As one ponders over a list of Old Testament saints, one finds all classes and characters associated together and wonders what bond links them. They knew nothing clearly of the value of the blood of Christ, but they had this in common — they were all the children of faith. They all believed God—not about Him, but believed in Him as a person and what He said to them. Faith is the bridge over which they all passed from time to a glorious eternity. We would suggest as an interesting study that the grounds on which each is admitted into the list be searched out and classified. Those whose faith is recorded might be placed in one list, while those whose works or lives would indicate a new life in a second list. Such a study gives insight into the fundamental principles of godly character which always remain the same.
The following are a few women we have put in our two lists. Five that we have placed in our first list are Sarah, Jochebed, Rahab, Hannah and Huldah. We put the following twelve in our second list: Eve, Hagar, Rebekah, Rachel, Leah, Shiphrah, Puah, Miriam, Ruth, the wife of Phinehas, Abigail and Esther.
Bible Student, Volume 2, 1882 (adapted)