The last sentence in the book of Judges points to a time of disarray. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes. There was no accountability.
At critical moments in Israel’s history, women’s faithful prayers and actions made an impact on the future. During the period of the judges, the story of a family was recorded. Ruth was a young woman of Moab, who married a man from Israel. After her husband and father-in-law died, she made a commitment to her mother-in-law. She promised: For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people and your God my God. Ruth 1:16b
Ruth kept her promise and was blessed to become the mother of Obed and the great-grandmother of King David.
Following the book of Ruth, Hannah is introduced in the first two chapters of 1 Samuel. In sorrow over her barrenness, she made a vow. She asked God for a son and promised to give him to the Lord. After Samuel was born and weaned, she kept her promise and brought him to serve in the temple.
Hannah’s prayer of praise and thanksgiving is recorded. Here is a portion:
My heart exults in the Lord; my horn is exalted in the Lord. My mouth derides my enemies, because I rejoice in your salvation.
There is none holy like the Lord: for there is none beside you; there is no rock like our God.
Talk no more so very proudly, let not arrogance come from your mouth; For the Lord is a God of knowledge and by him actions are weighed.
The bows of the mighty are broken, but the feeble bind on strength. 1 Samuel 2: 1-4
I am inspired by Ruth and Hannah, also Esther, Elizabeth and Mary. There is blessing in being faithful.
This post is linked with the Five Minute Friday writing community. Kate’s word for today is: ACCOUNTABILITY