Bible Characters & Figures

Adam

Adam was the first human, and male ever to be created. God created him by blowing life into dirt. His partner, the first female to ever be created, Eve, was created from his rib. Listening to the snake's sophistry, Eve was convinced to try fruit from the forbidden tree of knowledge, who then convinced Adam. God was furious and exiled him and Eve from the Garden of Eden forever. Adam was the father of Cain and Abel.

Eve

Eve was the second human but first female to ever be created. She was created from Adam's rib. Her downfall came when the snake led her with sophistry to eat the fruit from the forbidden Tree of Knowledge. She then convinced Adam to do the same, bringing a sense of morality and sin to the human race forever. God was infuriated and exiled them from the Garden of Eden where they would have to work for their food. She is the mother of Cain and Abel.

Cain

Cain was the oldest child of Adam and Eve and he was the first human being to have been born vaginaly. He was a Shepard. He murders his younger brother, Able, out of jealousy. As a punishment he was exiled, and lived with a mark on his forehead. After settling in Nod, he found a wife (however, her name remains unknown) who gave birth to their son, Hanoch.

Abel

Able was the second son of Adam and Eve. Able, a crop farmer, gave the best of his crops in a sacrifice to God, however, his brother, Cain, a shepard, sacrificed the worst of his animals. God naturally accepted Able's sacrifice over Cain's sacrifices. Out of jealousy, Able was murdered by his older brother Cain.

Aaron

Aaron was son of Amram and Yochevyed and the older brother to Moses, but the younger brother to Miriam. When negotiating the release of the Israelites from slavery, with Pharaoh, God often told Moses to tell Aaron the message, and Aaron would relay the messages. In addition, with the help of God, and instructions of Moses, the first three plagues were brought on by Aaron. He was also the first High Priest. Although, overall, Aaron was an amazing person, he was also the one responsible for the sin of the Golden Calf. Him and Miriam also spoke unfairly about their brother Moses.

Moses

Moses was the last child born to Amram and Yocheved and the brother of Aaron and Miriam. He was born three-months prematurely, and so Yocheved hid him in her house for the very beginning of his life. However, after she was no-longer able to conceal him, she wove him a basket, sealed with tar (on the outside) and placed him in the Nile river. Miriam was sent to look after him. The daughter of Pharaoh found him and raised him as her own. Although he was raised as an Egyptian prince, he always felt a longing towards the Israelites, and sympathized with them. After being forced to run away to Midyan, he becomes a Shepherd and marries Tziporah, the daughter of the Midianite Priest, Yitro. He has two children in Midian, Gershom, and Eliezer. God revealed himself to Moses for the first time in the encounter with the burning bush. From then on, Moses had to take on the burden of leading the Israelites to the land of Israel (Canaan). However, he never reaches Israel as a punishment for disobeying God. Although he sometimes was fed up with the Israelites, he constantly prayed on their behalf and tried to help them. He was known to be the only prophet who had direct communication with God as we know it.

Abraham

Abraham was one of the sons of Terah and the brother of Nahor and Haran. He was the first Patriarch and the first person known to accept monotheism as we know it today. He had three wives: Serai, later named Sarah, his main wife; Keturah; and Hagar, his concubine. With Keturah, he had six sons, Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. With Hagar, he had Ishmael. At 100 years old, he had Isaac with Sarah, who would later be known to be the second Patriarch. God promises Abraham that he would be a father of a great nation, and gives Abraham a set of 10 tests, each one harder, in order to test Abraham's faith; Abraham passes all 10. He also took care of his nephew, Lot, for a while. Abraham was well known in his community as he was very wealthy and had an army of 318 men. He is characterized by his kindness towards others.

Absalom

Absalom was the third son to king David, with his wife Maachah. He was known for his beauty, charm, and long hair. He led a rebellion against his father and during the Battle of Ephraim Wood, he was killed because his hair was caught on a tree and hanged.

Bathsheba (Bat Sheva)

Bathsheba (Bat Sheva), the daughter of Eilam (also known as Ammiel in the first book of Chronicles), was originally married to Uriah the Hittite. After watching her bathe on her roof, David instantly fell in love with her and impregnated her. After countless attempts to conceal this, David tried to convince Uriah to consummate their marriage, however he refused. In an effort to have him die, he commanded Yoav, his general to put Uriah in the front of the battle lines, shortly thereafter, Uriah was killed. Their first child together, unnamed, was struck with disease as punishment by God and died a few days later, however, afterwards, David and Bathsheba conceived King Solomon.

King David

King David is the youngest of eight sons to Jesse of Bethlehem. He came from the trouble of Judah. When he was still a small Shepherd boy, he killed the Philistine giant, Goliath, with a slingshot. He then-after became the most vaunted servant of King Saul (the first Israelite king), however, shortly thereafter, King Saul realized that he was threatened by David and went on a rampage, trying to kill David. Eventually, David does become the new king of Israel. Not including concubines, he had eight wives: Michal, Ahinoam, Abigail, Maachah, Haggith, Avital, Englah, and Bethseba. He was known to be the greatest Israelite king

Delilah

Delilah, a Philistine beauty from Soreq was sent by the Philistine Priests, to uncover the secret of the Nazir, Samson's, strength. After much persuasion, Sampson finally gave her the correct answer; because Nazirs were never to cut their hair (among other restrictions), the source of his strength came from his hair. She slept with him and tricked him into cutting his hair.

Elijah (Elias or Eliyahu)

Elijah (Elias) was one of the two famous zealots of God in the Old Testament (Phineas was the other), specifically during the reign of King Ahab. He is the only one known to enter heaven alive, and then comes back. He was constantly challenged with teaching all types of people, from all walks of life, morality.

Esau

Esau, although the twin of Jacob, was known to be the first son of Isaac and Rebecca (he did leave the womb first). He was also known for being a "man of the field," (Genesis 25:27). He is recognized by being covered in red hair and his beast-like behavior. Eventually, without thinking of the future, he traded his birthright to his younger brother, Jacob, for some lentil soup.

Esther (Hadassah)

Esther (Hadassah) was the orphaned daughter of Abihail and the cousin (commonly misconstrued as niece) of Mordecai, who took her in as his daughter. After King Ahasuerus (most likely) killed his former wife, Vashti, for disobeying his orders to appear in front of the King's party, nude, wearing her royal crown, Esther became the new Queen of Persia. After the Evil Haman decreed the destruction of the Jewish people, Queen Esther heroically saved the Jews, earning herself a book in the Bible.

Goliath

Goliath was the giant sent from the Philistines to go and fight the Israelites during the reign of King Saul. With the help of God, he was killed by King David's slingshot.

Lot

Lot was the son of Haran and the nephew of Abraham. He was born in Ur of the Chaldees. After the Shepherds of Abraham and the Shepherds of Lot found themselves in a querelle, Abraham decided that it was best for him and Lot to separate. Lot chose to live in the corrupt Sodom. Learning from Abraham's hospitality, when the angels came to Sodom to rescue him (although he did not yet know that they were angels), he invited them in as guest. However, when the people of Sodom find out that Lot has guests, and angry mob encircles Lot's house. Lot is so carried away with "hospitality" that he offers up his daughters in place of the guests. Towards the end of his life, his daughters intoxicate him, and he impregnates them.

King Saul

King Saul was the son of Kish, the Benjaminite and the first king of the Israelites. With his wife, Ahinoam, he had six children: Jonathan (male); Abinadab (male); Malchishua (male); Ish-Bosheth (male); Merab (female); and Michal (female). His concubine wes Ritzpah, with whom he had two sons, Armoni and Mephibosheth. Although he had some strong moments as king, he often disobeyed God. He eventually committed suicide on Mount Gilboa.

King Solomon (Jedidiah)

King Solomon (Jedidiah) was known to be the wisest of the Israelite kings. He was the son of King David and Bathsebah (Bat Shevah). His other brothers from Bathsheba were Nathan, Shammua, and Shobab. He built the first temple in Jerusalem, which his father was unable to do because he had too much war on his hands. Although in many ways he was an amazing king, he had 700 wives and 300 concubines, which was forbidden.

Mordecai

Mordecai, the Benjominite Jew, lived in Shushan (Susa) during the reign of King Ahasuerus. He took in his orphaned cousin, Esther (Hadassah), as a daughter. Due to his strong belief in God, he refused to bow down to the evil Haman. As a result, Haman decreed the destruction of the Jewish people. In despair, he started mourning. Esther found out and she realized that it was up to her to save the Jewish people.

Isaac (Yitzchak)

Isaac (Yitzchak), was the first son that Abraham had with Sarah, and the second Patriarch. He and his wife Rebecca had twin, Jacob and Esau. In Abraham's last test, God commanded Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, and Isaac complied, however, as a reward for their faith, Isaac was not sacrificed.

Jacob (Yaakov)

Jacob (Yaakov) was the third Patriarch and the son of Isaac (Yitzchak). His twin was Esau. Jacob was known to be that twin with morales. He convinced his brother Esau to trade his birthright for lentil soup. He was married to Leah & Rachel, the daughters of Laban, and Bilha & Zilpa, their maids, however, he really only had the intention of marrying Rachel. He gave birth to the twelve tribes, and to a daughter, Dina.

Sarah (Sarai)

Sarah (Sarai) was the first Matriarch of the Jewish people. She was married to Abraham. For the first 99 years of her life, she was barren, however, God gave her Isaac when she was 99 years old. She was known for her kindness and hospitality.

Rebecca (Rivka)

Rebecca (Rivka) was the second Matriarch and the husband of Isaac. She was also the daughter of Betuel and the brother of Laban. When she was just four years old, she saw Abraham's servant, Elazar, with his tired donkeys, and fetched them water. Immediately, Elazar, knew that she would be perfect for Isaac. She is also known for her wisdom, as she helped Jacob appeal to Isaac for his rightful blessing of the first born.

Rachel

Rachel was the daughter of Laban, and the sister of Leah. She is the third Matriarch. She is known for her kindness. She was originally supposed to marry Jacob first, however, Laban tricked Jacob and had him marry Leah first. Rachel helped her sister Leah not feel embarrassed about this. Her sons were Joseph and Benjamin.

Leah

Leah was the fourth Matriarch, the daughter of Laban, and the sister of Rachel. Although she was not supposed to, Laban married her off to Jacob instead of Rachel. Her children are: Dina, Ruben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulon.

Deborah

Deborah was a prophetess and the fourth judge of the Israelites. She was also the only female judge. Her assistant general was Barack. She led the Israelites in a battle against Sisra and won. Later, she wrote a song thanking God.

Miriam

Miriam the prophetess is the eldest daughter of Amram and Yocheved, and the sister of Moses and Aaron. She watched her brother, Moses, as he traveled through the Nile. After the Exodus, she wrote a song thanking God. She was most likely married to Calev, and thus she was the mother of Hur. Although she was amazing in so many ways, like all leaders, nobody is perfect and she made mistakes. Her and her brother Aaron spoke harshly about Moses and so she contracted "tzara'at." She died in a place called Kadesh which was located in the desert of Tzin.

Samuel

Samuel the prophet prophesied during Saul's reign.

Ruth

Ruth was a righteous Moabite woman. She stays and cares for her bereaved mother in law, Naomi and collects the fallen crop at her "Brother-in-law"'s field, Boaz. They got married.

Bilhah

Bilhah was the handmaid of the Matriarch, Rachel, and the concubine of the Patriarch, Jacob, given to him by Rachel, as Rachel was unable to bear children. According to the apocryphal Testament of Naphtali, Bilhah and Zilpah (the handmaid of Leah, and Jacob's other concubine) were both sisters, to the father Rotheus and the mother Euna. In addition, the Bible briefly describes how she engaged in sexual activities with her step-son, Reuben, which angered Jacob (Genesis 35:22). Her children were: Dan and Naphtali.

Zilpah

Zilpah was the handmaid of the Matriarch, Leah, and the concubine of the Patriarch, Jacob, given to him by Leah, probably just because Rachel gave Jacob her concubine as well. According to the apocryphal Testament of Naphtali, Zilpah and Bilhah (the handmaid of Rachel, and Jacob's other concubine) were both sisters, to the father Rotheus and the mother Euna. Her children were: Gad and Asher.

Reuben

Reuben was the eldest son of the Patriarch, Jacob and the Matriarch, Leah. He was the head of the Tribe of Reuben. Genises 35 briefly describes the sexual relationship that he had with his step mother, Bilhah, which angered Jacob. In addition, after the Matriarch, Rachel (Jacob's favorite wife), had died, he moved his fathers bed into the tent of Leah, again, angering his father. However, Reuben was also the one who convinced his other brothers not to kill Joseph, rather, to throw him into a pit. There is no mention of Reuben's wife/wives in the bible, however, his children were: Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi. He was born in Padan-Aram.

Simeon (Shimon)

Simeon (Shimon) was the second son of the Patriarch, Jacob and the Matriarch, Leah. He was the head of the Tribe of Simeon. Simeon was known to be exceptionally strong; when his sister, Dina, was raped by Shechem, when Simeon was only 14 years old, him and his brother, Levi slaughtered all the men of Shechem's city, and captured 100 women. In addition, when Joseph framed Benjamin as a robber and wanted to imprison Benjamin, Simeon begged to be taken instead of Benjamin. He was born in Padan-Aram. There is no mention of Simeon's wife/wives in the bible, however, his children were: Jemuel; Jamin; Ohad; Jachin; Zohar; and Shaul.

Levi

Levi was the third son of the Patriarch, Jacob and the Matriarch, Leah. He was the head of the Tribe of Levi. When his sister, Dina, was raped by Shechem, him and his brother, Simeon, slaughtered all the men of Shechem's city, and captured 100 women. He was born in Padan-Aram. There is no mention of Levi's wife/wives in the bible, however, his children were: Gershon; Kohath; and Merari. The priests and Moses came and were Levites (specifically descending from Kohath).

Gershon

Gershon was the eldest son of Levi. When transporting the tabernacle (the mishkan and the tent of meeting), the Gershonites had to carry: the curtains of the tabernacle; the covering made of "tachash" skin that laid upon the previously mentioned curtains; the screen of the entrance to the Tent of Meeting; the hangings of the courtyard; the screen at the entrance of the gate of the courtyard surrounding the Mishkan and the alter ("mizbeach"); and their ropes (Numbers, 4:24-26).

Kohath (Kehat)

Kohath (Kehat) was the second son of Levi. Amram, the father of Miriam, Aaron, and Moses, was the son of Kohath. The priests (Aaronites) were a direct descendent of Kohath. When the Israelites were traveling in the desert, the Kohathites were responsible for dealing with the Holy of Holies, within the Tent of Meeting (Numbers, 4:4-20).

Merari

Merari was the third son of Levi. According to Numbers, 4:29-33, the Merarites had to carry the following t\from the tent of meeting: the planks of the Mishkan, along with its bars, pillars and sockets; the pillars of the courtyard, along with, its sockets, its pegs, and its ropes.

Judah (Yehudah)

Judah (Yehudah) was the fourth son of the Patriarch, Jacob and the Matriarch, Leah. He was the head to the Tribe of Judah. It was Judah's decision to sell Joseph to the Ishmaelites instead of letting him die in a pit. However, in Egypt he redeems himself by pleading for Benjamin's life. Judah's wife was the daughter of the Canaanite, Shuah, however, we do not know her name. His children were: Er; Onan; and Shelah. He was born in Padan-Aram.

Tamar

Tamar's first husband was Er, the son of Judah. God killed Er because he displeased God. Due to the traditions of Levirate Marriage, Tamar then married Onan. Onan refused his seed to Tamar, and so God killed him as well. She was supposed to then be wed to Shelah, however, Judah wanted her to wait until Shelah was older. Judah never returned to Tamar. Out of desperation, Tamar dressed up as a prostitute and tricked Judah into having intercoarse with her. Judah impregnated her. When Judah found out that she was pregnant, he wanted to kill her but then he abnegated when she was able to prove to him that he was the one who impregnated her.

Issachar (Yissachar)

Issachar (Yissachar) was the ninth son of the Patriarch, Jacob and the fifth son of the Matriarch, Leah. He was the head of the Tribe of Issachar. According to the Bible alone, the wife/wives of Issachar is unknown. His children were: Tola; Puvvah; Iob; and Shimron. He was born in Padan-Aram.

Zebulun

Zebulun was the sixth son of the Patriarch, Jacob and the Matriarch, Leah. He was the head to the Tribe of Zebulun. His wife/wives remain unknown. His children were: Sered; Elon; and Jahleel. He was born in Padan-Aram.

Jahleel

Jahleel was one of the sons of Zebulon and was one of the 70 people to go down with Jacob to Egypt.

Jahzeel

Jahzeel was one of the sons of Naphtali and was one of the 70 people to go down with Jacob to Egypt.

Jahzeiah

Jahzeiah was the son of Tikvah who opposed the prohibition that Ezra made, which prohibited the marriage of Israelites to foreign women.

Japhia

Japhia was one of the five Amorite kings, specifically the king of Lachish, who lost to Joshuah. He was found, killed, and buried at the cave of Makkedah.

Jarha

Jarha was the Egyptian slave of Sheshan who then married Sheshan's daughter.

Jecholiah

Jecholiah was the wife of King Amaziah (Judah), and the mother of King Azariah (Judah).

Jeiel

Jeiel was the scribe of King Uzziah (Judah).

Abdeel

Abdeel was the father of Shelemiah who was one of the three men to be commanded by King Jehoiakim to capture the prophet, Jeremiah, and his assistant, Baruch Ben Neriah.

Dan

Dan was the fifth son of the Patriarch, Jacob and the first son of Jacob's concubine, Bilhah. He was the head of the Tribe of Dan. The only child of his that is mentioned in the Bible is Hushim. He was born in Padan-Aram.

Naphtali

Naphtali was the sixth son of the Patriarch, Jacob and the second son of Jacob's concubine, Bilhah. He was the head of the Tribe of Naphtali. Naphtali's wife/wives remain unknown. His children were: Jahzeel: Guni: Jezer; and Shillem. He was born in Padan-Aram.

Gad

Gad was the seventh son of the Patriarch, Jacob and the first son of Jacob's concubine, Zilpah. He was the head of the Tribe of Gad. Gad's wife/wives remain unknown, However, he probably had two wives based on the wording in Genesis, 46:16. His children were: Ziphion; Haggi; Shuni; Ezbon; Eri; Arodi; and Areli. He was born in Padan-Aram.

Asher

Asher was the eighth son of the Patriarch, Jacob and the second son of Jacob's concubine, Zilpah. He was the head of the Tribe of Asher. Asher's wife was named Iyon. His sons were: Imnah; Ishvah; Ishvi; and Briah. His daughter was Serach. He was born in Padan-Aram.

Serach Bat Asher (Serah the daughter of Asher)

Serach Bat Asher was the daughter of Asher. She is the only one of Jacob's granddaughters mentioned in the bible. Not only that, she was the only one to be mentioned entering and leaving Egypt with the Israelites, making her over 210 years old!

Joseph (Yoseph)

Joseph was the eleventh son of the Patriarch, Jacob and the eldest son of the Matriarch, Rachel (Jacob's favorite wife). Instead of Patriarching his own tribe, his two sons: Ephraim and Menasseh are Patriarchs to their own tribes. Joseph was Jacob's favorite son and so Jacob gave him a striped coat (of many colors). As a result his brother were jealous. Joseph had two dreams that implied supremacy and angered his brothers further. Eventually, after deciding not to kill him directly, his brothers threw him into an empty pit, without water (Rashi: but it had a lot of snakes and scorpions). He was then sold to the Ishmalites and became the slave, then rose up to become the head of the servants to his slave-master, Potiphar. During this time, Eshet Potiphar (literally meaning "wife of Potiphar), tried to lie with Joseph. When Jospeh refused and tried to escape, she grabbed his garment and used it as proof that he raped her (which he did not). As a result, he was thrown in Jail, and, with the help of God, he correctly interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh's baker and winemaker who were in jail with him. When the Pharaoh had a dream that was hard to decipher, Joseph was summoned to interpret these dreams. After, with the help of God, correctly interpreted Pharaoh's dream, Joseph became the vizier, under Pharaoh, in Egypt. Eventually, his brothers in Canaan, affected by the famine, come to Egypt to ask for food. Not realizing that Joseph was the Vizier, the brothers begged Joseph for food/ Joseph, realizing that they were his brothers, sent them back to Egypt to fetch Benjamin (but still didn't reveal his true identity). When Benjamine came up, Joseph gave all of the brothers food, but then he framed Benjamin as a robber. Simeon begged to take Benjamin's place. Then, Joseph revealed his identity. The rest of the brothers returned to their father, Jacob, and brought him up with the rest of the family to Egypt. Joseph's wife was Asenath (Osnat) and his children were: Ephraim and Menasseh. He was born in Padan-Aram.

Benjamin

Benjamin was the twelfth son of the Patriarch, Jacob and the second son of the Matriarch, Rachel (Jacob's favorite wife). Rachel died in childbirth with Benjamin. He was the head to the Tribe of Benjamin. After Joseph was sold to the Ishmaelites, Benjamin became Jacob's new favorite son. In Egypt, Joseph framed him as a Robber, however, Simeon begged Joseph to take the place of Benjamin (in terms of punishment), showing Joseph that the brothers had repented. There is no mention of Benjamin's wife/wives in the bible, however, his children were: Bela; Becher; Ashbel; Gera; Naaman; Ehi; Rosh; Muppim; Huppim; and Ard. He was born in Canaan.

Ephraim

Ephraim was the second son of Joseph and Asenath (Osnat) and the head to the Tribe of Ephraim. According to Numbers, his sons were: Shuthelah; Beker; and Tahan. However, According to I Chronicles, he had eight sons.

Menasseh (Menashe)

Menasseh (Menashe) was the eldest son of Joseph and Asenath (Osnat) and the head of the Tribe of Manasseh. Menasseh had a wife and an Armenian concubine. With his wife he had a son, named Asriel. With his concubine, he had a son, named Machir.

Asenath (Osnat)

Asenath, the daughter of Potipherah, was given to Joseph, by Pharaoh, as a wife. Her children were: Ephraim and Menasseh.

Dina

Dina was the (only) daughter of the Patriarch, Jacob, and the Matriarch, Leah. She was raped by a person, named Shechem, and as a result her brothers, Simeon and Levi killed everyone in Shechem's city and took 100 women captive.

Potiphar

Potiphar was Joseph's slave master in Egypt.

Eshet Potiphar

Eshet Potiphar literally means :the wife of Potiphar." She tried to lie with Joseph, however, Joseph refused. When he tried to escape, she took hold of his garment and kept it as proof that he had raped her (even though he didn't).

Hagar

Hagar was the handmaid of the first Matriarch, Sarah, and the concubine of the first Patriarch, Abraham. Sarah gave her to Abraham as Sarah was initially unable to bear children of her own. Her son was Ishmael. Eventually Sarah had a son, Isaac, and Ishamel mocked him, so she demanded that Hagar and Ishmael be kicked out of Abraham's house. After being kicked out, they find themselves weak and thirsty in the desert. Hagar prays for Ishmael and God gives Ishmael a well.

Ishmael

Ishmael was the first son of the first Patriarch, Abraham, and his concubine, Hagar. He was circumcised at 13 years old with Abraham at 99. After mocking Isaac, he and his mother were cast out of Abraham's house. They settled in the Desert of Paran. His twelve sons were: Nebaioth; Kedar; Adbeel; Mibsam; Mishma; Dummah; Massah; Hadad; Tema; Jetur; Naphish; and Kedemah. He is the head of the Ishmaelites.

Amminadab

Amminadab was the father of Nahshon (Nachshon).

Nachshon Ben Aminadav

Nachshon Ben Aminadav literally means "Nahshon the son of Amminadab." He was the first person to jump into the Red Sea, where it was neck deep.

Baruch Ben Neriah

Baruch Ben Neriah (Baruch the son of Neriah) was the devoted "assistant" of the prophet Jeremiah. Because Jeremiah had to hide from King Jehoakim, Baruch was often sent by Jeremiah to read allowed Jeremiah's prophecies.

King Jehoiakim (Yehoyakim)

King Jehoiakim (Yehoyakim) original name was Eliakim, but when he was placed on the throne it was changed to Jehoiakim. He was appointed by the Egyptian king, King Necho II. During his reign, Nebuchadnezzar II, the Babylonian king, besieged Jerusalem.

Eldad and Meidad

Eldad and Meidad were two of the seventy prophets appointed to help Moses. Joshuah was not in favor of them being prophets, however, Moses reassured Joshuah that this was a good thing. They received prophecies in the camp, instead of by the tabernacle.

Phineas (Pinchas)

Phineas (Pinchas) is known as one of the two main zealots of God, the other one being Elijah (Eliyahu). He turned down the opportunity to be the High Priest. He was the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron. The Midianite and Moabite women were seducing Israelite men, lying with them, and then having them bow down to their believed-Gods (baal-peor). As a result, God brought a plague upon the ISrealites. Zimri and Cosbi were doing this by the tabernacle and so Phineas stabbed his spear right through the two of them, which was said to have ended the plague.

Othniel

Othniel was the son of Kenaz and the nephew of Caleb. He was also the first judge. He took over the city of Debir (Keryat Sepher). He also took over the upper and lower springs of the Negev. He married Caleb's daughter, Achsah.

Ehud ben‑Gera

Ehud ben‑Gera was the second Israelite judge. He was a Benjaminite, sent by God to liberate the Israelites from the Moabites. To kill the fat Moabite King, Eglon, he was able to sneak a sword into the castle, because he was left-handed. The guards of the castle did not expect to see the sword on the right side of him, so they didn't look. When he entered the chambers of the king, Ehud drew his sword and stabbed the Eglon in the stomach. After he closed all the doors so the guards would think that Eglon was sleeping.

Shamgar

Shamgar was the son of Anath and the third Israelite judge, sent by God to liberate the Israelites from the Philistines.

Barack

Barack was the General to the fourth Israelite, Deborah. He was nervous to go fight against King Sisra's troops so Deborah accompanied him. He was the proceeding judge for Deborah. He was a Naphtalite, because his father, Abinoam, was a Naphtalite, however, his mother was a Benjaminite.

Yael

When King Sisra tried to escape Deborah and Barack, he fled to the tent of Yael, the Kenite. Yael gave him warm milk to put him to sleep. When he fell asleep, she took one of her tent pegs and stabbed Sisra in the forehead, killing him. Although she wasn't an Israelite, she is still a heroine.

Gideon (Jerubbaal)

Gideon (Jerubbaal) was the sixth Israelite judge who was sent by God to liberate the Israelites from the Midianites (and Amalakites). The Midianite army surrendered after smart planning on Gideon's part.

Abimelech

Abimelech was the wicked ruler of Shechem during the times of the Judges.

Tola

Tola was the seventh Israelite judge sent by God to liberate the Israelites from Abimelech's reign. He was an Issacharite.

Jair (Yair)

Jair (Yair) was the eighth Israelite judge. He was a Menasseite. He led Israel for 23 years.

Jephthah (Yiphtach)

Jephthah (Yiphtach) was the ninth judge of the ISraelites and judged them for six years. He made a promise involving having to sacrifice his daughter (not realizing the weight of his promise).

Ibzan

Ibzan was the tenth Israelite judge who had thirty sons and thirty daughters. He lead the Israelites for 7 years.

Elon

Elon was the eleventh Israelite Judge and a Zebulunite.

Abdon

Abdon, the son of Hillel, was the twelfth Israelite judge and was an Ephraimite. He was very wealthy. He judged the Israelites for eight years.

Samson (Shimshon)

Samson (Shimshon) was the thirteenth and final judge of Israel. He was a Benjamibite Nazir (a Nazir is someone who has a high status because he is austere with him or herself, for example, they can't cut their hair or drink wine). Because of his Nazirut, he had a lot of strength to defeat the enemies. However, towards the end, Delilah tricked him into cutting his hair and he lost all strength. At the very end of his life, he was tied to pillars at a Philistine sacrificial party. He prayed to God, begging him for one last bit of strength to collapse the pillars which would kill the Philistines, however also result in his death.

Elkanah

Elkanah was the husband of Hannah and Peninah, and the father of Samuel, the prophet. He was a Levite that descended from Kohath.

Nathan the Prophet

Nathan the prophet was a prophet who prophesied during the reign of King David. He is famous for the parable that he told King David after King David sent Uriah the Hittite to die in battle.

Shemaiah

Shemaiah, the son of Delaiah, was the false prophet who prevented the building of Jerusalem during the time of Nehemia.

Isaiah (Yeshayahu)

Isaiah (Yeshayahu) was a prophet who often chastised the Israelites because they lacked social justice. The minor prophet, Micah, prophesied during this time too. He prophesied during the reign of Uzziah (king of Judah). Isaiah and his wife had two children: She'ar-Ya'shuv and Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz.

Jeremiah (Yermiyahu)

Jeremiah (Yirmiyahu), also known as "the weeping prophet," prophesied during the reign of King Josiah (from Josiah's thirteenth year) until the destruction of the Holy Temple. During his leadership, he constantly dealt with false prophets and he had to escape the political leaders (kings) of Israel because they did not like his messages.

Ezekiel (Yecheskel)

Ezekiel (Yecheskel), the son of Buzzi, was a Priest (Arronite). He prophesied after the destruction of the Holy Temple.

Jesus

Jesus is a descendant of King David. He is the son of Mary and God, and was born in Bethlehem. Shortly after his birth, Mary's husband Joseph brought them to Egypt to avoid the execution of infant males. They moved back to Bethlehem after the threat subsided. Jesus traveled to different cities with his twelve disciples to teach, prophesize, and heal. He is known for his parables that included lessons about his teachings. He claimed to be the son of God, which upset religious leaders, who were successful in sentencing him to death through crucifixion. His body was preserved and placed in a tomb, but he was seen alive three days after his death. Shortly after his resurrection from the dead, he descended into heaven in front of his disciples.