The Top 100 Women of the Bible: Who They Are and What They Mean to You Today

Pamela McQuade
Barbour Books (2007)
ISBN 1597896691
Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (5/07)

“The Top 100 Women of the Bible” by Pamela McQuade tells the neglected tales of 100 women of the Bible -- some acted wisely and some foolishly.  Whether good or bad, we have much to learn from these women.  There isn’t a lot of information on most of them in the scriptures, many have only a few lines but they were influential enough to be mentioned.  Many of the names may not be immediately familiar; the author has included scripture reference.

Abigail was married to Nabal, a very foolish man.  David’s men protected Nabal’s property but when David asked for support Nabal refused.  Wise Abigail prepared food and went in search of David and his men.  When her husband found out he was so angry he threw a fit and died.  David took Abigail as his wife. “In a moment, faithful Abigail moved from a fool’s wife to a king’s wife.”

Rarely was a woman named as the head of a household, but Chloe an exception.  In Paul’s letters to the Corinthians, someone from Chloe’s household reported to Paul the quarrels that were taking place in the church.  “Because Paul received this report, he was able to save the church from an implosion.”  “God provides us with the wisdom for each problem we face.”  There are times when we may face the same problem; speaking with the pastor might head off a situation.

“The Top 100 Women of the Bible” by Pamela McQuade is a fascinating look at women of the Bible.  She tells the story and includes scripture.  I didn’t recognize many of the women.  As a Sunday School teacher and lay speaker, I intend to refer back often to this book.  It is well-written and in a reasonable fashion.  The women are listed in alphabetical order, which makes them easier to find.  The cover is elegantly done, with a creamy back ground complimented by a color I’d call claret; there is the partial face of a woman in traditional headdress.  The paper has a parchment look to it and the print is a nice size.  This is an excellent resource for all Christians.

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