Brief Descriptions of Important People in the Old Testament

By YD AU Press

Moses

Aaron brother and spokesman for Moses
Abel Second son of Adam and Eve, murdered by his brother
Abraham "father of a multitude”; first patriarch
Absalom David's son who attempted to usurp the throne
Ahab Wicked king of Israel, husband of Jezebel
Amos Prophesied of "famine of the word”
Baal Canaanite god, or "lord”
Bathsheba Woman with whom David committed adultery
Belshazzar Last king of Babylon, "handwriting on wall”
Benjamin Jacob's youngest son, born to Rachel
Cain Adam and Eve's first son
Daniel Jewish captive in Babylon who interpreted dreams
David Greatest king of Israel; Jesus was his direct descendant
Delilah Philistine woman who enticed Samson to reveal secret of his strength
Eli Judge of Israel; mentor of Samuel
Elijah Prophet of Israel who confronted the prophets of Baal and Jezebel
Elisha Successor to Elijah
Esau Older twin son of Isaac; sold his birthright for bowl of lentil soup
Esther Jewish wife of Persian king Ahaseurus, saved Jews from Haman
Ezekiel Prophet taken to Babylon during exile by King Nebuchadnezzar
Ezra Priest and scribe who restored true worship for returning exiles from Babylon
Gideon Judge who delivered Israel from Midianites; put out a fleece
Goliath Philistine giant, slain by David
Hagar Egyptian maidservant of Sarah; mother of Ishmael
Ham Noah's son, father of Mizraim, Cush, Phut, and Canaan
Hannah Mother of Samuel, she was originally barren, dedicated him to the Lord
Hiram King of Tyre; friend of David and Solomon
Hosea Prophet to northern Israel, "my people are destroyed for lack of knowledge”
Isaac Son of Abraham and Sarah, his name means "laughter”
Isaiah Prophet who predicted sufferings of the Messiah, "he was wounded for our transgressions”
Ishmael Son of Abraham by Egyptian handmaiden Hagar
Jacob Younger twin son of Isaac; name changed to "Israel,” bore 12 sons
Japheth One of Noah's three sons; his tents would be enlarged
Jeremiah Prophet; lamented destruction of Judah and Jerusalem
Jesse Father of David
Jethro Moses' father-in-law; gave wise advice to Moses
Jezebel Phoenician princess, wife of Ahab, arguably the most wicked person in the Bible
Job He agonized over why God allows people to suffer undeservedly
Joel Prophesied of the dark and dreadful Day of the Lord
Jonah Prophet who spent three days inside a fish
Jonathan Son of King Saul and close friend of David
Joseph Jacob's favorite son, became ruler of Egypt, storing grain to carry them through famine
Joshua Moses' successor; led Israel into Promised Land
Josiah King of Judah who began at 8 years of age, and restored true worship of Yahweh
Judah Fourth son of Jacob; his symbol is the Lion
Levi Third son of Jacob; priestly tribe
Manasseh Wicked King of Judah, later repented; reigned 55 years
Miriam Sister of Moses, led women of Israel to sing of defeat of Egypt in Red Sea
Moab Lot's son, born from incestuous relationship with Lot's older daughter
Moses Delivered Ten Commandments from God to Israel
Naomi Mother-in-law of Ruth
Nathan Prophet in David's court
Nebuchadnezzar Babylonian King who took Judah captive
Potiphar Pharaoh's Captain of the Guard; master of Joseph
Rachel Jacob's favorite wife; mother of Joseph
Rehoboam Solomon's son and successor; refused to listen to advice of elders, causing division of Israel
Reuben Oldest son of Jacob; unstable; had sexual problems
Ruth Righteous Moabite woman who married Boaz, the grandfather of David
Samuel Last and greatest Judge of ancient Israel; anointed kings Saul and David
Sarah Wife of Abraham; at age 90, gives birth to Isaac
Saul First king of Israel
Seth Third son of Adam and Eve
Shem Noah's son from whom came the Hebrews
Solomon David's son and successor as King of Israel; great wisdom; builder of Temple
Zechariah Common Bible name (30 different individuals); prophet describes Feast of Tabernacles kept by all nations

Source: http://www.biblestudy.org/beginner/list-of-important-people-in-old-testament.html