Category: Biblical People

Short bios of people in the Bible

Biblical People: Herodias

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date August 26, 2021

Herod is a powerful man, used to getting what he wants. He even takes his brother’s wife, Herodias, and marries her. John the Baptist publicly criticizes Herod for his actions, stating plainly that what he did is illegal, contrary to the Laws of Moses.

For his boldness, John ends up in jail. Herod holds him there, keeping him out of public view, while at the same time protecting him from further harm.

We don’t know if Herodias is the victim in this adulterous marriage or the instigator, but the Bible says she holds a grudge against John for his criticism.

In fact, she’s so enraged, she wants him dead, but Herod won’t allow it. He knows John is a good man, and Herod likes to listen to him—even though John’s words perplex him.

When Herod throws a birthday party for himself, Herodias’s daughter dances for them. Everyone likes what they see. Because of her impressive performance, Herod, without thinking, promises to give her whatever she wants. She seeks her mom’s advice.

Herodias sees opportunity and is quick to respond. She tells her daughter to ask for John’s head on a platter.

Although dismayed, Herod doesn’t want to renege on his promise in front of his guests. To avoid public embarrassment, he orders John’s immediate execution. They present John’s head on a platter to the girl.

Blinded by anger, Herodias achieves her goal of orchestrating John’s death. She gets her revenge.

While we would never plot another person’s death, Jesus says even anger toward another is akin to murder. What raw emotions do we need to curb?

[Discover more about Herodias in Matthew 14:3–14, Mark 6:17–28, and Luke 3:19–20.]

Learn about other biblical women in Women of the Bible, available in audiobook, e-book, paperback, and hardcover.

A lifelong student of the Bible, Peter DeHaan, PhD, wrote the 1,000-page website ABibleADay.com to encourage people to explore the Bible. His main blog and many books urge Christians to push past the status quo and reconsider how they practice their faith in every area of their lives.

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Biblical People

Biblical People: Anna

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date August 26, 2021

Anna is widowed after only seven years of marriage. A devout woman, she dedicates her life to God, spending as much time as possible in the temple, fasting, praying, and worshiping him.

She is at least eighty-four years old when Mary and Joseph show up to consecrate Jesus. She recognizes him as the savior the people have been expecting for centuries. She thanks God she has lived long enough to see Jesus and then shares her excitement with everyone nearby.

After a lifetime of devotion to God, Anna receives her reward by seeing Jesus. How many other people were likewise as devout, but never got to meet baby Jesus?

God calls us to focus on him, but we may not receive any reward for our loyalty during our lifetime. Will we be faithful anyway?

[Discover more about Anna in Luke 2:36–38.]

Learn about other biblical women in Women of the Bible, available in audiobook, e-book, paperback, and hardcover.

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Biblical People

Biblical People: Mary (1)

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date August 26, 2021

An angel visits Mary, a young girl engaged to be married. The angel celebrates her as one highly favored by God. Perplexed, Mary wonders about the angel’s shocking greeting. Then he further stuns her by saying she will become pregnant, and her child will save her people.

“How?” Mary asks. “I’m a virgin.”

The angel explains that the Holy Spirit will supernaturally impregnate her.

Mary trusts God in this and accepts the angel’s words without arguing.

When Joseph, her fiancé, finds out she’s with child, he plans to end their engagement, but an angel visits him, too, and tells him not to break up with her. They get married, but they remain celibate until after Mary’s miracle baby is born.

However, before this happens Mary and Joseph must travel to Bethlehem for a mandatory census. Unable to find a place to stay, they hunker down in a barn. There, among the filth of livestock, Jesus is born.

This is no ordinary birth. Angels celebrate, shepherds bow down, and royalty offers expensive gifts. Then at Jesus’s consecration, people give astounding prophecies and thanks for him.

Twelve years later, Jesus amazes his parents, especially Mary, when they find him at the temple in deep discussion with the religious leaders.

At age thirty he starts his ministry. Three years later, during his execution, Jesus makes sure Mary will be cared for. The last we hear of her is at a gathering of Jesus’s followers after he rises from the dead and returns to heaven.

Though we praise Mary for her pious acceptance of God’s assignment, the townspeople didn’t likely celebrate her circumstances. They certainly dismissed her claim that “God did it,” and she likely forever carried the stigma of the girl who got pregnant before she was married.

Sometimes there is a price for following God. Would we be willing to suffer a lifetime of humiliation to conform to his plan for us?

[Discover more about Mary in Matthew 1:18–2:11, Luke 1:26–38, Luke 2:1–51, and Acts 1:14.]

Learn about other biblical women in Women of the Bible, available in audiobook, e-book, paperback, and hardcover.

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Biblical People

Biblical People: Elizabeth

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date August 23, 2021

Childless, Elizabeth and her husband, Zechariah, are getting old. Their chance to have kids is slim. Still, they pray for the improbable. Despite not receiving what they yearn for, their faith remains strong. They’re a righteous couple who honor God.

One day at work, an angel shows up and promises Zechariah that he and Elizabeth will finally have a son—not just any son but a special one. He is to be set apart for service to God, the Holy Spirit will empower him, and he will spark a nationwide revival.

They are to name him John.

Elizabeth does indeed get pregnant. In her sixth month, Mary—who is also expecting—comes for a visit. Inside Elizabeth, baby John jumps for joy at the sound of Mary’s voice. Then the Holy Spirit comes upon Elizabeth and she prophecies, blessing Mary and her unborn child.

When John is born, Elizabeth and Zechariah’s friends and family celebrate with them. They praise God and share in Elizabeth’s joy for finally having a baby.

Elizabeth and Zechariah prayed for a child even when it no longer made sense. God answered their prayers by giving them a son named John. We call him John the Baptist.

Are we willing to pray for the impossible? Will we patiently wait for God’s answer?

[Discover more about Elizabeth in Luke 1:5–60.]

Learn about other biblical women in Women of the Bible, available in audiobook, e-book, paperback, and hardcover.

Read more about other biblical characters in The Friends and Foes of Jesus, now available in e-book, paperback, and hardcover.

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Biblical People

Biblical People: The Maid of Judith

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date August 23, 2021

The story of Judith’s bravery is inspiring. Although it is Judith who perfectly executes her daring plan, she does not go alone. Her maid accompanies her, taking as much risk as Judith. Consider the role of Judith’s maid.

First, she summons the town’s officials, demanding they come to talk to Judith. Next, she goes with Judith to the enemy, allowing them to be captured and taken into the heart of the enemy camp.

Then she stands to watch outside the tent while Judith kills Holofernes inside. Last, she carries his severed head as they make their escape in the middle of the night.

Though Judith’s maid did not volunteer for this assignment, she does everything she’s told to do. Without her help, the outcome of Judith’s mission would be in doubt.

After their safe return, the trouncing of their enemy, gathering up the spoils, and the lengthy celebration that follows, Judith rewards her maid by granting her freedom.

Sometimes we have little choice in the things we must do, but we do have a choice in how well we do them. Judith’s maid acquits herself well and receives a reward for her bravery and her actions.

When tasked with an unpleasant or even risky undertaking, do we try to get out of it, or do we do our best to succeed?

[Discover more about Judith’s maid in Judith 8:10, Judith 10:10–12, Judith 13:2, 9, and Judith 16:23 in The New Jerusalem Bible, Common English Bible (CEB), and New American Bible (NAB). For more information, see “Bonus Material: The Full Picture.”]

Learn about other biblical women in Women of the Bible, available in audiobook, e-book, paperback, and hardcover.

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Biblical People

Biblical People: Judith (2)

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date August 23, 2021

Judith (2) is a widow whose wealthy husband left her well provided for. Though quite beautiful, she hides her good looks under the garb of mourning. A righteous woman, she fasts regularly and conducts herself beyond reproach. All people esteem her.

With Judith’s city, Bethulia, under siege, food is scarce, and water is rationed. The mayor promises to surrender in five days, hoping God will miraculously save them by then. But Judith chastises him for his willingness to give up.

She has a plan, a bold strategy, to save them, but she won’t tell anyone what it is.

She cleans up and replaces her widow’s clothing with festive attire, complete with perfume, jewelry, and a tiara. It’s her most alluring look. The people can’t believe the transformation. Then she and her maid leave the city and allow themselves to be captured.

Promising to aid the enemy, Judith is taken to their commander, Holofernes. Weaving partial truth into her ruse, Judith unveils her proposal of how she will advise him in taking the city without any loss of life.

Enthralled by her beauty, Holofernes believes every word she says. Besides, he also wants to sleep with her.

After a couple of days and willing to wait no longer, he summons her to join him in his tent for dinner. They eat, and he drinks—too much. He sends everyone away so he can seduce her.

But he passes out instead, with Judith’s virtue still intact. Judith grabs his sword, prays for supernatural strength, and decapitates him with two blows.

Judith and her maid sneak off before anyone knows what happened, carrying his severed head with them. Arriving home, the people celebrate as she tells them what happened and holds up the proof.

When the soldiers find the body of their headless leader, they’re thrown into a panic and flee. The Jews in Bethulia summon their countrymen throughout Israel to give chase, slaughtering their enemy and enjoying the spoils. The people celebrate Judith for her heroic exploit.

Taking much risk, Judith daringly delivers her people from their enemies, using her beauty to entice, while remaining pure.

Great results often require great risk. How much are we willing to risk to do what God calls us to do?

[Discover more about Judith in Judith 8–16 in The New Jerusalem Bible, Common English Bible (CEB), and New American Bible (NAB). For more information, see “Bonus Material: The Full Picture.”]

Learn about other biblical women in Women of the Bible, available in audiobook, e-book, paperback, and hardcover.

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Biblical People

Biblical People: Sarah (2)

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date August 23, 2021

Sarah is sensible, brave, and beautiful. She’s been married seven times and is also seven times a widow, for each time on her wedding night, a demon kills her new husband. When falsely accused of murdering all seven, she plans to commit suicide.

However, wishing to spare her father the grief, she doesn’t. Instead, she prays, giving God the option to take her life if he is displeased with her conduct.

God hears her prayer but has another solution in mind. He sets in motion the events to rescue her.

Meanwhile, Tobias embarks on a quest of epic scope. At the prompting of an angel, he stops by to ask Sarah’s father for permission to marry her. Though he’s never met her, he’s her closest living relative and next in line to marry her, according to Jewish custom.

When Tobias finally meets her, it’s love at first sight. Despite the risk of the demon-killing him on their wedding night too, Tobias still wants her. Sarah’s father agrees. They sign the wedding contract.

That night Tobias mixes a potion and burns it. The smell chases away the demon. Then Tobias and Sarah ask God to protect them through the night. He does. For the first time in eight tries, Sarah’s husband is still alive at daybreak.

Sarah’s family then celebrates for two weeks before the happy couple leaves. When they reach Tobias’s home, there’s a grand reunion and another weeklong wedding celebration.

Sarah’s life was a mess and her future, bleak. No one could fault her for giving up. But instead of suicide, she sought God. He rescued her, removing the curse and protecting her new husband.

When life overwhelms us, do we quit or seek God?

[Discover more about Sarah in Tobit 3:7–16, Tobit 6:10–18, Tobit 7:9–16, Tobit 8:1–21, Tobit 10:10–13, and Tobit 11:15–18 in The New Jerusalem Bible, Common English Bible (CEB), and New American Bible (NAB). For more information, see “Bonus Material: The Full Picture.”]

Learn about other biblical women in Women of the Bible, available in audiobook, e-book, paperback, and hardcover.

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Biblical People

Biblical People: Deborah (3)

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date August 23, 2021

Deborah is the grandmother of Tobit. She raises him after his parents die. She teaches him about their faith, training him in the regulations Moses received from God and taught to the people.

She also instills in him a deep generosity. Not only does he give what is required to the temple, priests, and Levites, but at her encouragement, he also gives 10 percent of his income to poor people in Jerusalem and another 10 percent to orphans, widows, and converts to Judaism.

Thanks to his grandma’s influence, Tobit has a heart to help others. While most grandparents don’t have to raise their grandkids, most every grandparent can influence them.

How can we be sure to make the most of our opportunities to inspire others?

[Discover more about Deborah in Tobit 1:6–8 in The New Jerusalem Bible, Common English Bible (CEB), and New American Bible (NAB). For more information, see “Bonus Material: The Full Picture.”]

Learn about other biblical women in Women of the Bible, available in audiobook, e-book, paperback, and hardcover.

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Biblical People

Biblical People: Susanna (1)

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date August 23, 2021

Susanna lives in exile in Babylon. She is known for her great beauty and deep reverence for God. Her parents are moral folks, conducting themselves with virtue, which they instill in their daughter.

Susanna’s husband is rich and respected by the people. The leading Jews hang out at his house. Aside from being displaced from her homeland, Susanna enjoys an idyllic life.

However, two of the elders, appointed as judges, are obsessed with Susanna. They lust for her. This is consistent with their corrupt behavior as immoral judges. They could have looked away, but they choose not to.

Conspiring to rape her, they hide in her private garden and ogle her. When she is alone, they reveal themselves and solicit her. If she refuses, they threaten to tell everyone they caught her cheating on her husband with another man. The penalty for adultery is death.

Trapped in a no-win situation, Susanna decides to act morally. She turns them down and screams for help.

When people come running, the judges lie, “We caught her having sex with this guy. We tried to stop him, but he got away.” Because of their position, everyone believes them and sentences Susanna to death.

No one asks for her side of the story.

As they haul her off for execution, the Holy Spirit reveals the truth to the young prophet Daniel. He yells out that she’s innocent.

Separating the two men, Daniel cross-examines them and they contradict each other, proving they gave false testimony against Susanna. The perverted men are convicted, and the righteous Susanna is freed, with her reputation restored.

Susanna faced a terrible choice: have sex with two men and live or be wrongly convicted of adultery and die. It may have seemed best to give in, but Susanna did the right thing and trusted God to vindicate her. He came through.

How willing are we to do what’s right despite the risk?

[Discover more about Susanna in Daniel 13 in The New Jerusalem Bible and NAB (also known as the book of Susanna in the CEB). For more information, see “Bonus Material: The Full Picture.”]

Learn about other biblical women in Women of the Bible, available in audiobook, e-book, paperback, and hardcover.

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Biblical People

Biblical People: Foreign Women

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date August 23, 2021

Throughout the history of the nation of Israel and Judah, a recurring theme is Hebrew men marrying foreign women. This is something God forbids. It isn’t that God hates other ethnicities. They are part of his creation too.

Instead, he gives his people this restriction because he knows if the men involve themselves with women who hold other beliefs, the men’s attention will turn from him to other gods and from holy practices to unholy behaviors. God wants his people to worship him only, to do so with purity and purpose. He desires them to raise their children to do the same.

Throughout the Old Testament, when the men stray from God’s command and give their physical affections to women of other faiths, they also end up giving their spiritual attention to other gods. Disaster results.

Later Paul commands the people in the Corinthian church to not yoke themselves with unbelievers. In explaining such a pairing, he uses two contrasting sets of words: righteousness and wickedness, light and darkness. While this instruction to not be unequally paired with others can apply to close friendships and business partnerships, the most critical application is marriage.

Starting in the Old Testament and continuing into the New Testament, we’re encouraged to marry people who share our faith. Failing to do so will only cause problems.

This is a great lesson for those not yet married and a comfort to those married to someone who shares their essential beliefs, but what about those who are married to an unbeliever?

To those already in marriages with unbelievers, Paul offers some practical advice. He says if the unbelieving spouse is willing to stay in the marriage, do not seek divorce. The nonbelieving partner will receive blessings through his or her spouse and their children are likewise set apart for God. In time, the unbelieving spouse may one day believe in God, but this is not a guarantee, just a possibility. However, if the unbelieving spouse wants to leave, Paul allows it.

The main principle is to seek to live in peace. Paul ends his teaching by saying we should remain faithful to our beliefs whatever our situation.

Whether in marriage, business, or key friendships, we should seek godly partners in all situations. And if we are unequally yoked, we should hold to our faith and be an example, pointing others to Jesus.

In what ways might we be unequally yoked? How have we allowed others to distract us from God?

[Discover more about foreign women in Exodus 34:11–16, Deuteronomy 7:1–4, 1 Kings 11:1, Ezra 9:2, Ezra 10:2–44, Nehemiah 13:26–27, Malachi 2:11, 1 Corinthians 7:12–17, and 2 Corinthians 6:14.]

Learn about other biblical women in Women of the Bible, available in audiobook, e-book, paperback, and hardcover.

Tags Biblical Characters, Foreign Women