Every Woman In The Bible

by Sue W. Richards, Lawrence O. Richards

Comprehensive coverage of every woman mentioned in the Bible-both named and unnamed.

Genres: Christian, Religion, Christian Non Fiction, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Christianity, Reference

303 pages, Paperback

First published May 31, 1999

About the author

Sue Richards is a graduate of Methodist University in Fayetteville, NC. A mom and retired English teacher, Sue still writes, edits, teaches Bible studies, and enjoys photography.

Reviews

[AmyintheWind · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some days I wonder if I'm being too hard on this book, given the dates when it was written. So, I have a hard time deciding between 2 & 3 stars. In any case, it really does list EVERY woman in the Bible, which is interesting. I certainly read about women whom I've previously breezed over in my reading. The book is quite thorough in that regard. However, many of the "application" portions of the book are quite a stretch, and the authors' conjecture about what the Biblical women may or may not have been thinking or feeling was just plain annoying. When I'm reading a book that addresses a pretty serious theological debate (the place of women in Christianity), I don't want assumptions. I want facts.

Aside from those things, the book has a definite anti-Jewish sentiment. The authors repeatedly quote Jewish rabbis in their negative views of women, though they fail to address Christian men, who have perpetuated those sentiments. They quote a few rabbis as though they are representative of the entire Jewish faith. If they wish to explore the ancient Jewish position on women in religion, they ought to do a more thorough investigation of this topic (and they may be surprised). If this is not their purpose, they should stick to their original purpose, which is an investigation of women in the BIBLE.

[Lyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how Sue and Larry Richards did not portray women in the Bible in a cookie cutter mold. The portrayal was dynamic, real, and many of the women were strong, intelligent and showed great leadership like Abigail and Miriam and Philip's four daughter.

[Cynthia Perry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good reference book

This is a good book, it references details about the women in the scriptures and their roles. They are painted in a clearer picture, an actual "mini movie" where we can give our minds eye a unique and personal view.

[Teresa Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great informative book of ways and life styles in biblical times. Has been a great assest to go with my women of the Bible Sunday school lessons.

[Erika Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic resource in a fantastic format.

[Stefanie M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Makes for great educational reading on the women in the Bible, how they relate to the culture of then and how they relate to modern times. You learn a lot about why women are told to be quiet from the old Rabbinic teachings who think women brought sin, to how Jesus Christ brings women back to their rightful place at the side of men, as their help mates. Good in-depth look at each woman and the roles they play in history and in prophecy. Every man of the church should read this too to help refocus on how God wanted the man's and woman's relationship to be, not what society and culture made it be.

[Marilyn Diamond · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found out more about Women in the Bible that I thought I knew. Not only does it explain in terms of the Bible it goes directly to the heart of these women's roles in Scripture. Easy reading and great book.

[Awoman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative and enjoyed being able to read about the ladies in the Holy Bible. It is worth reading.

[Lisa Miller]

An excellent reference book about the women of the bible.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm starting my review from the back because there's a richness in the Appendices of this book that I did not expect. I know, Appendices are often boring, but you'd be making an understandable mistake if you skipped the richness that I found in the five - count 'em - Appendices.
Appendix A reviews an Historical Panorama of Women in the Bible. The authors, Larry and Sue Richards, point out that the Bible contains a wide variety of literary devices that feature women: symbols, "types", similes, and metaphors, as well as how women appear in illustrations and parables. This appendix addresses Bible imagery that features women, such as the five solitary places women appear in the poetic books of the Bible, or how Jesus used the story of the widow of Zarephath to respond to his native townspeople who couldn't believe Him when he quoted Isaiah 61 in the synagogue in Nazareth, announcing He Himself was the Messiah. He pointed out their own people had never honored God's prophets in their own time. The widow was a pagan whose life Elijah preserved. "God will bless pagans should His own people reject Him." They didn't take that too well.
Appendix B addresses Women of the Old Testament. One element I enjoyed throughout these appendices are the charts that show the impact key passages had on people. Here, the impact of the fall of Adam and Eve is charted for Satan, women, and men from physical, psychological, societal, and spiritual aspects. Some intriguing sections: interpersonal relationships, women's rights in the ancient world (see the table of ten law codes of the era); Mr. Outside, Mrs. Inside; Royal Wives; and Women in patriarchal ancient Middle East (how their situation reflects God's revelation to Eve of the consequences of the Fall. "It is sin, not God's will, that is displayed in the way women were viewed and treated at that time."
Appendix C covers Women of the New Testament and Jesus' relationship with them (see charts listing the women Jesus knew or met, and the Social Class of Women in Luke's Gospel- who knew there were so many?). You'll find solid discourse on the danger of "contamination" by women (see the bleeding woman section), unmarried, well-to-do Mary and Martha, a fascinating section on Luke's pairing of women with men, and the women "mentioned positively in the Acts."
Appendix D digs into Paul's teaching on women: problem passages (keeping silent, submission, head coverings), women as wives, and deaconesses (including Phoebe and Junia, a "notable" apostle).
Appendix E is a treatise on Proverbs 31, the virtuous woman.
My overall sense of Women of the Bible was a delightful surprise. I didn't think there were so many women in the Bible. I didn't expect such an in-depth treatment of them. I was intrigued with a book that promised a character study of EVERY WOMAN in the Bible. The authors included named and unnamed women. Each woman (or unnamed woman, e.g. the Shunammite woman) is listed alphabetically. Boxed at the head of each woman's story, you find scripture references for her, when she lived, how to pronounce her name, what it means, and her historical significance. I decided to read one woman a day.
This book reads easily but does not shy away from giving us the Hebrew or Greek translations of words for a deeper understanding of a passage, or exploring the many relationships a particular woman had. Here are a few examples: Eve's relationship with God, Adam, and her children; Esther's relationship with God, fasting, Mordecai and King Xerxes I; the complicated relationship between Rachel and Leah and Jacob's surprising consultations with them before taking action in an age when patriarchs ruled and made decisions and women were secondary.
A Close-Up section and An Example for Today round out each woman's story, making them meaningful to our daily lives. My copy is underlined heavily and tabbed. I go to it often as a reference now. It has spurred an outline for a potential book I might write in the future.
Does Hannah bargain with God? Who was Jesus' last advocate (page 156)? How many years did Rebekah wait with Isaac before they were able to have a child? This wonderful book gives you these answers and many more mental munchies to satisfy your curiosity and soul's hunger.

[Adrienna · Rating 4 out of 5]

As reading this, this is a comprehensive study about every woman in the Bible even those without a name, or true identity (only noted as woman...). I would recommend to use this as a Bible study, or reference guide. If you use this as a reference guide, only seek out the women or stories that best suit your studies or need. Otherwise, you will see some women mentioned more than once throughout the reading and other women can be a few pages of a read instead of others who are short-lived and short passages (up to a couple sentences) based on their worth/or writings in the Bible itself.

I did use this material for a monthly study on my virtual ministry: DYRP Midnight Hour podcasts for the month of December 2013 (3 lessons) and took future notes for up to 3-4 more.

I also highlighted or underlined passages throughout the book. If you want to know more about the women in the Bible, this wold be a selected read and to be well-informed with even women you didn't have a clue about.

Adrienna Turner, author of The Day Begins with Christ
www.adriennaturner.webs.com
www.dream4more.org

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really excited about this book. I have only read 10 pages or so thos far and already feel a little more enlightened than I was a few weeks ago. I could see using my knowlege gained from this book already and this is only the beginning! If anyone wants to borrow this when I am done prior to buying their own copy, let me know, I would be glad to share :)

[Sonia Henman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every woman in the Bible

Really liked this book. It was well written, easy to follow, and made sense. I especially liked how it showed what each woman’s contribution to history was. I would recommend this to a reader who’s interested in Biblical things.

[Cws]

220.9

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great beginning to what will eventually lead me to get lots of answers on God's word and will for my life.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative and also very interesting and well-written.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely excellent book on every wo.an in the Bible. I will definitely be rereading this over and over.

[Lisa]

Marlene Nathan recommendation during 2010 Advent "Women in the Bible" series.

[Zinnada Hodges · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is nice if you want a quick info on a woman from the bible.