International Women’s History Day

International Women’s History Day – March 8th, 2025

This blogpost was written by Dr. Yvonne Murray-Larrier and inspired by a Sermon preached by Pastor/ Dr. Hyveth Williams Senior Pastor at the Grace Place in South Bend, Indiana on Saturday March 8th, 2025

The Forgotten Warriors: Reclaiming the God-Ordained Role of Women in Biblical History

Introduction: Unveiling the Truth

For centuries, culture and religion have woven a narrative that subtly, yet powerfully, suppresses the God-ordained role of women. Many have been led to believe that women were merely assistants, secondary to men, designed for quiet support rather than active leadership. However, a closer look at Scripture—through the lens of its original Hebrew language and historical context—reveals a vastly different truth.

Women were not created to be passive but powerful allies, warriors, and essential partners in God’s divine plan. The term often used to define womanhood, helpmeet, has been diluted over time to mean something weak and subordinate. But the Hebrew term עֵזֶר כְּנֶגְדּוֹ (ezer kenegdo) tells a different story. It describes a woman as a strong military-like rescuer, a warrior companion, an essential force standing alongside man—not behind him.

This truth has been hidden, manipulated, and redefined by both cultural and religious traditions that have sought to subjugate women. But today, it is time to detox from these distortions and reclaim the biblical identity God has always intended for His daughters.

The Warrior Role of Women in Biblical Times

Psalm 68:11-12 – Women as Proclaimers and Pillars of Victory

“The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it.

Kings of armies did flee apace: and she that tarried at home divided the spoil.”

(Psalm 68:11-12, KJV)

“The Lord gives the word; the women who announce the news are a great host: “The kings of the armies—they flee, they flee!” The women at home divide the spoil—”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭68‬:‭11‬-‭12‬ ‭ESV‬‬ (https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.68.11-12.ESV)

This passage describes women as heralds of victory, proclaiming the triumph of God’s people. Historically, after battles, women would sing, dance, and spread the news of triumph (Judges 5, 1 Samuel 18:6-7). They were not passive spectators but key figures in the aftermath of war, handling resources and ensuring the stability of the community.

This aligns with the true meaning of ezer kenegdo—a woman’s role is not to stand in the background but to take her place as a co-laborer, manager, strategist, and nurturer in the kingdom.

Ezer Kenegdo: Women as Military Rescuers

The Hebrew word ezer is used numerous times in the Bible to describe God as Israel’s deliverer in times of war:

• Psalm 33:20 – “Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help (ezer) and our shield.”
• Deuteronomy 33:26 – “There is none like unto the God of Jeshurun, who rideth upon the heaven in thy help (ezer).”
• Exodus 18:4 – “The God of my father was mine help (ezer) and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh.”

This is not a weak or secondary role—it is a warrior’s role! God Himself is described as an ezer, a rescuer with military might. If God chose this same word to define women, how can we believe the lie that they are meant to be passive?

Jesus and Women: Restoring Their True Value

Jesus, the ultimate restorer of truth, saw, valued, and empowered women in ways that countered the culture of His time. In a society that dismissed women, He:

• Taught them as disciples (Luke 10:38-42 – Mary sat at His feet learning, a role reserved for men).
• Entrusted them with proclaiming the resurrection (John 20:16-18 – Mary Magdalene was the first evangelist of the risen Christ).
• Healed and restored them publicly (Luke 13:10-17 – He defended a woman bent over for 18 years and healed her, calling her a “daughter of Abraham,” a title of spiritual inheritance).

Jesus never diminished a woman’s role but reinforced her worth, gifts, and place in His kingdom.

The Cultural and Religious Suppression of Women

Despite the undeniable biblical evidence of women’s strength, culture and religion have worked together to suppress this truth. Some key ways this has been done include:

1. Reinterpreting Scripture to Fit Patriarchy – The translation of ezer kenegdo as “helpmeet” weakened the true meaning, making it sound like women were created as assistants rather than warriors.
2. Limiting Women’s Roles in Church and Society – Over time, women were excluded from leadership roles, despite biblical examples of prophetesses (Deborah, Huldah, Anna), apostles (Junia), and influential leaders in the early church.
3. Weaponizing Modesty and Submission – Cultural and religious narratives have twisted concepts of modesty and submission, making them about control rather than a mutual, God-honoring partnership.

This intentional distortion has led many women to question their worth, silence their voices, and suppress their God-given gifts. It’s time to detox from these lies and step into the fullness of biblical truth.

Detoxing from the Lies: The RUMERTIME Process®

Breaking free from cultural and religious suppression requires intentional, conscious work. The RUMERTIME Process® (Recognize, Understand, Manage, Express, Reflect on your Thoughts, Interactions, Mindsets, and Emotions) is a powerful tool for unlearning lies and reclaiming biblical truth.

1. Recognize

• Identify the false narratives you’ve been taught about women’s roles.
• Acknowledge where culture and religion have influenced your beliefs about yourself and others.

2. Understand

• Research and study the original meanings of biblical texts (like ezer kenegdo) to gain clarity.
• Learn about the real role of women in Scripture and how Jesus interacted with them.

3. Manage

• Intentionally replace old, limiting beliefs with biblical truths.
• Surround yourself with teachings, books, and communities that reinforce God’s design for women.

4. Express

• Speak boldly about the truth you’ve learned.
• Encourage and uplift other women who may still be trapped in these distortions.

5. Reflect

• Continually evaluate your growth and transformation.
• Ask yourself: Am I living in the truth of who God says I am? Am I embracing my role as a strong, empowered partner in God’s kingdom?

Conclusion: Stepping into Your God-Ordained Power

Women are not an afterthought. They are essential warriors in God’s design. The intentional suppression of women’s true biblical identity has robbed many of their confidence, voice, and spiritual authority. But the truth cannot be hidden forever.

Now is the time to rise up as the ezer kenegdo you were created to be—strong, wise, compassionate, and powerful. No more silence. No more shrinking. No more believing the lie that you were made to be anything less than a mighty force in the kingdom of God.

It’s time to uproot the lies, cultivate the truth, grow in your God-given strength, and flourish in the fullness of your calling.

Uproot! Cultivate! Grow! Flourish!