10 Old Testament Women Who Rescued
I was thinking today about a fascinating contrast in Scripture between the Old and New Testaments when it comes to women. In the Old Testament, women often lived through heartbreaking, tragic realities—abuse, oppression, slavery, violence—you name it. It’s heavy. And yet, even in the midst of all that, the Old Testament is filled with women who stepped up with incredible courage and bravery.
Fast forward to the New Testament, and women are treated with a new level of dignity, honor, and empowerment. Interestingly though, we find practically none of women physically rescuing others. It’s not that women didn’t do extraordinary things in the New Testament—they absolutely did—but the kind of extraordinary looks different.
The very first word God ever uses to describe woman in Genesis is ezer kenegdo—not “helper” in a weak or secondary sense, but “rescuer” or “strong ally.” From the beginning, God designed women not as bystanders, but as brave, capable partners in His redemptive story.
I made this list for two reasons: one, because I love a good list. And two, to give you a launching pad—a reminder that every time you read the Old Testament, you’ll see it clearly: women weren’t just rescued by God. They were empowered by God to be rescuers.
Rahab (Joshua 2:1-21) Rahab, a woman living in Jericho, hid two Israelite spies and helped them escape from the city. Despite the risk to her own life, Rahab’s bravery was pivotal in the Israelites’ victory over Jericho. Her faith in God saved her family, and she is remembered as a woman of courage.
Jael (Judges 4:17-22) Jael played a key role in Israel's victory over the Canaanites when she killed the enemy general Sisera. After Sisera sought refuge in her tent, Jael decisively took action by killing him, ending the threat to Israel and securing their freedom. Her act was both bold and crucial for Israel's deliverance.
The Hebrew Midwives, Shiprah and Puah (Exodus 1:15-22) The midwives who assisted Hebrew women during childbirth defied Pharaoh’s orders to kill all male Hebrew babies. By refusing to comply with the king’s decree, they saved many children, showing their bravery and devotion to God’s command to preserve life.
Pharaoh’s Daughter (Exodus 2:1-10) Pharaoh's daughter rescued the infant Moses from the Nile River, defying her father's orders. She not only saved Moses from death but also adopted him, providing a pathway for God’s plan of deliverance to unfold in Israel. Her compassion and courage played a pivotal role in the future of God’s people.
Abigail (1 Samuel 25:1-35) Abigail, the wife of Nabal, intervened when her husband’s foolish actions threatened to bring destruction upon their household. She offered David a peace offering and wisdom, preventing a massacre. Her quick thinking and bold actions saved many lives, and she was later honored as a woman of wisdom.
The Wise Woman of Abel (2 Samuel 20:14-22) During a civil conflict in Israel, the wise woman of Abel negotiated peace to save her city from destruction. She persuaded the rebellious forces to spare the city by handing over the leader of the rebellion, saving her people through diplomacy and wisdom.
Michal (1 Samuel 19:11-17) Michal, the daughter of King Saul, risked her life to help David escape from her father’s deadly plot. She lowered David from a window and helped him flee, ensuring that the man who would become king of Israel could survive. Her act of rescue defied her father's authority and was crucial in David’s escape.
The Woman of Thebez (Judges 9:50-54) When the tyrant Abimelech attacked the city of Thebez, it was a brave woman who took action. She threw a millstone from the city wall, killing Abimelech and ending his reign of terror. Her courage in the face of overwhelming odds marked her as a woman who saved her city from destruction.
Deborah (Judges 4:4-16) Deborah, a prophetess and judge, led Israel’s army to victory over the Canaanites. With wisdom and strength, she guided Barak in battle, resulting in the defeat of the Canaanite general Sisera. Deborah’s leadership not only saved her people but also demonstrated God's empowerment of women in leadership roles.
Jochebed (Moses’ mother) (Exodus 2:1–10) Hid Moses and set him afloat in a basket to save him from death.