11. John the Baptist

📖 John 1:29 (KJV)
"The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world."

📜 Context:
John was the forerunner of Christ, calling the people of Israel to repentance and baptizing them in the Jordan River in preparation for the Messiah’s arrival.

🔎 What Happened Next:
John baptized Jesus, pointed others to Him, and was eventually imprisoned and executed by Herod for speaking truth.

Interesting Facts About John the Baptist

• Born to Zechariah and Elizabeth in their old age (Luke 1:13)
   
• Lived in the wilderness and wore camel’s hair with a leather belt (Matthew 3:4)
   
• Boldly called out sin, even among rulers (Mark 6:18)
   
• Baptized Jesus, after which the Spirit descended like a dove (Matthew 3:16)
   
• Jesus called him the greatest born of women (Matthew 11:11)
   
• Was beheaded by Herod after the request of Herodias' daughter (Mark 6:27)
   
• Fulfilled prophecy as “the voice crying in the wilderness” (Isaiah 40:3)

📖 Isaiah 9:6 (KJV)
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."

📜 Context:
Isaiah prophesied during a time of great turmoil, bringing messages of both judgment and hope, including the most detailed Old Testament prophecies about Jesus Christ.

🔎 What Happened Next:
His ministry spanned the reigns of multiple kings. Isaiah warned Judah of impending judgment, but also revealed God’s plan for redemption through the Messiah.

Interesting Facts About Isaiah

• His name means "The Lord is salvation"
   
• Ministered during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah
   
• Prophesied the virgin birth of Christ (Isaiah 7:14)
   
• Described the suffering servant (Isaiah 53)
   
• Quoted over 60 times in the New Testament
   
• Tradition says he was sawn in two during Manasseh’s reign
   
• His visions blended judgment and future hope

📖 1 Kings 3:9 (KJV)
"Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?"

📜 Context:
Solomon prayed for wisdom when given the opportunity to ask God for anything. His reign began with divine favor and unprecedented wealth and peace.

🔎 What Happened Next:
Solomon built the temple in Jerusalem, wrote many proverbs, and became renowned for his wisdom—though he later fell into idolatry due to foreign influences.

Interesting Facts About Solomon

• Was chosen by David to be king (1 Kings 1:30)
   
• Built the First Temple in Jerusalem (1 Kings 6:1)
   
• Wrote Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon
   
• Had 700 wives and 300 concubines, which led him astray (1 Kings 11:3)
   
• Received divine wisdom after asking God in prayer (1 Kings 3:12)
   
• Judged famously between two mothers claiming one baby (1 Kings 3:16–28)
   
• His wealth surpassed all kings of the earth (1 Kings 10:23)

📖 Genesis 6:22 (KJV)
"Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he."

📜 Context:
Noah lived in a corrupt and violent generation. God instructed him to build an ark to save his family and pairs of animals from the coming flood. Despite having never seen rain, Noah obeyed.

🔎 What Happened Next:
Noah’s obedience preserved life on earth. After the flood, he built an altar and worshipped God. God made a covenant with him, symbolized by a rainbow, promising never to flood the earth again.

Interesting Facts About Noah

• He was righteous in a wicked generation (Genesis 6:9).
   
• God gave him detailed instructions to build the ark (Genesis 6:14–16).
   
• It took about 100–120 years to build the ark.
   
• Only Noah’s family (eight people total) were saved in the flood.
   
• After the flood, he planted a vineyard and became drunk (Genesis 9:20–21).
   
• God made a covenant with Noah and all living creatures (Genesis 9:11).
   
• The rainbow was given as a sign of God’s promise (Genesis 9:13).

📖 Genesis 50:20 (KJV)
"But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive."

📜 Context:
Joseph was favored by his father but sold into slavery by his jealous brothers. After years of hardship—including false accusation and imprisonment—he interpreted Pharaoh’s dream and became second in command in Egypt.

🔎 What Happened Next:
Joseph forgave his brothers and provided for them during famine. His story is one of providence, forgiveness, and God turning evil for good.

Interesting Facts About Joseph

• Jacob gave him a special coat of many colors (Genesis 37:3).
   
• Sold by his brothers at age 17 (Genesis 37:28).
   
• He was falsely accused and imprisoned (Genesis 39:20).
   
• Interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams and was promoted (Genesis 41:39–40).
   
• Governed Egypt during 7 years of famine and 7 years of plenty.
   
• He forgave and reunited with his family (Genesis 45:4–5).
   
• Joseph lived to be 110 years old (Genesis 50:26).

*Joseph at age 17 when he was sold into slavery by his brothers.

📖 Matthew 16:18 (KJV)
"And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."

📜 Context:
Peter was a fisherman called by Jesus. Though bold, he denied Jesus three times. After the resurrection, Jesus restored him, and Peter became a foundational leader in the early church.

🔎 What Happened Next:
Peter preached boldly at Pentecost, healed the sick, and faced persecution for the gospel. He later wrote epistles and was reportedly martyred in Rome.

Interesting Facts About Peter

• Originally named Simon; Jesus renamed him Peter, meaning “rock.”
   
• Walked on water briefly before doubting (Matthew 14:29–30).
   
• Denied Jesus three times before the rooster crowed (Matthew 26:75).
   
• Preached at Pentecost and 3,000 were saved (Acts 2:41).
   
• Healed a beggar at the temple gate (Acts 3:6–7).
   
• Imprisoned and miraculously freed by an angel (Acts 12:6–7).
   
• Traditionally believed to have been crucified upside down.

📖 Acts 9:15 (KJV)
"But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel."

📜 Context:
Originally a Pharisee who persecuted Christians, Saul encountered the risen Christ on the road to Damascus. He was blinded, then healed, baptized, and transformed into Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles.

🔎 What Happened Next:
Paul traveled widely, planted churches, wrote much of the New Testament, endured great suffering, and remained faithful until death. His legacy shaped Christian theology and missions.

Interesting Facts About Paul

• He was a Roman citizen and a trained Pharisee under Gamaliel (Acts 22:3, 25).
   
• Persecuted Christians before his dramatic conversion (Acts 8:3, 9:1–6).
   
• Authored 13 New Testament letters.
   
• Survived beatings, stoning, shipwrecks, and imprisonments (2 Corinthians 11:23–27).
   
• Preached to both Jews and Gentiles throughout the Roman Empire.
   
• Was imprisoned in Rome and likely executed under Emperor Nero.
   
• Often traveled with companions like Barnabas, Silas, Luke, and Timothy.

📖 Psalm 23:1 (KJV)
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want."

📜 Context:
David began as a shepherd boy and rose to become king. He was known for his heart after God, his musical talent, and his courage in facing Goliath.

🔎 What Happened Next:
David united Israel, brought the ark to Jerusalem, and wrote psalms that express deep emotion, repentance, and praise.

Interesting Facts About David

• Anointed by Samuel while still a youth (1 Samuel 16:13)
   
• Defeated Goliath with a sling and a stone (1 Samuel 17:50)
   
• Played the harp for King Saul to soothe him (1 Samuel 16:23)
   
• Wrote many psalms used in worship today
   
• Had a close friendship with Jonathan (1 Samuel 18:1-4)
   
• Sinned greatly but also repented deeply (Psalm 51)
   
• Became ancestor to Jesus (Matthew 1:6)

* King David at Age He Became King of Israel

📖 Genesis 15:6 (KJV)
"And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness."

📜 Context:
God called Abraham out of his homeland to become the father of many nations. He obeyed in faith, trusting God's promises.

🔎 What Happened Next:
Abraham became the father of Isaac, and his descendants became the nation of Israel. He is a model of faith for Jews and Christians alike.

Interesting Facts About Abraham

• Originally named Abram (Genesis 17:5)
   
• Left Ur to follow God’s call (Genesis 12:1-4)
   
• Entered into a covenant with God (Genesis 15)
   
• Almost sacrificed Isaac in obedience (Genesis 22)
   
• Had children with Sarah and Hagar
   
• Buried in the cave of Machpelah (Genesis 25:9)
   
• Called “Friend of God” (James 2:23)

📖 Exodus 3:10 (KJV)
"Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt."

📜 Context:
God appeared to Moses in the burning bush, calling him to confront Pharaoh and lead Israel out of bondage.

🔎 What Happened Next:
Moses obeyed, performed miracles through God’s power, led the Israelites through the Red Sea, received the Law at Mount Sinai, and guided the people through the wilderness for 40 years.

Interesting Facts About Moses

• Raised in Pharaoh's household (Exodus 2:10)
   
• Spoke to God face-to-face (Exodus 33:11)
   
• Led Israel out of Egypt after ten plagues (Exodus 12)
   
• Parted the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-22)
   
• Received the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai (Exodus 20)
   
• Wrote the first five books of the Bible (the Pentateuch)
   
• Died within sight of the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 34:5)

📖 John 14:6 (KJV)
"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

📜 Context:
Jesus spoke these words to His disciples, revealing Himself as the only path to God the Father.

🔎 What Happened Next:
Jesus went to the cross, died for the sins of humanity, rose on the third day, and ascended into heaven. His life and teachings changed the world forever.

Interesting Facts About Jesus

• Born in Bethlehem, raised in Nazareth (Luke 2:4-7)
   
• Performed miracles, healed the sick, raised the dead (Matthew 4:24)
   
• Preached the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7)
   
• Was crucified under Pontius Pilate (John 19)
   
• Rose from the dead after three days (Matthew 28:6)
   
• Appeared to many after His resurrection (Acts 1:3)
   
• Ascended into heaven and promised to return (Acts 1:9-11)

📖 1 Samuel 16:1 (KJV)
"And the Lord said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? Fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons."

📜 Context:
God sent Samuel to Jesse’s household in Bethlehem to anoint a new king. David, Jesse’s youngest son, was chosen.

🔎 What Happened Next:
Jesse’s lineage became the royal line, and through it, the Messiah was eventually born (Matthew 1:6,16).

Interesting Facts About Jesse

• A Bethlehemite and descendant of Boaz and Ruth (Ruth 4:22)
   
• Had at least eight sons, including David (1 Samuel 16:10-11)
   
• Presented seven sons to Samuel before David was chosen
   
• His name became symbolic for the Messianic prophecy (Isaiah 11:1)
   
• Referred to as the root of the Davidic line (Romans 15:12)
   
• The genealogy of Jesus traces back to Jesse (Luke 3:32)
   
• He lived during the time of Saul, Israel’s first king

📖 2 Samuel 10:9 (KJV)
"When Joab saw that the front of the battle was against him before and behind, he chose of all the choice men of Israel, and put them in array against the Syrians."

📜 Context:
Joab, a skilled military leader, led Israel’s army under King David. He often acted decisively—sometimes ruthlessly—balancing loyalty with personal ambition.

🔎 What Happened Next:
Joab continued to serve David, though he defied him at times. Eventually, Solomon had Joab executed for his past betrayals.

Interesting Facts About Joab

• Nephew of King David (1 Chronicles 2:16)
   
• Played a key role in conquering Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 11:6)
   
• Killed Abner and Amasa, two rival commanders (2 Samuel 3:27; 20:10)
   
• Reconciled Absalom with David but later killed Absalom against David’s orders (2 Samuel 18:14)
   
• Defied David by supporting Adonijah’s rebellion (1 Kings 1:7)
   
• Was executed by Solomon’s order at the altar (1 Kings 2:28-34)
   
• Remembered as both a loyal warrior and a controversial figure

📖 Acts 5:39 (KJV)
"But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God."

📜 Context:
Gamaliel, a revered Jewish leader, counseled the Sanhedrin not to persecute the apostles hastily. His wisdom preserved the early church in a critical moment.

🔎 What Happened Next:
The apostles were spared from death and continued preaching. Gamaliel is also noted in Acts 22:3 as the teacher of Paul.

Interesting Facts About Gamaliel

• A Pharisee and doctor of the Law (Acts 5:34)
   
• Held in honor by all the Jews (Acts 5:34)
   
• Suggested that if the apostles’ mission was of God, it could not be stopped
   
• His speech saved the apostles from execution
   
• Paul studied under him in Jerusalem (Acts 22:3)
   
• Likely influenced the intellectual foundation of Paul’s early education
   
• His counsel reflects wisdom, patience, and spiritual insight

📖 Genesis 25:34 (KJV)
"Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright."

📜 Context:
Driven by hunger, Esau sold his birthright—his inheritance and blessing—for a simple meal, showing disregard for the spiritual heritage tied to it.

🔎 What Happened Next:

Though Esau later sought the blessing with tears (Hebrews 12:17), the promise remained with Jacob. His descendants became the nation of Edom.

Interesting Facts About Esau

• Born with Jacob, grasping his brother’s heel (Genesis 25:26)
   
• Known for his red hair and hunting skill (Genesis 25:25, 27)
   
• Married Hittite women, grieving his parents (Genesis 26:34-35)
   
• Lost the blessing of the firstborn (Genesis 27)
   
• Forgave Jacob upon reunion (Genesis 33:4)
   
• Ancestor of the Edomites (Genesis 36:1)
   
• Symbol of those who traded eternal value for temporary gain (Hebrews 12:16)

📖 Genesis 16:11 (KJV)
"And the angel of the Lord said unto her, Behold, thou art with child, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the Lord hath heard thy affliction."

📜 Context:
Ishmael was born to Hagar, Sarah’s Egyptian handmaid, after Sarah gave her to Abraham. Though not the son of promise, God blessed Ishmael and promised to make him a great nation.

🔎 What Happened Next:
Ishmael grew into a powerful nation, and his descendants are believed to have become many of the Arab peoples. God kept His word to Hagar concerning her son.

Interesting Facts About Ishmael

• His name means "God hears" (Genesis 16:11)
   
• God promised to make him a great nation (Genesis 17:20)
   
• Circumcised at age 13 with Abraham (Genesis 17:25)
   
• Mocked Isaac, leading to his and Hagar’s exile (Genesis 21:9-10)
   
• An angel comforted Hagar and Ishmael in the wilderness (Genesis 21:17-18)
   
• Had twelve sons, becoming rulers (Genesis 25:13-16)
   
• Buried Abraham with Isaac, showing later reconciliation (Genesis 25:9)

📖 Genesis 14:18 (KJV)
"And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God."

📜 Context:
Melchizedek appears suddenly to bless Abraham after his military victory. His priesthood, not based on genealogy, prefigures Christ’s eternal priesthood (Hebrews 7).

🔎 What Happened Next:
Though little is said about him in Genesis, he becomes a profound theological figure in Psalms and Hebrews, symbolizing Christ’s eternal priesthood.

Interesting Facts About Melchizedek

• King of Salem, likely Jerusalem (Genesis 14:18)
   
• His name means "King of Righteousness"
   
• Served as both king and priest—unique in the Old Testament
   
• Blessed Abraham and received tithes from him (Genesis 14:20)
   
• Cited in Psalm 110:4 as the priestly order of the Messiah
   
• Hebrews 7 explains his typology as a figure of Christ
   
• No recorded beginning or end, symbolizing eternal nature

Name: Mordecai – Esther’s cousin and guardian; key figure in saving the Jews from destruction

📖 Esther 2:7 (KJV)
"And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful..."

📜 Context:
Mordecai raised Esther as his own daughter and guided her in the Persian court. He uncovered a plot against the king and later played a pivotal role in saving the Jews from Haman’s genocide.

🔎 What Happened Next:
Mordecai was honored by the king, Haman was executed, and Mordecai rose to second in command in the Persian empire. The Jews celebrated deliverance through the Feast of Purim.

Interesting Facts About Mordecai

• Of the tribe of Benjamin (Esther 2:5)
   
• Guardian of Esther, who became queen
   
• Refused to bow to Haman, displaying faith and courage
   
• Uncovered a plot against the king (Esther 2:22)
   
• Helped orchestrate the rescue of the Jewish people
   
• Honored in royal procession by Haman (Esther 6:10-11)
   
• Elevated to power after Haman’s fall (Esther 10:3)

📖 2 Samuel 11:11 (KJV)
"And Uriah said unto David, The ark, and Israel, and Judah, abide in tents; and my lord Joab, and the servants of my lord, are encamped in the open fields; shall I then go into mine house, to eat and to drink, and to lie with my wife? as thou livest, and as thy soul liveth, I will not do this thing."

📜 Context:
Uriah was a dedicated and honorable soldier. When David tried to cover up his sin with Bathsheba, Uriah refused to go home while his fellow soldiers were at war. David then plotted Uriah’s death by placing him at the front lines.

🔎 What Happened Next:
Uriah was killed in battle by David's orders. His death was later condemned by the prophet Nathan, and David faced serious consequences for his actions.

Interesting Facts About Uriah

• He was a Hittite, a non-Israelite by ethnicity but loyal to Israel.
   
• Listed among David’s mighty men (2 Samuel 23:39).
   
• Refused comfort out of loyalty to fellow soldiers.
   
• David sent him to the battlefield carrying his own death warrant.
   
•   for his actions (2 Samuel 12).
   
• His death brought judgment upon David’s house.
   
• Though wronged, Uriah’s faithfulness is honored in Scripture.

📖 1 Kings 12:14 (KJV)
"And spake to them after the counsel of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, and I will add to your yoke: my father also chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions."

📜 Context:
After Solomon’s death, Rehoboam inherited the throne. When the people asked him to lighten their burdens, he rejected wise counsel and chose harshness. This caused ten tribes to break away, forming the northern kingdom of Israel.

🔎 What Happened Next:
The kingdom split into two: Judah and Israel. Rehoboam’s reign was marked by conflict, division, and decline. His poor leadership had lasting consequences on Israel’s unity.

Interesting Facts About Rehoboam

• Son of Solomon and grandson of David.
   
• Began to reign at 41 years old (1 Kings 14:21).
   
• Rejected the elders’ counsel in favor of younger advisers.
   
• His decision led to the northern tribes’ rebellion.
   
• Ruled the kingdom of Judah for 17 years.
   
• Faced invasion by Shishak, king of Egypt (1 Kings 14:25-26).
   
• His reign marked the beginning of divided monarchy in Israel’s history.