Elkanah, an Ephraimite and devoted husband of Hannah, is best known as the father of Samuel, the prophet, and is remembered for his faithfulness and support of his wife’s fervent prayers to God.
Rachel, one of the matriarchs of Israel, was the beloved wife of Jacob and the mother of Joseph and Benjamin, whose story reflects themes of love, rivalry, and divine providence.
Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel, is a significant biblical figure whose descendants, the tribe of Benjamin, played crucial roles in Israel’s history, producing notable leaders like King Saul and the Apostle Paul.
Tola, from the tribe of Issachar, judged Israel for twenty-three years following Abimelech’s tumultuous rule, residing in Shamir in the hill country of Ephraim, as briefly mentioned in Judges 10:1-2.
Shamgar, the third judge of Israel, delivered the nation from the Philistines by killing 600 of them with an ox goad, showcasing God’s ability to achieve great victories through seemingly ordinary means.
Rehoboam, Solomon’s son, and David’s grandson, was the first king of the Kingdom of Judah whose harsh policies led to the division of the united kingdom of Israel, resulting in continual conflicts and invasions during his reign.
Mordecai, a key figure in the Book of Esther, was a Jewish leader who helped save his people from annihilation through his bravery, wisdom, and the influence of his cousin Esther, leading to the establishment of the festival of Purim.
Jael is a lesser-known yet remarkable figure in the Bible, celebrated for her bravery and decisive action. Historical and Cultural Context Jael lived during the period of the Judges, a time characterized by social and political upheaval in ancient Israel. …
Uriah the Hittite, known for his unwavering loyalty and integrity, was a valiant soldier in King David’s army whose tragic death, orchestrated by David to conceal his own sin, serves as a powerful lesson on the consequences of moral failure and the necessity of justice.
Noah, a righteous man chosen by God, built an ark to survive the Great Flood, preserving his family and pairs of every kind of animal, and established a covenant with God promising never to destroy the earth with a flood again.