Moms of the Bible Trivia
Although the Bible may seem dominated by men, there are several women who play important roles in both the Old and New Testaments. Each mother in the Bible is unique and her personality shows in the Biblical verses that describe her and her actions. The events in the lives of these women can teach Bible students and readers lessons about parenthood and its role in the religious life.
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Eve
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Eve was the first woman and called "the mother of all living." Her name stems from the Hebrew root word for "life." Her husband Adam gave Eve her name after God condemned them for eating the forbidden fruit of the tree of knowledge. Soon after they were banished from the Garden of Eden, the couple had two sons, Cain and Abel. The brothers' story is familiar. However, a less known detail states that Eve later gave birth to another son named Seth. Eve believed God had sent Seth in place of Abel, whom Cain murdered.
Rebeka
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Rebeka was a crafty woman. She was the wife of Isaac and mother of twin boys, Esau and Jacob. When she was pregnant, God told her that two nations were in her womb and that the younger would lord it over the older. Esau the firstborn had hairy skin and loved to hunt, while Jacob the younger had smooth skin and preferred to stay in his tents. Isaac loved Esau better but Rebeka preferred Jacob. When it was time for the aged and nearly blind Isaac to give his blessing to the firstborn, Rebeka disguised Jacob with animal skin to dupe Isaac into giving him his fatherly blessing. This strategy along with a plate of tasty meat got Rebeka her wish -- and fulfilled the divine prophecy.
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Mary
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Mary, the mother of Jesus, appears several times in the New Testament. When Jesus was twelve years old, the family came to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover. On the way back to their home town, Mary and Joseph realized the boy was missing. Three days later they found him in the temple conversing with the teachers there. Like any mother, Mary was none too pleased with what happened, yet she kept this in her heart and contemplated it. Years later Jesus and Mary attended a wedding in Cana. When the host ran out of wine, Mary urged Jesus to help. Jesus performed his first public miracle by turning water into wine. When he was crucified, Jesus entrusted Mary to the care of John, his close disciple. Her song, the Magnificat, shows her religious devotion.
Jochebed
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Jochebed was a Hebrew living in Egypt in the time of the pharaohs. When the pharaoh declared that all newborn Hebrew males be killed, Jochebed defied the order. She made a waterproof chest, placed the baby Moses inside and sent it along the Nile River as her daughter Miriam kept watch. The pharaoh's daughter found the basket and decided to adopt the child. Miriam went to her and suggested that she find a Hebrew nurse for the baby and the princess agreed. So Jochebed cared for him until he grew old enough to be presented to the pharaoh's daughter, who raised him as a prince. Moses grew up to be one of Israel's greatest leaders and delivered them from slavery.
Proverbs Woman
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Chapter 31 of the Book of Proverbs paints a picture of motherhood in Biblical times. The mother is portrayed as hardworking, trustworthy and charitable. She is never idle and only kind and wise words come from her lips. The ideal mother is busy managing both household chores and business matters. Her husband and children praise her for her devotion and her piety. It may be argued that it is an idealized portrait of motherhood as a whole, and does not refer to a single person; yet there are women who individually strive to live by its standards.
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