ABOUT OLD TESTAMENT PEOPLE (3)

1. Important people in the Old Testament

a) Cain

i) Adam and Eve's first child who was a tiller of the ground. Became jealous of younger brother Abel and murdered him. Part of his punishment from God was to live as a fugitive.

b) Cyrus the Great

i) Considered first true king of the Persian empire. Conquered the Median Empire in 549 B.C. and the Babylonian empire in 539 B.C. Issued decree to allow Jews to return to Jerusalem.

c) Daniel

i) A descendent of a noble Jewish family who was taken captive by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon when he conquered Judah. Was highly likely a eunuch. Became a chief advisor to the King and eventually was made third ruler of kingdom (Daniel 5). God gave him ability to interpret dreams. Survived being thrown in lion's den (Daniel 6). Gave prophecies that foretold of future world empires leading up to the return of Christ.

d) Darius I the Great

i) Persian king who authorized the completion of rebuilding Jerusalem's Temple. Work on the temple was completed in 516 B.C.

e) David

i) Youngest son of Jesse. Greatest king of Israel who ruled 40 years. As a young man killed Goliath the giant. Won military battles that expanded kingdom. Wrote most of book of Psalms. Conquered Jerusalem, made it his capital and brought to it the Ark of the Covenant. Committed adultery with Bathsheba. Son Solomon followed him as king.

f) Deborah

i) A prophetess who, with the help of Barak, freed Israel from the oppression brought by the King of Canaan. Deborah and Barak serve as Israel's Judges for 40 years (Judges 4-5).

g) Delilah

i) Philistine harlot who was bribed to entice Samson to reveal secret of his strength. Had Samson's hair cut while he slept, rendering him weak. 

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