3 Incredible Single Moms In The Bible
Did you know that there are a few stories of some incredible single moms mentioned in the Bible? At first, I found it hard to believe because I didn’t think that there were any. But when you really look into these three particular women and their circumstances, two became widows and one was not married when having her child. This is why the Bible is so amazing. You can find so many answers and supportive scriptures to help you on your journey (no matter where you are in life).
For me, I am a single mom and so when I studied the stories of these three different women, it really helped me gain some perspective on my life, and my faith, too. It also got me to understand that life isn’t perfect, especially not a Christian’s life, and there are always going to be some difficulties or obstacles that may stand in our way. No matter what we are faced with, though, God is always going to be there for us and guide us through it all. He provides us with the light at the end of the tunnel.
To all single Christian moms, you are not alone, and you are most certainly not any less important than any other Christian. God loves you and cares for you, just as much as anyone else. Let’s take a look at the stories of these three women, so that we can gain a better understanding of who they are, and what they went through, and what we can learn from them, today.
Here are 3 incredible single moms in the Bible:
1. Naomi
Naomi is first mentioned in the Book of Ruth who was married to her late husband, Elimelech. She lived in Judea with her husband and two sons, before needing to move to Moab due to a famine. While they were in Moab, Naomi’s husband dies, and her sons marry two women, one of which was Ruth. After some time had passed though, both of her sons had died and she decided to return to her homeland in Bethlehem (Ruth 1:1-5). She told her two daughter-in-laws, Orpah and Ruth to return to their families, but Ruth refuses to leave Naomi alone. As such, both herself and Ruth go to Bethlehem together (Ruth 1:6-15).
Naomi became bitter and did not think that her life was going to get any better, after being the only one left in her family. She decided to change her name to Mara, which meant bitter (Ruth 1:20). That is why Ruth stepped up and took on responsibility for providing for both herself and Naomi when they moved to Bethlehem.
Later on in the Book of Ruth we learn that Naomi helps Ruth to marry Boaz (who was a distant relative of Naomi’s father-in-law). Ruth and Boaz have a son, and the lineage is restored.
What Does The Story Of Naomi Teach Us?
No matter how bad things may get in our lives, we don’t know what the future may hold for us. We need to stay strong, and focus on God, and what He has install for us. We have to put all of our faith and trust in God alone, for only He knows what is going to happen. This is something that we can learn from Naomi.
With the help of Ruth supporting Naomi, and Naomi encouraging Ruth on how to pursue Boaz, Obed was born (the father of Jesse, who became the father of King David – same lineage as Jesus).
I can understand the struggles of being a single mom, of feeling overwhelmed and lonely, too. Turn to God. He will help you through all of it.
2. The Widow at Zarephath
The story of Prophet Elijah and the widow at Zarephath is depicted in 1 Kings 17:7-24. There was an encounter between Elijah and the widow, when the widow was gathering sticks with her son. Elijah enters the town of Zarephath and asks this widow for a piece of bread. The widow invites Elijah into her home and uses every last bit of her flour and oil to make bread for him (1 Kings 17:7-13). Elijah blesses the widow and her son for doing that for him, and assures her that she will not run out of supplies (1 Kings 17:14-16).
A little while later, her son ends up getting ill and stops breathing. She thought that Elijah was sent from God to reminder her of her sins through the death of her son (1 Kings 17:17-18). However, Elijah asks for him to have her son, carries him to the bed, and cries out to the Lord to save him and let him live. God answered Elijah’s prayers and he was alive again. The widow then believed that Elijah was indeed a man of God (1 Kings 17:19-24).
What Does The Story Of The Widow Show Us?
Don’t be so quick to feel anger or resentment towards God. Speak to Him, read His word and allow His truth to come to you. You might be in a difficult situation, but God knows the way out. Call upon Him and seek His help and guidance.
3. Hagar The Single Mom In The Bible
The story of Hagar comes from Genesis 16; 21:1-21, and was a servant to Abraham and Sarah. Because Sarah couldn’t have children at this point in time, she made Hagar have sex with Abraham, and thus, became pregnant with his first-born son, Ishmael. Hagar began to despise Sarah and ended up fleeing into the wilderness. An angel of the Lord came to her and said that she should return to Sarah and submit to her. The angel also said that God will multiply her seed for she was pregnant with Ishmael. God saw her, and came to her. He comforted her and gave her the right advice on what to do at this point (Genesis 16).
God later opened up Sarah’s womb and was able to give her the gift of bearing her own son, Isaac (Genesis 21:1-8). Through this, Hagar and her son became a threat to Sarah because Ishmael had the first-born rights of inheritance. Sarah didn’t like this because she wanted Isaac to have it all. So, Hagar was cast out; Abraham gave Hagar a fraction of what her and Ishmael were rightfully entitled to, and then decided to wander in the wilderness of Beersheba.
What Happens To Hagar?
Hagar found herself alone in the desert near a spring. She was running out of food and water for both herself and her son and could see her son struggling, so she started crying. God heard her and came to her and said do not be afraid, I have heard your son struggling. He opened up Hagar’s eyes and got her to see the well of water where she was able to get more water for her son. He also told Hagar that He would make Ishmael a great nation (Genesis 21:17-21). Later on, Ishmael grew up, and dwelt in the wilderness of Pa’ran with his mother.
What Can We Learn From The Story Of Hagar?
The moral of this story is that if you or your children are struggling, God will come to you and help you out. Hagar was basically kicked out of her home where Abraham and Sarah were, and were hardly given anything to survive. Her son was struggling, and she broke down into tears, calling out for God to help her.
No matter what kind of hardships or trials we are facing, the struggles that our children may have also, we need to cry out to God to help us. We know that through the story of Hagar, Naomi and the widow at Zarephath, our faith is the strongest and most powerful weapon that we have in order to survive. It is something that will always get us through these difficult/uncertain times.
This is why I wanted to share with you the stories of these single moms in the bible. Don’t give up. You are doing an incredible job. Keep your focus on God and things above, and put Him first in your life and your children’s life.
Need more encouragement as a single mom? Check out these inspiring bible verses for single moms.
Stay Encouraged,
God Bless.
Great read. I didn’t realize how many single moms were in the Bible.
Inspirational post to think about. Gos is the only saviour for every struggles. No matter what happens He will always be there to helo us through. ❤️
Amen that’s right!
It is beautiful to realize that God knew how some mom would need these stories to help them through the struggles. I pray many single moms learn from these stories and feel the loving touch of Christ on their lives.
yes i pray the same as well!
I didn’t know that. Thank you for sharing the stories of these women.
Awesome and very interesting topic to read. When it comes to Bible, I’ve totally agree with it and there’s so many amazing character we can learn on such as what you’ve cited. Their story is so awesome and everybody can relate to boost one’s inner self.
I didn’t realize there were so many single mothers in the bible
Same at first haha
This is a very interesting perspective! Thank you for sharing.
-LaurenBarrettWrites
Of course!
Amen! This is such a beautiful post! I love it! Thank you so much for highlighting these courageous women of God and the lessons to apply in their stories! God bless you!
Thanks so much! God Bless you too.
Isn’t it beautiful there are woman like this in the Bible? I know a lot of single moms around me and they often carry the shame heaviness and burden on their own. God a so faithful to place these women in The Bible as an example of His love for them and the great works that he can do through them. Thank you for sharing this wonderful trith.
Yes it is amazing to read about these women in the bible!
This is such a great way for single moms to connect with the bible. Thanks for tracking these down!
Yes absolutely!
I had my first child at 17. Obviously I wasn’t married. I adopted two children and married at 19 and had my second biological child that year as well. 4 years later I had the courage to leave an emotionally abusive relationship and venture out on my own. We touched it out (well in my book) for 6 years. Now, I have a wonderful spouse who is supportive and loving and who isn’t afraid of the big stuff. Keep trucking mama, there’s more out there for you.
Thank you for sharing your story alyssa!! And thanks for the encouragement too.
Being a single mom can be trying. Raising kids is exhausting as a full-time parent.
Yes! D:
Thanks for sharing this, I’ve never heard of these women from the Bible, definitely an inspiring story for all single and partnered moms. God bless!
Thanks girl!
The Bible is really a great and amazing books to read because this is not telling about His creations but it also talk about the life and everything the was happened, will happen and happening to the life situation of His creations and followers.
Yes such a great point.
This is beautiful. It actually brought tears to my eyes. I’m not a single mom but it did speak to me. I will be sure to share this with my single mom friends.
Awww thank you so much!!
What this post make me realise if that God does not out a barrier to the class of women He uses.
He can use both the Unmarried and Married women as long as they are available.
God bless your heart for sharing this.
Yes amen!!
I was raised by a single mom and I am proud of her. Part of me I owe to her, and I am so happy to find these examples in the Bible.
Awww that is so lovely!
Great post , you know I never paid this attention , wow this was really good, thanks for sharing.
Amazing post, l love Naomi as it’s my second name , but Hagar’s story inspires me to. I pray this will encourage many!
Oh wow that’s cool and yes it is so inspiring!
Thank you so much for sharing this! I was raised Catholic and we don’t really study the bible like other religions do and that’s something I wish I knew better. I can’t quote bible verses or stories like my husband can, he was raised in the Episcopal church.
You’re welcome!
I’ve learn a lot from this post! Thanks for sharing about these! It really gives a lot of inspiration ♥
Awww thanks so much for saying! I am glad to hear it!
Wow. I will have to share this post because it is so uniquely specific and encouraging to single moms. Thank you for observing these situations and truths for an often marginalized group of women. God bless you and keep on keeping on!
So helpful to point out the stories of these moms and to help single moms of today find comfort in them. It’s a hard road, but God has so much love, help, and resources for single moms. They are special to His heart.
Single moms are a special breed of mom!!!!
Motherhood is difficult in any circumstances, but God is always with us to give wisdom and help. He cares about everything that concerns His children. Loved how you pointed out that the Bible has something to teach us on any subject or concern we face! Blessings! 💗
I’ve read these stories and never saw them as stories of single moms, but you are so right! They were and God took great care of them. This is very encouraging! Thank you …
wow, this is a great post! I was a single mom for a season of my life and it was one of the hardest things I have ever done! I wish I had seen your site then! I am sure this blog will be a blessing to many single mamas out there!
God loves and cares for everyone and these stories included in the Biblical narrative, show that God cared for these women (and their children) very much. They may not have fit with the Biblical times but they were included to show that God’s love isn’t only for the societal “norm” but for everyone.
This is going to strengthen and encourage so many single mothers out there. God bless your ministry!
I love how we can find the most beautiful treasures in the most unexpected places in the Bible. I was raised by a single mom. It wasn’t easy for her at all, but I was blessed beyond measure by her life and example.
This is beautiful! I love how you continue to encourage single moms and point us to truth! Thank you!
This is just another beautiful reminder that God cares about all of us. Every season of our lives can have purpose in Him.