The Old Testament names over 120 women and, without naming them, refers specifically to more than another 32,600. Besides bearing children, through their courage, risk, prayer, and initiative, God used women in significant ways as his story progressed toward Christ.
We find role models and principles to apply from Abraham, Joseph, Moses, David, Elijah, Daniel, and others. God also gave us role models in women with principles to apply from Sarah, Hagar, Deborah, Naomi, Hannah, Abigail, and Esther, to name a few. Regarding Matthew’s genealogy of Christ, many have said the inclusion of women is unusual, which testifies either to our overlooking Old Testament women or not reading the genealogies carefully.
However, contrary to overlooking them, God used at least four Gentile women to extend the scarlet thread of grace to the person and work of Christ. Did you know? A woman was first to express God’s immanence, and another was the first to God’s plan of redemption throughout the Old Testament, in the life of Christ, and still today. The Lord used unloved and oppressed women to accomplish His plans throughout history. God’s panoramic providence even used the miscalculations of the women of faith in his redemptive story.
One could say that the greatest story ever told remains incomplete if we fail to highlight the contributions of the women of the Old Testament. Join us as we explore the amazing stories of ridicule and redemption that demonstrate that God always has a plan, and he always uses a mediator.
Criswell College will offer OTS 315/615, Topics in Old Testament: Women in the Old Testament, beginning January 22, on Thursday afternoons, 4:45–7:15 p.m. Spring 2026. Dr. David Brooks, Senior Professor of Hebrew & Old Testament, has recruited a team of highly capable, female biblicists who will deliver some often-overlooked principles from the silenced voices of several Old Testament women of faith.
Topics in Old Testament: Women in the Old Testament Brochure
The College welcomes visitors to this class at no cost. The class will meet in Room E208 on the second floor of the main building.
Parking is available in the lot between Bird and Junius Streets, next to the residence hall. Please enter the College through the Bird Street entrance. No key card is required for the West Entrance, which is closest to Baylor University Medical Center and downtown Dallas.
From the Receptionist’s desk, turn right down the hallway. About 30 feet ahead, you’ll see a short hallway on the left that leads to a stairwell. If you continue to the end of the main hallway, you’ll find both an elevator and a doorway to the East Entrance with another stairwell.
For parking and visitor information, please visit https://www.criswell.edu/life-at-criswell/housing-and-location/campus-safety/vehicle-parking-information/
or contact the College during our office hours Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., at (214) 821-5433.
As a part of Criswell College, the course will adhere to biblical inerrancy and authority, with close attention to detailed observation of grammatical, syntactical, literary, historical, and cultural content and contexts, as well as justifiable theological interpretation. Applications will be suggested, but Topics in Old Testament: Women in the Old Testament is an academic class, not a home Bible study, Sunday School class, or church service.
