In the Bible we find women who, through their faith, love, and courage, deeply marked the history of God’s people. Motherhood is a calling of great responsibility and blessing, and the sacred Scriptures present extraordinary examples that continue to inspire us today. In this article, we present the examples of five mothers of the Bible who left an unforgettable legacy, so that we may learn from their lives and strengthen our walk with God. We pray that this article will be a great blessing to you.
Five Exemplary Women of the Bible
1. Jochebed, the Mother of Moses
Moses was born during a time when Hebrew male children were ordered to be cast into the river by decree of Pharaoh, who feared that the people of Israel would multiply and rebel against him. In the midst of this cruel command, Jochebed demonstrated remarkable faith and courage. She hid her son for three months, risking her own life, and when she could hide him no longer, she placed him in the river—but never lost sight of him.
2 And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he was a goodly child, she hid him three months.
3 And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and put the child therein; and she laid it in the flags by the river’s brink.
4 And his sister stood afar off, to wit what would be done to him.
Exodus 2:2–4
The rest of the story is well known. Moses became the great leader of the people of Israel, whom God used to deliver them from Egypt and guide them toward the Promised Land. Jochebed teaches us that trusting God in the most dangerous circumstances can result in purposes far greater than we could ever imagine.
2. Hannah, the Mother of Samuel
Hannah was barren and cried out to God earnestly for a child. Her pain and longing were deep, yet she never stopped praying. When the Lord granted her request, her gratitude was so profound that she willingly dedicated her son to the service of God for all the days of his life.
26 And she said, Oh my lord, as thy soul liveth, my lord, I am the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the Lord.
27 For this child I prayed; and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of him:
28 Therefore also I have lent him to the Lord; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the Lord.
1 Samuel 1:26–28
From this faithful mother came another great man of Israel. Samuel became a prophet, judge, and spiritual leader who played a crucial role in guiding the nation. Hannah’s life teaches us that answered prayer should lead to deeper surrender and devotion to God.
3. The Mother Who Chose Life Over Possession
The wisdom of King Solomon was revealed in a well-known case involving two women who disputed over the identity of a living child. Both lived in the same house and had recently given birth. One night, one woman accidentally smothered her baby while sleeping and secretly exchanged her dead child for the living child of the other woman.
18 And it came to pass the third day after that I was delivered, that this woman was delivered also: and we were together; there was no stranger with us in the house, save we two in the house.
19 And this woman’s child died in the night; because she overlaid it.
20 And she arose at midnight, and took my son from beside me, while thine handmaid slept, and laid it in her bosom, and laid her dead child in my bosom.
1 Kings 3:18–20
The next day, the true mother realized that the dead child was not hers and brought the case before the king. In the dispute over the living child, Solomon ordered that the child be divided in two. Immediately, the true mother pleaded for the child’s life, asking that he be given to the other woman rather than killed.
26 Then spake the woman whose the living child was unto the king, for her bowels yearned upon her son, and she said, O my lord, give her the living child, and in no wise slay it. But the other said, Let it be neither mine nor thine, but divide it.
27 Then the king answered and said, Give her the living child, and in no wise slay it: she is the mother thereof.
1 Kings 3:26–27
The love of a mother is powerful. A true mother would rather see her child in the arms of another woman than see him die. This selfless love revealed the child’s true mother and demonstrated the depth of maternal sacrifice.
4. Mary
Mary had the privilege of bringing into the world the Messiah. She remained faithful and present even in the most painful moment of all—His crucifixion. Her obedience began with surrender and continued through suffering.
25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.
26 When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!
John 19:25–26
Mary’s life reminds us that faith does not exempt us from pain, but it sustains us through it. Her quiet strength and unwavering presence speak volumes about trusting God even when we do not understand His ways.
5. Eunice
Eunice was a Jewish believer married to a Gentile (Greek) who faithfully instructed her son Timothy in the Scriptures. Along with her mother Lois, she exemplified sincere and enduring faith.
When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.
2 Timothy 1:5
Eunice teaches us the importance of spiritual formation within the home. Her legacy lived on through Timothy, who became a faithful servant and leader in the early church.
Conclusion
The mothers we encounter in the Bible leave us timeless lessons: unwavering faith, sacrificial love, courage in times of danger, and dedication to spiritual instruction. Jochebed teaches us to trust in God even when lives are threatened; Hannah shows us gratitude and complete surrender; the mother before Solomon reminds us that true love protects at all costs; Mary inspires us with faithfulness in suffering; and Eunice encourages us to shape future generations through faith. Whether we are parents or not, may we learn from their example and live with the same devotion and commitment to the Lord.