Women ministered powerfully under the Old Covenant. How much more now under the New can we expect to see the power and grace of the gospel go forth through a company of female preachers!
Examples of women ministering under the Old Covenant
Consider the following examples from the Old Testament of mighty women of God, anointed by Him to lead, to prophesy and to represent Him publicly. As we do so, remember that the New Testament is a better covenant, and one that restored not one that stripped.
If women ministered under the Old Covenant, whilst the law and the strength of the fall was still in affect, how much more now that the curse has been broken through Christ. Each of these women conducted themselves in proper order, fully completing their ministry under the headship of male covering (not control).
For example, Miriam was under Moses care and cover, Deborah was under her husband Lapidoth’s covering, Isaiah’s wife (who also shared in her husband’s prophetic ministry) was of course subject to her husband.
This did not limit them in any way, it simply meant they operated according to divine order. As long as their covering acted according to the same Word, and loved and supported them as Christ does the church, seeking only their full release into the will and ministry God had for them, this could be nothing but a good and beneficial thing.
Women prophetesses (those who were used as God’s mouthpiece) include:
a. Miraim (Ex 15:20; Ps 68:25; Num 12:1-10; Micah 6:4) • Prophesied before the hosts of Israel. • Sang the song of the Lord and led victory celebrations. • Classed with Moses and Aaron as a leader and deliverer of God’s people
b. Deborah (Judges 4:4; 5:7-15) • A Judge and prophetess in Israel. • A spiritual mother and leader in Israel for 40 years • Was acknowledged and submitted to just as other Judges were. • The military head of 10,000 men together with Barak.
c. Huldah (2 Kings 22:12-20; 2 Chronicles 34:22) • A prophetess, the wife of Shallum, to whom kings and priests deferred to hear the word of the Lord.
d. Isaiah’s wife (Isaiah 8:1-3) • Known as a prophetess sharing in her husband’s prophetic ministry to Israel.
e. Anna (Luke 2:37-38) A prophetess known for her devotion to God, and one who was the first to publicly proclaim the advent of Messiah.
Apart from these notable women we also find women involved in the construction of the Tabernacle (Ex 38:8; 1 Sam 2:22). We see that the law of the Nazarites (a setting apart for service to God) was for women as well as men (Num 6:1-27). We are introduced to the daughters of Zelophehad who contended for and received their inheritance under the law of Moses (Num 27:1-7; Josh 15:6-19; 17: -4) Esther the queen saved a nation under the counsel of Mordecai (Esther 1-11) Heman, the singer, had daughters as well as sons who sang the songs of the Lord (1 Chron 25:5-6).
These are just some of the example of women who ministered in various capacities apart from their responsibilities as wives, mothers and homemakers.
Want to know more? Check out our lesson from the Spirit Life Bible School for a full teaching from the Scriptures concerning ‘Women in Ministry’
Read The series:
What does the Bible say about women’s ministry
Women’s Ministry in the Old Testament
Women’s Ministry in the New Testament
David, This is awsome. People need to know and realize that God also used women through out the Bible, not just men. They, both are important in helping do God’s work and spread the Gospel through the Old and New Testaments.
From cover to cover, from the first page to the last page Women are present and written about what they did in God’s name. Women are still being used today to do God’s work, Thanks for doing the article. Lynne
These are very good examples how God has used women in His purpose. One of my favorites in the New Testament is how after Jesus arose from the dead, he first appeared to Mary Magdalene and told her to go to his brothers and tell them “I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” I really think this gave a boost to the importance and relevancy of women in ministry.
Thanks Thomas for reminding us that the first evangelist was indeed a woman!
I am truly amazed how you got your hands upon this awesome domain name. I am sure it will be worth millions right now. Will you sell?
The story about how I came to get the domain is a testimony to God’s grace and ability to respond to our faith and the generosity of God’s servants. It was actually given to me! The domain will never be sold. It is better than gold and I intend to do all I can to use it for God’s glory over the coming years.
Hello Friends!
This is like my morning coffee, I mean your web site, I’ve been an ignorant on so many topics but thanks to you I learned much. Umbeliveble how I believe something and then I discover that the reality is totally different. Your articles are great to say the least. I love, love, love your blog! I love the way you write your articles by the way, you’ve done an excellent job with your website!
Goodbye!
The morning coffee comment got me on this one! If the blog is a good as the smell of coffee cooking in the morning I must be doing something right. Be blessed