The story of the Bible us most often told as the story of men, from patriarchs to prophets, kings, disciples and apostles. But women are there, sometimes in the background, sometimes striding powerfully onto the stage. Their stories are frequently moving, prophetic and often good news. Sometimes they experience appalling violence and abuse, which needs to be named. In some examples, their behaviour is less than appealing and power is misused – which needs acknowledgement and exploration. In this volume, Bruce and Shercliff continue to explore the stories of the women of the bible, offering exegesis and comment, enabling preachers, and readers with a more general interest, to encounter and appreciate more of the female characters in scripture. Again, they seek to inspire imaginative approaches in preachers, combining commentary and homiletic textbook.

Revd Dr Kate Bruce is an Anglican priest, working as an RAF Chaplain, with a PhD in homiletics. She is a published author with a love of written language and the spoken word, especially preaching.

Liz Shercliff is on the academic staff of the Luther King Centre, Manchester and has completed a doctorate on women's preaching.