This study guide consists of nine weekly lessons arranged chronologically according to Old Testament history. For those who are not familiar with the history of Israel found in the Old Testament, each lesson begins with a brief history of a particular time period and then covers the lives of 1-2 women who lived during that time.

The lessons are divided into 4 daily sections that should take about 30 minutes per day to complete. The first 3 sections study the passages thoroughly. The fourth section asks you to reflect on what you’ve learned. The goal is to help you establish a regular time of study in the Word for 5 days each week, considering your small group session to be one of those days.

The Basic Study

This study guide consists of 9 lessons arranged chronologically in Old Testament history. If you cannot do the entire lesson one week, please read the Bible passage being covered.

Process of Bible Study: Each lesson includes core questions covering the narrative associated with each woman’s life. These core questions will take you through the process of inductive Bible study—observation, interpretation, and application. The process is more easily understood in the context of answering these questions:

What does the passage say? (Observation: what’s actually there)

What does it mean? (Interpretation: the author’s intended meaning) Many of the questions are interpretation questions.

How does this apply to me today? (Application: making it personal) Your Life’s Journey questions are the application questions in this study. These lead you to introspection and application of a specific truth to your life.

Study Enhancements

Deeper Discoveries (optional): Embedded within the sections are optional questions for further research of subjects we don't have time to cover adequately in the lessons or contain information that significantly enhance the basic study. If you are meeting with a small group, your leader may give you the opportunity to share your "discoveries.”

Study Aids: To aid in proper interpretation and application of the study, additional study aids are located where appropriate in the lesson:

Historical Insights

Scriptural Insights

From the Hebrew (definitions of Hebrew words)

Focus on the Meaning

Think About It (thoughtful reflection)

Tell Your Story

This study is about the faith walk of women, both those who lived in years past and those who live in the present, each of whom have a story to tell about her trust in God’s faithfulness and goodness. The scripture passages tell each Old Testament woman’s “Story.” In order to learn how to tell your own story, you’ll be encouraged in each lesson to write parts of your story that relate to what’s learned in the lesson (Tell Your Story). At the end of the course, you’ll have enough information to put together a “My Story” of your own faith walk with God.