When we hear the phrase “power couple,” we usually envision rich and famous people like movie stars, athletes, CEOs and business owners, those who are not only successful in their own right but also faithfully support one another’s endeavors as well. They are the ultimate examples of success and love.
Many may not think that couples from the Bible would fit the same category. Usually, we think of couples who struggled more than succeeded. such as Adam and Eve, Abraham and Sarah, and Jacob, Rebekah, and Leah.
However, there are several couples whose testimonies epitomize the term “power couple,” but they didn’t get these titles because they were rich or famous (well, two were kings). It is mainly from the biblical lessons they displayed through their relationships with one another, teaching all the true merits of Christianity and couplehood we can all benefit from (whether single or married).
These couples faced their fair share of hardships as well as triumphs. Yet, in the face of difficulties, the lessons they offer to believers come to light.
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1. Isaac and Rebekah – Importance of Prayer as a Couple
The story of Isaac and Rebekah is one that seems like it could have come out of a romantic comedy. Rebekah and Isaac were brought together after Isaac’s father, Abraham, wanted to find a wife for his son. Everything seemed to come together for the couple, as they fell in love and took the steps to become husband and wife.
However, the road to parenthood was a struggle for Isaac and Rebekah, as Rebekah struggled to become pregnant. But, instead of blaming God or themselves for this struggle, they went to the Lord in prayer, and Isaac asked God to bless Rebekah with being able to conceive. Eventually, she did (Genesis 25:21). Their example of prayer shows believers that couples should always go to God in prayer for anything they are going through, good or bad, because coming together in prayer on the same matter is meaningful to God and strengthens the couple’s faith.
2. Ruth and Boaz – Humility Is More Beautiful Than Power or Riches
Many see in Ruth and Boaz’s story themes of handling of grief and serving God as He brings blessings into your life. However, there is more to be learned from this biblical power couple.
Ruth was married to another man before meeting Boaz, but he sadly died, along with his brother and father. Ruth’s mother-in-law, Naomi, decided to travel to her homeland and live in depression over her grief, but Ruth decided to follow and take care of her as she tried to figure out what to do next. In taking care of her, Ruth gleaned wheat from one of the fields owned by Boaz, who admired her character and willingness to do hard labor to support herself and her mother-in-law. She equally admired his character. Even though they had fallen in love, Boaz honored the fact that another relative had to consider her for marriage before he could. When the relative declined to marry Ruth, Boaz asked for her hand in marriage.
Both demonstrate that humility is more impressive than power or riches. Humility is a value few have that speaks volumes to who you believe in and how you live your life. Ruth was humble enough to work hard to support her family while Boaz was humble enough to possibly let someone else marry the woman that he loved, only because it was traditional and honorable.
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3. Hannah and Elkanah – Love and Support Overcomes Tragedy
This story of Hannah and Elkanah is one of my personal favorites. As Hannah journeys to reach motherhood, she and her husband Elkanah give a life lesson in love and support that many of us can learn from.
If you aren’t familiar with her story, Hannah had trouble conceiving a child, which was heightened by the fact that Elkanah’s other wife was very fertile and made sure to let Hannah know of this regularly. Even though Elkanah didn’t understand why Hannah was upset when she had the love of her husband, he did everything he could to show his support for her through care, food, and attention.
Finally, Hannah went to the temple and prayed to God to help her in this situation, even promising to commit the child He would give her back to Him. This shows that Hannah knew God was the only one who could heal this situation for her and Elkanah. After praying, she returned home to take care of herself and be with her husband. Soon, God brought a miracle: the arrival of their son, Samuel.
4. King David and Abigail – Two Heads Are Better Than One
King David is a man whom several admire and will readily admit was a powerful man in his day, so how could his wife Abigail add to that impressive character? Even though she was his third wife, she had a level head about herself that King David appreciated. When her husband at the time, Nabal, was willing to wage war against King David, Abigail intervened with gifts and asked for forgiveness for her foolish husband.
King David was so taken by Abigail’s brave act that when Nabal died, he took her as his wife and a valuable resource to his kingdom. Abigail shows her wisdom in recognizing that reason could prevent a disaster, and that working together as a couple could lead to better results than being at odds with one another. King David noticed this enough that he wanted Abigail to be in his life.
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5. King Xerxes and Esther – Standing Up for What Is Right
Finally, we reflect on King Xerxes and Esther, a story that could have been worse if it weren’t for Esther’s intervention. Their story goes that Esther was picked to be King Xerxes’ new wife, even though Esther was of a different faith than the king (which he wasn’t aware of). When Esther learned of a plot to kill the Jews in her kingdom, she took the brave step of addressing the king and inviting him to a dinner where she exposed the culprit of the plot. King Xerxes not only executed the culprit but praised Esther for her efforts and saved her people.
This power couple show us that when wrong is being done and the right thing to do is stand up against it, God will prevail in your situation and relationship. Their relationship grew stronger through their individual efforts of fighting injustice, and they went on to ensure the Jewish people continue to live on.
Power couples are usually viewed as those who have everything going for them, both professionally and personally. However, in the Bible, these power couples show us that riches and fame can’t overpower the values of God. Faced with challenging situations, they sought the Lord and followed His example of faith, leading to greater blessings for each other and those around them.
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Originally published January 28, 2025.
