10 Overlooked People in the Bible
1. Deborah: A Prophetess and Judge of Israel
Deborah was a remarkable leader who served as a prophetess and judge over Israel. Under her guidance, the Israelites achieved a significant victory over the Canaanite army led by Sisera.
Scripture: "Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel at that time." (Judges 4:4) "So on that day God subdued Jabin king of Canaan before the Israelites." (Judges 4:23)
2. Gideon: The Judge Who Tested God’s Will
Gideon, also known as Jerubbaal, was a judge of Israel known for his battle against the Midianites. He tested God’s will by asking for signs, famously using a fleece to seek confirmation of God's guidance.
Scripture: "Then Gideon said to God, 'If you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said, behold, I am laying a fleece of wool on the threshing floor...'" (Judges 6:36-37) "The LORD said to Gideon, 'With the 300 men that lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hands. Let all the others go home.'" (Judges 7:7)
3. Jethro: The Wise Counselor
Jethro, the father-in-law of Moses, provided crucial advice on leadership and delegation. He suggested that Moses appoint capable men to help judge the people, alleviating Moses' burden.
Scripture: "The next day Moses took his seat to serve as judge for the people, and they stood around him from morning till evening... Moses' father-in-law replied, 'What you are doing is not good. You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out... But select capable men from all the people... and appoint them as officials...'" (Exodus 18:13-21)
4. Rahab: The Canaanite Woman in Jesus' Genealogy
Rahab was a Canaanite woman who hid Israelite spies in Jericho, helping them escape. She is also mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus, highlighting her significant role in biblical history.
Scripture: "But the woman had taken the two men and hidden them. She said, 'Yes, the men came to me, but I did not know where they had come from...'" (Joshua 2:4) "Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse..." (Matthew 1:5)
5. Barak: The Military Commander
Barak was the military commander who, under Deborah's leadership, led the Israelites to victory against the Canaanite army. His story is intertwined with Deborah's, showcasing their combined leadership.
Scripture: "She sent for Barak son of Abinoam from Kedesh in Naphtali and said to him, 'The LORD, the God of Israel, commands you: Go, take with you ten thousand men of Naphtali and Zebulun and lead them up to Mount Tabor.'" (Judges 4:6) "Then Deborah said to Barak, 'Go! This is the day the LORD has given Sisera into your hands. Has not the LORD gone ahead of you?' So Barak went down Mount Tabor, with ten thousand men following him." (Judges 4:14)
6. Jephthah: The Tragic Judge
Jephthah was a judge of Israel known for his tragic vow that led to the sacrifice of his daughter. Despite his victories in battle, his story is a poignant reminder of the consequences of rash vows.
Scripture: "And Jephthah made a vow to the LORD: 'If you give the Ammonites into my hands, whatever comes out of the door of my house to meet me when I return in triumph from the Ammonites will be the LORD’s, and I will sacrifice it as a burnt offering.'" (Judges 11:30-31)
7. Anna: The Prophetess Who Recognized Jesus
Anna was a prophetess who recognized Jesus as the Messiah when he was presented at the Temple as a baby. Her story emphasizes her devout faith and the recognition of Jesus' significance.
Scripture: "There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying." (Luke 2:36-37)
8. Eutychus: The Young Man Revived by Paul
Eutychus was a young man who fell asleep and out of a window while Paul was preaching. He was revived by Paul, demonstrating God's power and Paul's faith.
Scripture: "Seated in a window was a young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell to the ground from the third story and was picked up dead. Paul went down, threw himself on the young man and put his arms around him. 'Don’t be alarmed,' he said. 'He’s alive!'" (Acts 20:9-10)
9. Philemon: The Christian Leader and Runaway Slave
Philemon was a Christian leader to whom Paul wrote a letter regarding the return of his runaway slave, Onesimus. The letter reflects themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, and Christian brotherhood.
Scripture: "I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me... I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you." (Philemon 1:10-12)
10. Tamar: The Daughter-in-Law of Judah
Tamar ensured her place in Judah’s family line by disguising herself and seducing him. Her story is a complex narrative of survival and justice within the patriarchal society of her time.
Scripture: "When Judah saw her, he thought she was a prostitute, for she had covered her face... So he went over to her by the roadside and said, 'Come now, let me sleep with you.'... And what will you give me to sleep with you?' she asked." (Genesis 38:15-16)
These figures, each with their unique stories, contribute richly to the biblical narrative. Their experiences and actions offer valuable lessons and insights into faith, leadership, justice, and God's plan for humanity. Each story reflects the diverse ways in which God works through individuals to accomplish divine purposes.
In our journey through life, we often seek guidance and wisdom beyond our own understanding. St. Mykul’s prayer is a beautiful expression of this desire, a heartfelt plea for divine intervention and alignment with Jehovah’s will. It serves as a reminder of the profound connection we can cultivate with the divine, allowing us to become vessels of His wisdom and love.
St. Mykul’s prayer:
“I pray for Jehovah to speak through me all the time, and I pray for Jehovah to remove all my thoughts, and implant His thoughts all the time, as I do not even want my thoughts.”
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