In this article, we will explore the world of princesses of the Bible. So, grab your Bible…it’s going to be interesting.
In our modern world, the first thing we think of when we think of princesses is a Disney character or some medieval princess needing to be rescued from a random tower. But princesses in the real world are a lot different. Especially those of ancient of the ancient world.
And today we are going to explore princesses of the Bible. I thought it would be fitting to add this article after writing about 16 Queens of the Bible. We will cover 6 different princesses, 4 from the Old Testament and 2 from the New Testament.
And don’t forget to check out other fun Bible topics, like unicorns and mermaids. Yup, in the Bible!
What Makes Someone A Princesses?
Well, if you ask any 5-year-old girl if she is a princess I can guarantee she is going to say yes! But that doesn’t make you a real princess, even if you put a costume on with a crown. Though I would never tell a little girl that.
According to LiveScience we see that a princess is the daughter or granddaughter of a royal monarch.
“Princesses are usually the daughters or granddaughters of a king or queen. Traditionally, a “commoner,” or a woman possessing no royal rank, can gain the title of princess by marrying a prince, with the possibility of later becoming a queen.” (source)
And the princesses in the Bible below are just that!
Princesses Of the Bible
I have broken up the princesses into two sections: Old Testament and New Testament. I warn you that if you have never looked at these individuals’ lives. Get ready for a little shock. These are not Disney princesses stories, I’ll give you that.
Old Testament Princesses
Michal – Daughter of King Saul
Princess Michal was the daughter of King Saul and the one that was offered to anyone who could kill the giant Goliath. David, a young shepherd boy, defeated the giant with just a sling and stone.
Scripture says that Michal loved David, and that’s the kind of princess story we want to read. But that was not their happy ending. David was a man after God’s own heart and when they brought the ark back to the house of Israel, David was so happy he danced with all his might.
Apparently, Michal despised how David worshipped God. She went from loving to despise pretty quick. This caused her womb to be closed. She never bore David any children.
Thus Saul saw and knew that the Lord was with David, and that Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved him; – 1 Samuel 18:28
Then David danced before the Lord with all his might; and David was wearing a linen ephod. 15 So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouting and with the sound of the trumpet.
16 Now as the ark of the Lord came into the City of David, Michal, Saul’s daughter, looked through a window and saw King David leaping and whirling before the Lord; and she despised him in her heart. – 2 Samuel 6:14-16
Then David returned to bless his household. And Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and said, “How glorious was the king of Israel today, uncovering himself today in the eyes of the maids of his servants, as one of the base fellows shamelessly uncovers himself!” So David said to Michal, “It was before the Lord, who chose me instead of your father and all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the Lord, over Israel. Therefore I will play music before the Lord. – 2 Samuel 6:20-21
Tamar – Daughter of King David
The story of princess Tamar is extremely sad. Born and raised in the royal house of David. Her half brother Amnon became obsessed with her. Long story short, he tricked her (and others) into thinking he was sick, and that’s when he raped her. Afterwards, he threw her out of his room.
When word reached King David, he did nothing. I still don’t understand this, but that’s what the Bible says. Absalom, Tamar’s full brother, was furious at Amnon and his father. This led to Absalom’s betrayal and wanting to overthrow his father’s throne.
But the sad thing is in ancient times, since princess Tamar was no longer a virgin, she would not be allowed to marry and never have her own family. Her life was ruined by her selfish and cruel brother, Amnon.
Then Tamar put ashes on her head, and tore her robe of many colors that was on her, and laid her hand on her head and went away crying bitterly. -2 Samuel 13:19
Basemath and Taphath – Daughters of King Solomon
Now, not much is said of Princess Basemath and Princess Taphath. What we know is that they were sisters and that their father, King Solomon gave them husbands. Ben-Abinadab was from Dor which is in northern Israel near the coast. While Princess Basemath was married to Ahimaaz who was from the northern part of Israel but inland.
Their father Solomon may have done this so that his daughters would report to their father the things they saw and heard in Northern Israel.
Ben-Abinadab, in all the regions of Dor; he had Taphath the daughter of Solomon as wife; – 1 Kings 4:11
Ahimaaz, in Naphtali; he also took Basemath the daughter of Solomon as wife; – 1 Kings 4:15
New Testament Princesses
The next two are actually mother and daughter, both princesses and horrible ones at that.
Herodias: Daughter of King Herod
Princess Herodias was married twice and according to historian Josephus..
Herodias took upon her to confound the laws of our country, and divorced herself from her husband while he was alive, and was married to Herod Antipas
Josephus
The thing is Herod Antipas also divorced his wife for Herodias. Well, John the baptist decided they should be called out on this. For it was a manipulation of the laws of the country AND against the Torah. She was trying to live above the law…..she was taking this princess thing to heart.
Well, John the baptist made Herodias angry to the point she wanted to kill him. Pretty drastic is you asked me. But it was her that caused the beheading of John, but she used her daughter to do it. What a great a mom. <–insert sarcasm
But when Herod heard, he said, “This is John, whom I beheaded; he has been raised from the dead!” 17 For Herod himself had sent and laid hold of John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife; for he had married her. 18 Because John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” 19 Therefore Herodias held it against him and wanted to kill him, but she could not; – Mark 6: 16-19
Salome – Daughter of Herod Philip and Herodias, Granddaughter of King Herod
Princess Herodias uses Princess Salome, which is her daughter, to dance at King Herod’s birthday. Apparently she really knew how to cut a rug and he said to her…”ask me whatever you want, and I will give it to you….even up to half my kingdom.”
What an opportunity to gain wealth, power, position, maybe a new crown! It was more like Salome’s birthday instead of Herods.
But you know what she did?? She went and asked her mom, Herodias.
BAD IDEA.
She wanted the head of John Baptist. Talk about morbid and sadistic! The crazy thing is Salome does what she asks and even adds “on a platter“. Now, we don’t know if this is because she feared her mom or if she was evil like her. But this entire story is horrific.
Then an opportune day came when Herod on his birthday gave a feast for his nobles, the high officers, and the chief men of Galilee. 22 And when Herodias’ daughter herself came in and danced, and pleased Herod and those who sat with him, the king said to the girl, “Ask me whatever you want, and I will give it to you.” 23 He also swore to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half my kingdom.”
24 So she went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask?”
And she said, “The head of John the Baptist!”
25 Immediately she came in with haste to the king and asked, saying, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.”
26 And the king was exceedingly sorry; yet, because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he did not want to refuse her. 27 Immediately the king sent an executioner and commanded his head to be brought. And he went and beheaded him in prison, – Mark 6:21-27
We have covered 6 Biblical princesses and talk about some of them being crazy ladies. But it also teaches us something about when we are placed in a position of power that we can either use it for evil or for good.
I hope you have enjoyed this study and that it has stirred your heart to grow in God’s Word. If you feel like sharing a comment, you can do so below. I would love to hear from you!
Melissa is a passionate minister, speaker and an ongoing learner of the Bible. She has been involved in church and vocational ministry for over 18 years. And is the founder of Think About Such Things. She has the heart to equip the saints by helping them get into the Word of God and fall more in love with Jesus. She also enjoys family, cooking, and reading.
She has spoken in churches in California, Oregon, Texas, and Mexico and has been featured in Guidepost Magazine and All Recipes Magazine. Read More…
Nancy
Monday 21st of February 2022
Wow😲 this is so so interesting. I learnt something new today and moreso power can be very intoxicating. May God help us that when we are in a position of power and authority, we should use it according to the word of God. Yes, power can be used for good or evil but God will lead us right in this aspect. Thank you, this is worth sharing with my children in Church. God bless you.