These women are all near the top of my list of people to “interview” in heaven. The Bible gives us a tantalizing glimpse into their lives, but oh how I would love to hear them tell the rest of the story. I do think it is really telling that these women are in the lineage of Jesus. There is no denying that God does amazing work in people’s lives. He values women during a time where the culture did not, and he redeemed some nasty situations. And J, Thanks for using your redeemed life to touch so many others. You’re a gift.

Hi, Gaye. Thanks for commenting.

Actually, I’ve heard claims that Ruth had sexual motives and claims that she didn’t, that Bathsheba was a temptress and that she was a victim. Rather than take a stand in either camp (especially since those weren’t my main point), I wanted to merely acknowledge them. As to the latter (Bathsheba), the Bible does make pretty clear who God held responsible; He sent Nathan to confront King David about the sin. For Ruth, I just think it’s weird when I try to imagine my mother-in-law suggesting I visit a possible suitor alone and late at night. It was a different culture, of course, but it does seem rather bold.

The true stories of the Bible are fascinating, and we know quite a bit about people God interacted with, but I sure hope to hear some of these stories firsthand one day and have the details filled in further. Wouldn’t it awesome to hear Ruth herself recount her romance with Boaz, her “kinsman-redeemer,” and the birth of her son? Or hey, Mary? What woman doesn’t want to hear Mary talk about the birth of Jesus from her perspective? Ah…someday. 🙂

I’m wondering if you are saying that Ruth had sexual motives when she went to the threshing floor? If so, I think I really disagree about that. Although it was certainly extraordinary for a young, unmarried woman to go there, Ruth was following the direction of Naomi. And Naomi was only able to suggest such an audacious plan because the good character of both Ruth and Boaz was widely known. I think that her late-night visit to the threshing floor clearly indicated that she was interested in marrying Boaz, but I don’t think it was in any way a gesture of “hey, I’m available right now.”

I also think it’s more likely that Bathsheba was a victim, not a temptress. The Bible doesn’t say that she was bathing on the roof, only that David saw her from his roof, which presumably was high and allowed a wide view of the city. Some people believe that she was bathing in a community bath that all of the women used for ritual cleansing (which 2 Samuel 11 mentions). David was the king and her husband’s superior officer – I don’t think she had any choice or options.

That’s an excellent distinction. Mary’s history only involved what people thought, but they were wrong. God had chosen her — a woman untainted and faithful.

Again, thank you for highlighting these women as examples we can look toward to know hope, healing, and forgiveness from our Heavenly Father.