Whether you’re a believer of the Bible or not, there’s plenty to learn from this good book even from its least likable characters. As the saying goes, we often learn more from our mistakes than from our successes, and that’s precisely what we’ll explore today. Here are the things we learn from the least likable people in the Bible.
1. Jezebel
Queen Jezebel did some really bad things. One of the worst was when she made plans to kill Naboth, a righteous man who refused to sell his vineyard to her husband, King Ahab. She also introduced idol worshipping like Baal and Asherah and made life hard for God’s prophets. Unfortunately, She had a sad ending, she was thrown out the window by her servants, and the dogs fed on her.
From Jezebel’s story, we learn about the importance of doing what’s right, being honest, and seeking fairness in our lives. Her support for worshipping Baal caused people to lose their morals and turn away from their beliefs, showing why it’s crucial to stay true and avoid worldly temptations. Jezebel’s lies show us how being too proud and arrogant can lead to bad outcomes—her downfall is a warning about divine punishment for being wicked. Lastly, we learn that God is the most powerful, above all other gods.
2. Eve
Eve was the first woman created by God. She lived with Adam in the Garden of Eden, where they had the freedom to eat everything in the garden except the forbidden fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Tempted by a serpent, she ate the forbidden fruit and persuaded Adam to do the same. As a result of their disobedience, they were both expelled from heaven.
Eve’s story teaches us to be cautious about giving in to temptation and making choices you know you shouldn’t make. It also shows there are consequences for disobeying. Lastly, it reminds us that we can’t hide from God because he sees everything. Anyone going against his commands will face the consequences.
3. Cain
Cain was the oldest son of Adam and Eve. He was the first person to commit murder when he killed his brother Abel out of jealousy because his brother had God’s favor more than him. As a consequence, God cursed Cain to wander the earth as a fugitive. But, God also put a mark on Cain to keep him safe from anyone who wanted to harm him.
Cain’s story teaches us about the dangers of sibling rivalry, jealousy, and unchecked anger. This could lead to serious harm, like murder, which would make you carry the guilt of what you’ve done for the rest of your life. That’s why it’s so important to learn how to control our emotions and make peace with ourselves and others by trying to make up for our mistakes. Lastly, we learn God shows mercy on us despite our weaknesses.
4. Delilah
Delilah was a charming woman from Philistine, who won the heart of Samson, a hero chosen by God to protect his people. Samson had supernatural strength that came from his hair, which was his big secret. With her charm and cunning, Delilah seduced Samson to reveal his secret. But little did Samson know, Delilah had plans. She betrayed him for a bag of silver coins. In a wicked scheme, Delilah conspired with a Philistine to cut off Samson’s hair while he slept. When Samson woke up, he found himself weak and defenseless, his strength had gone.
Delilah’s story teaches us about the power dynamics in relationships, what happens when we misplace trust and the consequences of exploiting others for selfish motives.
5. Judas Iscariot
Judas Iscariot was one of Jesus’ closest followers, trusted to handle the finances for their group. But he gave in to greed—for thirty pieces of silver from the chief priests he betrayed Jesus with a kiss.
Judas’ story teaches us that it’s important not to value personal gain over loyalty and honesty. We should also learn to be careful with decision-making because our decisions affect not only us but everyone around us, too.
6. King Nebuchadnezzar
King Nebuchadnezzar is often seen as one of the main antagonists in the Bible. He held immense power as the ruler of Babylon, and through his power he conquered Jerusalem and forced the Jewish people into exile. Nebuchadnezzar’s ego knew no bounds, he built a massive statue of himself and demanded that all bow down and worship it. Those who refused faced the terrifying fate of being cast into a blazing furnace. As a result of his pride and arrogance, God made him lose his sanity and lived like a wild animal for seven long years.
What we learn from Nebuchadnezzar’s story is the importance of humility before God.
7. Pharaoh of Egypt
The Pharaoh of Egypt, particularly the one featured in the story of the Exodus in the Bible, is depicted as a powerful ruler who enslaved the Israelites and defied the command of God to release them. Despite witnessing numerous plagues and experiencing divine intervention, Pharaoh stubbornly refuses to let the Israelites go until the final devastating plague, the death of the firstborn, forces his hand.
What we learn from Pharaoh’s story is that there are dangers of tyranny. So, it is important to be kind and fair because divine justice is inevitable for those who go against God’s wishes.
8. King Herod
King Herod was a ruler of Judea during the time of Jesus’ birth. He is famously known for ordering the massacre of the innocents in Bethlehem in an attempt to eliminate the newborn Jesus, whom he saw as a threat to his throne. Herod was always scared that the Jewish people would rebel because he wasn’t a true Jew and he took the throne from the Parthians. So he tried to make things better by rebuilding the temple, but the Jewish people still didn’t trust or approve of him.
King Herod’s story teaches how making decisions based on fear can cause devastating consequences. It’s important to have moral integrity for good leadership.
9. Absalom
Absalom was the son of David who rebelled against his father’s rule, seeking to usurp the throne for himself. Absalom rebelled against his father because of how his father dealt with his brother Amnon after raping their sister Tamar. Absalom plotted against David, winning over the hearts of the people and raising an army to overthrow him. However, Absalom’s rebellion was unsuccessful, leading to his death in battle.
What we learn from Absalom’s story is that it is important to seek justice and forgiveness rather than taking matters into one’s own hands. Despite Absalom’s grievances, his methods only brought further chaos and suffering.
10. Haman
Haman is a prominent figure in the biblical Book of Esther, where he serves as the prime minister of the Persian Empire under King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I). His story revolves around his plot to annihilate the Jewish population in Persia, fueled by his pride and hatred towards Esther’s cousin Mordecai, who refuses to bow down to him. Haman made a plan to hang Mordecai on the big gallows he built. But things didn’t go as he wanted, and instead, he ended up getting hanged on the same gallows he made for Mordecai.
What we learn from Haman’s story is that there are dangers of unchecked arrogance. It’s also important to be brave and stand against injustice. If you hold onto hate and try to hurt others, there will be bad consequences, but doing what’s right and helping those who are mistreated will make you win in the end.
11. Pontius Pilate
Pontius Pilate was the Roman prefect of Judea who famously presided over the trial of Jesus Christ. In the end, he decided to have him crucified despite finding no fault in him.
What we learn from Pilate’s story is that it’s important to make good choices based on what you know is right, even if it’s hard. Or else there’s a consequence of prioritizing personal ambition and political survival over righteousness and moral courage.
12. Herodias
Herodias was married to Herod Antipas, who was in charge of Galilee and Perea. Before that, she was married to Herod’s brother, Philip. She was mad at John for condemning their marriage. So, she got him arrested and later convinced Herod to kill him at a party by asking for his head on a plate.
The story of Herodias teaches us that holding onto grudges and trying to get revenge can end up hurting us, either directly or indirectly. We also learn how important it is to stick to our beliefs and have integrity, even when others disagree or try to stop us. It warns us about the dangers of being too ambitious and highlights the importance of staying true to what’s right, no matter what challenges we face.
13. Balaam
Balaam was a diviner hired by Balak, king of Moab, to curse the Israelites as they journeyed through Moabite territory. At first, Balaam refused Balak’s request because of God’s warning. But later on, he changed his mind and decided to go. However, on his way, his donkey speaks to him, warning him of an angel of the Lord blocking their path.
What we learn from Balaam’s story is that it’s important to listen to what God tells us and follow His guidance. If we go against what’s right just to benefit ourselves, there will be consequences.
Enjoy this piece? Give it a like and follow PsychLove on MSN for more!
