Famous Women in the Bible and History
Women Whom the Lord Blessed and Defended
- The Canaanite woman, who endured with marvelous humility for the sake of her daughter, and said to the Lord: “Even the dogs eat from the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.”
This woman, although she was from a foreign people that had been under a curse since the days of Noah, the Lord blessed her, saying: “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.” (Matt. 15:28). - And the woman who poured a flask of very costly ointment on His feet—then the disciples protested, saying: “Why this waste? For this ointment might have been sold for much and given to the poor!!”
Then the Lord Christ defended this woman with His well-known phrase:
“Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a good work for Me…” (Matt. 26:10).
It is a comforting phrase for every woman…
And the Lord continued to justify the woman’s act, saying that she did this for His burial, and that the poor they have with them always…, then He also said a comforting phrase for the female gender, which is:
“Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.” (Matt. 26:13). - Likewise, the Lord blessed the sister of Lazarus…
He said about her that she “has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:42).
And He defended her against her sister’s criticism. - And the woman who wet His feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head, He also praised her:
He showed that she was better than the Pharisee who criticized her, in details mentioned by the Lord, and He said: “She loved much, therefore much is forgiven her.” And He said to the woman: “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.” (Luke 7:40–50).
And the Lord praised many women in the Bible, so much so that it was said:
Many women received honors…
But none of them received what the Lady Virgin received of blessedness:
It was said about her: “At Your right hand stands the queen, O King,”
And it was said: “All the glory of the king’s daughter is within.”
Also, how great are the beatitudes with which the Lord described the Bride of the Song.
An article by His Holiness Pope Shenouda III – in El-Keraza Magazine – Year Eight (Issue Thirty-Two) 12-8-1977
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