Topical Bible: Children: Female: Usefully Employed

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In the biblical narrative, the role of female children is often depicted in ways that highlight their potential for meaningful contribution within their families and communities. The Scriptures provide several examples of young girls who, through their actions and character, demonstrate the value of being usefully employed in various capacities.

Miriam, the Sister of Moses

One of the earliest examples is Miriam, the sister of Moses. As a young girl, Miriam played a crucial role in the preservation of her brother's life. In Exodus 2:4-8, we see her watching over the basket in which baby Moses was placed on the Nile River. When Pharaoh's daughter discovered the child, Miriam courageously approached her and offered to find a Hebrew nurse for the baby, thus ensuring that Moses would be cared for by his own mother. This act of initiative and resourcefulness highlights the significant impact a young girl can have in God's providential plan.

The Servant Girl of Naaman's Wife

Another notable example is the young servant girl in the household of Naaman, the commander of the army of the king of Aram. In 2 Kings 5:2-3, this unnamed girl, taken captive from Israel, speaks to Naaman's wife about the prophet Elisha, who could heal Naaman of his leprosy. Her faith and willingness to speak up led to Naaman's eventual healing and acknowledgment of the God of Israel. This account underscores the influence a young girl can wield through her faith and testimony, even in a foreign land.

Jairus' Daughter

In the New Testament, the account of Jairus' daughter, found in Mark 5:21-43, illustrates the value and potential of young girls in the eyes of Jesus. Although the narrative primarily focuses on her miraculous healing, it also reflects the deep love and concern her father had for her, indicating her importance within the family. Jesus' response to Jairus' plea and His subsequent raising of the girl from the dead affirm the worth and dignity of female children.

Rhoda, the Servant Girl

In Acts 12:13-15, we encounter Rhoda, a servant girl in the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark. When Peter, miraculously freed from prison, knocks at the door, it is Rhoda who recognizes his voice and, in her excitement, forgets to open the door. Despite her youthful exuberance, Rhoda's role in the early Christian community is significant, as she is part of the prayer gathering interceding for Peter. Her presence in this pivotal moment highlights the active participation of young girls in the life of the early Church.

Proverbs 31: The Virtuous Woman

While Proverbs 31:10-31 primarily describes a virtuous woman, the passage can also be seen as an aspirational model for young girls. The qualities of diligence, wisdom, and kindness are virtues that can be cultivated from a young age. The passage encourages the development of skills and character that contribute positively to one's family and community.

In summary, the Bible presents several instances where young girls are usefully employed, demonstrating initiative, faith, and service. These examples serve as an encouragement for the nurturing of young girls in ways that prepare them for meaningful roles in accordance with God's purposes.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 24:13
Behold, I stand here by the well of water; and the daughters of the men of the city come out to draw water:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 2:16
Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father's flock.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Chapter I Beginning and Early Days of the Orphan Work.
... which they have in the house, if they can be usefully employed in the ... the announcement
of the opening of the Orphan-House, for destitute female children, and a ...
/.../muller/answers to prayer/chapter i beginning and early.htm

Chatter xviii. The Great Immigration.
... multitude of other orders, male and female, have been effectively and usefully employed
in the ... its congregation, men, women, and children, are missionaries ...
/.../a history of american christianity/chatter xviii the great immigration.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1836 to the ...
... Here he became actively and usefully engaged as a local ... maker, and a blacksmith,
their wives and children, together with five female teachers, sailed from ...
/.../chapter 14 from the close.htm

Methodist Book Concern
... the power of steam has been so usefully applied to ... are male and fifty-one are female,
the latter ... and procure an inheritance for their children, our ministers ...
/.../chapter 16 methodist book concern.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... and embittered many of those moments employed in gratifying ... both of men, women, and
children, not sparing ... of the insinuating benign favour of female influence. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

The Evangelical Revival.
... did, as a common privilege of the children of God ... not insult a female"only if the
female had been ... of his voyages from America, Whitefield employed his leisure ...
/.../chapter ix the evangelical revival.htm