What Does the Bible Say About Mothers?

Introduction

Motherhood is a universal experience that transcends culture, ethnicity, and time. From the earliest days of human civilization, mothers have played a critical role in raising children and shaping the course of society. As Christians, we recognize the importance of mothers and the impact they can have on the spiritual development of their children. In this blog post, we will explore what the Bible says about mothers, including their roles, responsibilities, and attributes.

The Bible provides numerous examples of mothers who displayed exceptional qualities and served as role models for all mothers. From Eve, the first mother, to Mary, the mother of Jesus, and beyond, these women’s stories provide valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of motherhood. By studying the lives of these biblical mothers, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the importance of motherhood and the impact it can have on our lives and the lives of our children.

In addition to exploring the stories of biblical mothers, we will also examine the principles of motherhood that are emphasized in the Bible. These principles, including love, discipline, teaching, and prayer, provide a framework for mothers to follow as they raise their children. By applying these principles to their own lives, mothers can make an indelible impact on their children’s lives and shape the course of history.

Biblical Mothers

The Bible features several notable mothers who played critical roles in shaping the course of history. Here are some of the most prominent ones:

Eve

Eve was the first woman and mother of all humanity. She was created by God to be a helpmate to Adam, and they both were given the responsibility of tending to the Garden of Eden. Although she sinned by eating the forbidden fruit, Eve remained a symbol of motherhood and the first example of a woman who bore children.

Sarah

Sarah was the wife of Abraham and the mother of Isaac. She was barren for many years, but God promised her a son, and when she was ninety years old, she gave birth to Isaac. Sarah is revered as a woman of great faith and trust in God, as evidenced by her willingness to follow Abraham when he was called to leave their homeland.

Rebekah

Rebekah was the wife of Isaac and the mother of Jacob and Esau. She played a significant role in ensuring that Jacob received the blessing that was rightfully his, even though it meant going against Isaac’s wishes. Rebekah’s devotion to her son’s future was admirable, and her actions demonstrated her faith in God’s promises.

Rachel and Leah

Rachel and Leah were the wives of Jacob and the mothers of the twelve tribes of Israel. Their stories are a testament to the power of love, as Rachel’s devotion to Jacob led her to overcome infertility, while Leah’s unrequited love for Jacob caused her much pain. Despite their differences, both women played vital roles in the birth of Israel’s nation.

Jochebed

Jochebed was the mother of Moses, and she is revered for her faith and bravery. When Pharaoh ordered that all Hebrew male infants be killed, Jochebed hid Moses and placed him in a basket in the Nile River. Moses was eventually found and raised by Pharaoh’s daughter, but Jochebed’s actions ensured that her son would grow up to become a great leader.

Hannah

Hannah was the mother of Samuel, and her story is one of perseverance and faith. She was barren for many years, but she continued to pray and ask God for a child. When she finally gave birth to Samuel, she dedicated him to the Lord’s service and praised God for His faithfulness.

Bathsheba

Bathsheba was the wife of Uriah and the mother of Solomon. Her story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of temptation and sin. Bathsheba committed adultery with King David, but she later repented of her actions and became one of the most influential women in Israel’s history.

Biblical Principles for Motherhood

The Bible provides several principles for mothers to follow as they raise their children. Here are some of the most important ones:

Love and Nurture

Mothers are called to love and nurture their children, providing them with the care and support they need to grow and thrive. The Bible emphasizes the importance of a mother’s role in a child’s life and the impact it can have on their development.

• Titus 2:4-5 – “that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.”
• Proverbs 31:25-31 – “Strength and honor are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness. She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all.” Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.”

Discipline

Mothers are also called to discipline their children, teaching them right from wrong and guiding them toward righteousness. The Bible emphasizes the importance of discipline in a child’s life and the impact it can have on their future.

• Proverbs 13:24 – “He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly.”
• Hebrews 12:7-11 – “If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present but painful; nevertheless, afterward, it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”

Teaching and Instruction

Mothers are also called to teach and instruct their children, imparting wisdom and knowledge to help them navigate the challenges of life. The Bible emphasizes the importance of a mother’s role in a child’s education and spiritual development.

• Deuteronomy 6:6-7 – “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.”
• Proverbs 1:8-9 – “My son, hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother; for they will be a graceful ornament on your head, and chains about your neck.”

Prayer

Mothers are also called to pray for their children, seeking God’s guidance and protection over their lives. The Bible emphasizes the power of prayer and the impact it can have on a child’s life.

• 1 Samuel 1:10-11 – “And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed to the Lord and wept in anguish. Then she made a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall come upon his head.”
• Philippians 4:6-7 – “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Motherhood in the New Testament

The New Testament also provides examples of mothers who displayed exceptional qualities. Mary, the mother of Jesus, is perhaps the most well-known New Testament mother. She was chosen by God to bear His son, and her unwavering faith and obedience to His will are an inspiration to all mothers.

The New Testament also highlights the role of mothers in the early church. In 2 Timothy 1:5, Paul commends Timothy’s mother and grandmother for their faith, which they passed down to him. In 2 Timothy 3:14-15, Paul reminds Timothy that he learned the Scriptures from his mother and grandmother, emphasizing the importance of a mother’s role in a child’s spiritual education.

Lessons from Biblical Mothers

The stories of biblical mothers provide valuable lessons for all mothers, regardless of their circumstances. Here are some of the key lessons we can learn from them:

Perseverance and Faith

Many of the mothers in the Bible faced significant challenges and obstacles, but they persevered through their faith in God. Sarah, Hannah, and Jochebed all struggled with infertility, but they continued to trust in God’s promises. Their perseverance and faith serve as an inspiration to all mothers who are facing difficult circumstances.

Trust in God

Mary and Elizabeth both displayed unwavering trust in God’s plan for their lives, even when it seemed impossible. Mary’s willingness to bear the Son of God and Elizabeth’s faith in God’s ability to grant her a child are powerful examples of what can happen when we trust in God’s plan for our lives.

Sacrifice and Love

Bathsheba and the mother of the two sons in 1 Kings 3:16-28 both demonstrated sacrificial love for their children. Bathsheba was willing to give up her own desires, and plans for the sake of her son, and the mother in 1 Kings was willing to sacrifice her own child to protect him. Their actions demonstrate the lengths to which a mother will go to protect and care for her children.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Bible provides a rich tapestry of stories and principles that shed light on the importance and impact of mothers. From Eve to Mary, biblical mothers displayed exceptional qualities of love, sacrifice, perseverance, and faith, setting an example for all mothers to follow. As Christians, we recognize the critical role that mothers play in raising godly children and shaping the course of society.

Through the principles of love, discipline, teaching, and prayer, mothers can guide their children toward righteousness and instill in them a deep love for God. By studying the lives of biblical mothers, we can gain valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of motherhood, and learn how to navigate the complexities of raising children in a fallen world.

In closing, let us remember the words of Proverbs 31:28, which says, “Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.” May we honor and celebrate the mothers in our lives, and may we strive to emulate the qualities of love, sacrifice, perseverance, and faith that they exemplify.