What does the Bible say about daughters?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Throughout the Bible God refers to the nation of Israel and anyone who follows Him as His sons and daughters. Specifically, God sometimes refers to the nation of Israel as the "daughter of Zion" or "daughter of Jerusalem". God's use of the word "daughter" to refer to His people demonstrates His loving demeanor toward them. The term ‘daughters’ is also used in the Old Testament to refer to women in general or to distinguish a woman as the descendent of an important person. When Jesus healed a woman suffering from illness, He called her ‘daughter’ when He spoke to her. He referred to her with familial and loving terms, restoring her spiritually and socially. Jesus demonstrated God's compassionate love for His people, women and children included. In Christ, we are God's children, both sons and daughters, whom He loves abundantly.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Israel was sometimes referred to by God as either ‘the daughter of Jerusalem’ or the ‘daughter of Zion’ (2 Kings 19:21, Isaiah 62:11).
• Daughters are also specifically mentioned in the context of prophecy such as women who will receive the Holy Spirit and be equipped for ministry (Joel 2:28-29).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• When Jesus healed a woman suffering from a bleeding illness after she touched His robe, she came forward, confessing she did so. He showed her great love and referred to her as ‘daughter’. Shortly after, He raised a young girl back to life, using the endearing word ‘Talitha’, meaning little girl, when He spoke to her (Mark 5:21-42).
• When Jesus was being crucified, He referred to the women mourning around Him as ‘daughters of Jerusalem’, showing His care for them (Luke 23:28).
• Our acceptance of Christ, whether it be man or woman, gives us the place as children of God (John 1:12).
• When we become followers of Christ, His Spirit comes to live in us, making us a temple and sons and daughters of God (2 Corinthians 6:16, 18).
• Women who were submissive to their husbands and honored them were called daughters of Sarah because Sarah was submissive to and honored her husband, Abraham (1 Peter 3:6).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

God is the all-powerful creator of the universe and yet He desires to have a personal relationship with each one of us. This is made possible through Jesus Christ. Our relationship with God is very similar to the relationship between a father and his children. As our Father, God loves us, protects us, provides for us, disciplines us, guides us, and encourages us. As His children we should love Him, honor and respect Him, obey Him, and bring Him joy. Both men and women are invited to be children of God through Jesus Christ, and both men and women are filled with the Holy Spirit and equipped to minister in God’s kingdom when they become His sons and daughters. God’s love for His children is beyond comprehension. He is the perfect Father. If you are His daughter, you can trust Him wholeheartedly and find rest in His love.

UNDERSTAND

• ‘Daughters’ is used throughout Scripture to refer to the nation of Israel and all who follow God.
• We become God’s sons and daughters when we accept Him as Savior and are welcomed into His family.
• As daughters of God, we honor Him as our Father and follow Him wholeheartedly.

REFLECT

• How do you personally experience God’s love and care as your Father?
• How can you deepen your trust and relationship with God as your heavenly Father?
• How does understanding yourself as a son or daughter of God affect the way you view your identity and purpose?

ENGAGE

• How does the Bible’s portrayal of “daughters” shape our understanding of God’s relationship with His people?
• What can we learn from Jesus’ compassionate use of “daughter” when interacting with women in the Bible?
• How can we encourage one another to live as faithful sons and daughters who honor God in today’s world?