Daniel
1Chronicles 3:1, Ezra 8:2, Nehemiah 10:6, Ezekiel 14:14, etc.
Daniel was a descendent of a noble Jewish family who was taken captive by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon when he conquered Judah. He was highly likely a eunuch or was made one after being captured. He became a chief advisor to the king and eventually was made third ruler of the kingdom (Daniel 5).
God gave Daniel the ability to interpret dreams. He survived being thrown in lion's den (Daniel 6). He was blessed with prophecies that foretold of future world empires leading up to the return of Christ. Please see our article dedicated to Daniel for more information.
Darius I the Great
Ezra 4:5, 24, 5:5 - 7, 6:1 - 15, Nehemiah 12:22, etc.
The rebuilding of Jerusalem and its temple began under Persian King Cyrus the Great in 539 B.C. (Ezra 1:1 - 4). The work on rebuilding the temple was completed under Darius I (521 - 486 B.C.) in 516.
David
Ruth 4:17, 22, 1Samuel 16:13 - 23, 17:12 - 58, etc.
Youngest son of Jesse. Greatest king of Israel who ruled 40 years. As a young man killed Goliath the giant. Won many military battles against Israel's enemies that expanded Israel's kingdom. Wrote most of the book of Psalms. Conquered Jerusalem, made it his capital and brought to it the Ark of the Covenant. Committed adultery with Bathsheba. His son Solomon followed him as king. Please see our article dedicated to David for more information.
Deborah
Genesis 35:8, Judges 4 - 5
A prophetess who, with the help of Barak, freed Israel from the oppression brought by the King of Canaan. She is the only female to serve as a Judge of Israel. Deborah and Barak served together as Israel's Judges for 40 years (Judges 4 - 5).
Philistine harlot who was bribed to entice Samson, who was under a Nazarite vow, to reveal the secret of his strength. Her cutting of Samson's hair allowed the Philistines to bind and arrest him.
Eli
1Samuel 1 - 4, 14:3, 1Kings 2:27
High Priest who judged Israel 40 years after death of Samson. Taught a very young Samuel who eventually became a great prophet.
Elijah
1Kings 17 - 19, 21:17 - 28, 2Kings 1 - 2, 3:11, etc.
Elijah is considered the quintessential Old Testament prophet (Luke 9:30). He warned and punished King Ahab, considered the worst of Israel's kings, for his sins. One of his hallmark miracles was raising a widow's son from the dead. Elijah confrontation with Israel's false prophets which ended in their death.
After Elijah flees death threats from Jezebel he is told to anoint two kings and make Elisha his successor. A heavenly provided chariot of fire miraculously took him to a safe location in the sight of him to a location away from Elisha. Please see our article on Elijah for more information.
Elisha
1Kings 19:16 - 19, 2Kings 2 - 9, 13:14 - 21
Elisha was Elijah's prophetic successor. He received 'a double portion' of Elijah's spirit after seeing him leave by chariot of fire. Brought back to life a child who died in farming accident. A dead man is miraculously brought back to life after it accidently touches Elisha's bones! Please see our article on Elisha for more information.
Enoch
Genesis 4:17 - 18, 5:18 - 24, Luke 3:37, Hebrews 11:5, Jude 1:14
There are at least two "Enochs" in Scripture. The first is the eldest son of Cain (Genesis 4:17). The second Enoch is the son of Jared (Genesis 5:18) and father of Methuselah (verse 21), the oldest person who ever lived (969 years). This Enoch was 365 years old when God "translated" him, meaning He moved him miraculously to another place on earth to (likely) avoid being killed.
Esau
Genesis 25:25 - 34, 26:34, 27:1 - 42, 28:5 - 9, etc.
Esau is also called Edom. Son of Isaac and older twin brother of Jacob. Sold his birthright for bowl of lentil soup. Founder of the Edomites. Please see our article on Esau for more information.
Queen Esther was the Jewish wife of a Persian king. Told by Mordecai of plot to destroy all the Jews in the kingdom. Foils plot by Haman to kill Mordecai and all the Jews. The Jewish festival of Purim celebrates the events listed her book. Access our in-depth study of the Old Testament book Esther wrote, one of only two Scriptural writings penned by women! Please see our article on Esther for more information.
Eve
Genesis 3:20, 4:1, 2Corinthians 11:3, 1Timothy 2:13
First woman created. Made from one of Adam's ribs (Genesis 2:21 - 22). Her name of Eve was given her by Adam after both of them sinned by by eating from tree of good and evil (Genesis 3) and was thrown out of Eden with Adam. Gave birth to Cain, Abel, Seth and many other children.
One of the Bible's major prophets. Taken into Babylonian captivity by King Nebuchadnezzar. Known for having visions of 'wheel in the middle of a wheel' (Ezekiel 1, 10) and valley of dry bones (Ezekiel 37). Learn more about this prophet in our detailed study of Ezekiel's life!
Ezra
1Chronicles 4:17, Ezra 7, 10, Nehemiah 8, 12
An Aaronic priest who led the effort, along with the Great Synagogue, to collect and canonize the writings that would become our Old Testament. His efforts produced a set of Scriptures divided up as the Law, the Prophets and the Writings.
Gideon
Judges 6 - 8, Hebrews 11:32
Gideon was called by God to deliver Israel from Midianite and Amalekite oppression. Took 300 men and surrounded the camp of Israel's enemies (Judges 7). After all the men blew trumpets and broke pitchers with torches in them the enemy became confused and fought amongst themselves. Gideon served 40 years as Israel's judge.
For more information on this fascinating Biblical person see our article detailing Gideon's life as well as our map of his famous battles!