Our heroes inspire us, lift our spirits, and remind us again and again of the amazing feats that human beings can perform. But just what makes someone a hero in the first place? In the heroes of the Bible, you will read about the most important diverse figures in history. A few fall into the category we most often associate with the term “hero”: strong combat-ready warriors, fully prepared to do battle with Israel’s enemies. But the heroism of many others in the Bible is of a very different order. Several great patriarchs of the Old Testament—Abraham, Jacob and Noah, for example—led their people through great hardship. Yet another group displayed courageous heroism in speaking out about the corruption in their respective societies. All the great prophets of the Old Testament, most notably Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Nathan, fearlessly called their leaders and wayward fellow Israelites to account while pressing the case for reform. John the Baptist did much the same in the New Testament as he sought to prepare the way for Jesus, the Savior and Messiah, who would follow him. His beheading graphically illustrates the dangers of the prophetic calling. Then, at last, there is Jesus, hero indeed, but for millions of Christians so much more. Prophet, theologian, healer, miracle- worker, charismatic leader—Jesus was all these things, and for Christians around the globe he was something even greater: divine.
HEROES OF THE BIBLE • INSPIRATIONAL STORIES FROM SCRIPTURE
Introduction
Old Testament Founders of the Faith • Creation, near destruction and a compelling new covenant highlight God’s interaction with these quintessential biblical heroes.
Adam & Eve First Humans • God creates them in his image, but they are not destined to remain in the Garden of Eden.
Noah Steadfast Survivor • God chooses this faithful man to ensure the preservation of the human race and every species in the animal kingdom.
Abraham First Patriarch • God begins his special relationship with the Israelites through this strong leader, whom he tests almost beyond endurance.
Jacob Cunning Twin • He is injured in his fight with the angel beside the Jabbok River, but he emerges with a blessing for himself and his people.
Joseph Sage Adviser • A twisty tale takes him from captivity (twice) to the pinnacle of Egyptian society, where he forgives his treacherous brothers and sets his family’s affairs in order.
Moses Leader and Lawgiver • While leading his people out of captivity in Egypt to the very edge of the Promised Land, he establishes an enduring legal framework for the future nation of Israel.
Voices in the Wilderness • These uncompromising figures risked their lives to speak truth to power.
Wily Women of the Old Testament • Despite ancient Israel’s patriarchal culture, these courageous women find subtle ways to improve the fortunes of their people.
Sarah A Mother at Last • Wracked by jealousy and disappointment, she laughs in delight at a late-in-life gift from God.
Rebekah A Trickster for the Ages • She engineers the most ingenious ruse in the Bible in securing Isaac’s blessing for Jacob instead of older brother Esau.
Rachel Beloved Wife • Jacob must wait seven years to marry her, but she rewards his patience with the child who will continue the saga of God’s special relationship with his chosen people.
Ruth Loyal Daughter-in-Law • In an act of exceptional compassion, she braves a foreign, and frequently hostile, culture to support her mother-in-law.
Hannah Woman of Faith • Her promise to give her long-hoped-for son to God foreshadows the story of God the Father sending his son to Earth to save humanity.
Esther Her People’s Savior • This clever queen reclaims her roots and saves the Hebrew people from...
