[소소한책읽기] Women of the Bible 성경의 여인들

Women of the Bible

52 Bible Studies for Individuals and Groups

 

By Jean E, Syswerda (Bestselling Author)

 

 

Look at the women in Scripture and you will see more than just some women who lived thousands of years ago. You’ll see yourself. As you study their stories and immerse yourself in their lives, you’ll see more and more places where your life intersects with theirs.

 

Discovering things about the women of the Bible, about your God, and about yourself.

 

 

EVE

Her name means “Life-giving” or “Mother of All Who Have Life”

 

Her Character

She came into the world perfectly at peace with her God and with her husband, the only other person on the planet. She lived in Paradise, possessing every pleasure imaginable. She never knew the meaning of embarrassment, misunderstanding, hurt, estrangement, envy, bitterness, grief, or guilt until she listened to her enemy and began to doubt God.

 

Key Scriptures

Genesis 1:26~31; Genesis 2 ~4

 

Read Genesis 2:21~25

Think of a couple who truly seems to be “one flesh”. What is their relationship like?

Read Genesis 3:1~13

Eve is rationalizing her sin here. What sorts of reasons do you come up with to rationalize your sin?

Adam and Eve produce a classic scene of passing the blame. What do the courses God pronounces on each tell you about who is “at fault”(3:14 ~19)?

Read Genesis 3:20~24

What does God’s act tell you about him? What do you think he is willing do for you after you have sinned and repented?

Read Genesis 4:1~2

Abel’s name is the same Hebrew word used in Ecclesiastes 1:2. Compare Abel’s name here and the verse in Ecclesiastes. What connections can you see between the two?

 

 

SARAH

Her name means “Chieftainness” or “Princess”

 

Her Character

Beautiful enough to attract rulers in the ancient world she could be strong-willed and jealous. Yet Sarah was considered a loyal wife who did what was right and who didn’t give in to fear.

 

Key Scriptures

Genesis 12:1~20; 16:1~8; 17:1~22; 18:1~15; 21:1~13; Galatians 4:22~31

 

In Bible times names had a significance they often do not have today.

Many of the Old Testament prophets had names that spoke of their mission: Isaiah’s name meant “ the Lord saves”, Obadiah’s name meant “servant of the Lord”, Nahum’s name meant “comfort”, and Malachi’s name meant “my messenger.”

We are God’s “treasured possessions”(Exodus 19:5; Malachi 3:17), the “people of his inheritance”(Deuteronomy 4:20), and “sons of the living God”(Hosea 1:10).

We are his “friends”(John 15:15).

 

 

HAGAR

Her name is Egyptian and May mean “Fugitive” or “Immigrant”

 

Her Character

A foreigner and slave, she let pride overtake her when she became Abraham’s wife. A lonely woman with few resources, she suffered harsh punishment for her mistake. She obeyed God’s voice as soon as she heard it and was given a promise that her son would become the father of a great nation.

 

Key Scriptures

Genesis 16; 21:8~21; Galatians 4:22~31

 

When we are at our weakest, God is at his best, ready to step in and say to us as he said to Hagar, “Do not be afraid” (Genesis 21:17).

 

Are you in a desperate situation right now? Read Genesis 21:19. Might there be a “well” to which you can go for sustenance, if only you could see it? Ask God to open your eyes to the way out of your situation just as he opened Hagar’s eyes and aided her in her desperation.