loved this book. It read like a novel and was absolutely fascinating. I loved the appendix, which lists every single woman mentioned in the Old Testament, even those for whom names are not given, and the meaning of each woman's name. There were so many interesting historical, cultural, and political facts given, and for each woman, the background of her story was detailed. I thought the selection of women was great, as well. From Eve, the most famous woman of all-time, to Huldah, whom I had never heard of before.
January 20, 2016
I think it's super important that readers realize that those women who were in Jesus Christ's ancestral line are minimally covered in this book because the author goes into their lives in some depth in her other book, Women of the New Testament. She states that at the beginning, but apparently that fact gets overlooked a lot.
So far I have enjoyed the beginning of this book the most but find I am turning to it as a resource book for those women who come later. That said, I really enjoyed her insights on Deborah. The Women of the New Testament was more enjoyable to read straight through.
So far I have enjoyed the beginning of this book the most but find I am turning to it as a resource book for those women who come later. That said, I really enjoyed her insights on Deborah. The Women of the New Testament was more enjoyable to read straight through.
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