Biblical Heroes
Real people. Complex stories. Faith worth exploring. Meet the people of the Bible through their choices, their questions and their relationship with God.
Explore the profilesMeet the heroes
About this timeline
These labels are broad story settings, not dates for a person’s life or for when a biblical book was written. Early chronology, including the Exodus, is debated. Job’s setting is uncertain, so his profile sits outside the dated line. See the ESV Global Study Bible timeline and Bible Gateway’s entry on Job.
Beginnings
Before the patriarchs · Genesis 6–9
Patriarchs
Traditional setting · c. 2200–1800 BC
Abraham
Abraham trusted God's promises, obeyed in uncertain places and learned that faith includes courage, patience and honest course correction.
Sarah
Sarah waited many years for God's promise, learning faith, patience and trust even after doubt and laughter had come.
Isaac
Isaac received God's promise through Abraham's family and shows trust, obedience and peace when life depends on God's faithfulness.
Jacob
Jacob's story shows how God can reshape a flawed person through humility, perseverance and trust over a long journey.
Joseph
Joseph endured betrayal and false accusation, then chose forgiveness, integrity and kindness when God placed him in authority.
Moses and the Exodus
Date debated · 15th–13th centuries BC
Days of the Judges
Before the monarchy
Deborah
Deborah led Israel with courage and wisdom, helping others act bravely while giving God the credit for victory.
Ruth
Ruth stayed loyal to Naomi, chose kindness in grief and trusted God as he gently rebuilt their family story.
Samson
Samson's strength could not replace self-control, and his story raises questions about humility, weakness and depending on God.
Kings of Israel
c. 1010–930 BC
David
David faced Goliath with courage, followed God with faith and learned repentance after serious mistakes as a king.
Solomon
Solomon asked God for wisdom, then his story shows that discernment and humility must keep guiding every choice.
Divided Kingdom
8th century BC
Exile
6th century BC
Persian Empire
5th century BC
New Testament
1st century BC–1st century AD
Beyond the Timeline
Explore stories whose historical setting is uncertain. Their place here doesn’t mean they happened later.
