Eglah

2 Samuel 3:5 - and the sixth, Ithream, of Eglah, David's wife. These were born to David in Hebron.

1 Chronicles 3:3 - the fifth, Shephatiah, by Abital; the sixth, Ithream, by his wife Eglah;

Eglah was one of the many wives of Kind David. Sadly these are the only two verses in the whole Bible where she is mentioned. For some reason God didn't give us anymore information about her unlike Bethsheba or Abigail. All we know is that she was the mother of Ithream, the sixth son of Kind David, born in Hebron. I do wonder though what type of faith the wives of David had. Were they all Abigails? Gallant and faithful. For some reason I doubt it. But being married to David they must have understood something. They must have seen and heard so much about God. David their own husband and King pours out his heart to God in the Psalms. I wonder if they were women after God's own heart.

Dorcas (Tabitha)

Acts 9:36-43

I think we all have that one generous-hearted, large-bosomed family friend whose jolly laugh brings warmth to any room instantly. To me, that's Dorcas.
Dorcas (Greek translation of the Aramaic name Tabitha, meaning "Gazelle") was a disciple who lived in the coastal city of Joppa. The original Greek text describes her as a female disciple - the only time the New Testament uses this word. So already from this word we know she was a special woman. A woman of devout faith. The Bible doesn't tell us much about her life per say but in the few short verses we have about her, it speaks of her as being full of good works and acts of charity. She was therefore an admired member of the community, esteemed by all. And especially by the widows of Joppa who gather by her bedside in mourning. A woman with a heart for others and more importantly for Christ her Saviour. What I always find interesting in this story is why after Dorcas had died did the disciples send word to Peter to urge him to come immediately? And instead of preserving and burying her body directly which was the usual custom, they washed her body and laid her in the upper room. Just waiting. They had probably heard of other miracles of resurrection and hoped that Peter would bring Dorcas back to life. Which truly shows the faith the Saints in Joppa must have had. Through Dorcas' life of devotion and good deeds lives were influenced and through her death and restoration to life souls were saved. Let us be a Dorcas today. Let us put on compassion. Don't just wait for a need to arise but go out in search for it. Let us put on Christ.



Extra Reading:
http://www.walk-by-faith.com/People/dorcas/dorcas.html

Anna

Luke 2:36-38

Anna (from Hebrew Hannah meaning "favour" or "grace") is mentioned only in the Gospel of Luke. According to Luke, she was an old Jewish prophetess who prophesied about Jesus at the Temple of Jerusalem. Anna's life and background are to us today obscure. From the three verses in Luke, the following is known of Anna:

• She was a prophetess.
• She was a daughter of Phanuel.
• She was a member of the tribe of Asher.
• She was widowed after seven years of marriage (her husband is not named).
• She prayed and fasted, day and night

"The Prophetess Anna" by Rembrandt van Rijn

Why Anna is called a prophetess is not exactly known. It might be because she had been the wife of a prophet, or because she was employed in celebrating the praises of God (see 1 Chronicles 25:1-2, 1 Samuel 10:5. However in these verses only men are referred to as having such a position), or because she herself had foretold future events, therefore being inspired by God. It could also be that Anna was not a prophetess in the strict sense of the word, i.e. one who could foretell future events; but rather a holy woman; who, from her extensive knowledge and deep experience in Divine things, was capable of instructing others according to 1 Corinthians 14:3 : He that prophesieth, speaketh unto men to edification, and to exhortation, and to comfort. Whatever prophetess may mean, one thing is to us clear. She was a holy woman who proclaimed Jesus to all who looked for redemption in Jerusalem. Her steadfast prayer and fasting is a direct clue to her devout desire to serve God. At such an old age and being widowed for so long, it is a beautiful wonder to see that her spirit still continued to burn with a steady and undiminished flame. She had commited her life to God by worshipping day and night. A great and holy act that we can all take onboard.

In these three little verses we are able to find not only the devout life of an old widow but the resolute knowledge and obedient faith of redemption in a strong woman whose life was poured out as a living sacrifice.