Who Am I? Old Testament Characters -- #8 Quiz

Answer: Tamar

Tamar is the correct answer and her story is told in Genesis 38:1-30. It's a long story, but Tamar was the daughter-in-law of Judah and was married to Judah's sons Er and Onan. However, after the two sons died, Judah apparently thought Tamar was a prostitute when he met up with her along the side of a road and as a result of the union, she gave birth to twins Perez and Zerah. (Scripture reports her face was covered during intercourse.) About three months later, when it was reported Tamar was pregnant and proclaimed a prostitute, Judah announced she should be brought out and "burned to death." However, Judah had to do some serious backpedaling when Tamar was able to prove he was actually the man who had impregnated her. (Genesis 38:18 states Judah had given Tamar his "seal and its cord, and the staff in his hand" as a pledge before he slept with her. When she was about to be put to death, she was able to produce Judah's pledge to her and her life was spared.)

According to Wikipedia, Tamar means 'date palm' and is the original form of the names Tamara and Tammy. Two rivers in the world also bear the name Tamar. River Tamar is found in England while the Tamar River is in Tasmania, part of Australia.

Answer: Jesse

Jesse was the father of David. According to 1 Samuel 17:17-18, Jesse gave David roasted grain and bread to give to his brothers as well as cheese to the commander of their unit. The Israelites were involved in a battle against the Philistines in the area of Sokoh with the two sides occupying two hills and a valley between them, Scripture states.

The same chapter tells how David slew Goliath, with the Israelites scoring a major victory.

Answer: Mephibosheth

Mephibosheth was the son of Jonathan and grandson of Saul and Scripture reports he was "lame in both feet." David and Mephibosheth's father were the best of friends. This, even though Jonathan's father Saul devoted much of his latter life trying to kill David. 2 Samuel 9:7 states that David restored to Mephibosheth all the land that belonged to his grandfather Saul and he ensured he would "always" dine at his table with him.

Answer: Abishag

1 Kings 1:3 states that when David was advanced in years a search was conducted throughout Israel for a young virgin to take care of him and Abishag, a Shunammite, was found in that search. Scripture reports Abishag was "very beautiful" and although she took care of the king, they did not have sexual relations.

When Adonijah requested permission to marry Abishag, King Solomon became extremely angry and ordered his execution, as per 1 Kings 2:22-25.

Answer: Elijah

Elijah is the correct answer. The miraculous raising of the widow's son from the dead is recorded in 1 Kings 17:17-24. Verses 21-22, in the NIV Bible, states: "Then he stretched himself out on the boy three times and cried out to the LORD, 'LORD my God, let this boy's life return to him!' The LORD heard Elijah's cry, and the boy's life returned to him, and he lived." The woman's name is not given in Scripture.

She is simply described as the widow of Zarephath in the region of Sidon. Previous to bringing the boy back to life, Scripture states Elijah had basically saved the widow and her son from starvation by miraculously producing oil and flour for them, as per 1 Kings 17:7-16.

Answer: Elisha

Scripture reports Elisha's prayers were answered and the Arameans were blinded, as per 2 Kings 6:8-23. Just prior to this, Elisha's servant had become terrified after seeing the enemy surrounding them. So Elisha prayed that his eyes would be opened and he would see a mountain full of horses and chariots of fire protecting them.

In other words, you could say it's an open-and-shut case of eyes being opened and closed in Scripture. The spectacular miracles happened just after the so-called ho-hum miracle (at least in the scale of things) of Elisha making an axhead float in the Jordan River. Elisha was the son of Shaphat and he was the successor to Elijah.

Answer: Hezekiah

Hezekiah is the correct answer. He was the 14th king of Israel, according to Wikipedia. The prophet Isaiah told Hezekiah to get his house in order "because you are going to die, you will not recover," as per 2 Kings 20: 1. Hezekiah then pored out his heart to the Lord immediately after Isaiah left and Scripture reports the prophet promptly received a message from the Lord. 2 King 20:4-5, in the NIV Bible, states in part: "...the word of the LORD came to him: 'Go back and tell Hezekiah, the ruler of my people, 'This is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you.'" Scripture goes on to report 15 more years were added to Hezekiah's life.

Answer: Enoch

Enoch is the correct answer. Genesis 5:22-24, in the NIV Bible, states: "After he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked faithfully with God 300 years and had other sons and daughters. Altogether, Enoch lived a total of 365 years. Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away." In other words, he did not die, but was taken away by God, similar to Elijah.

Incidentally, Hebrews 11:5, in the New Testament, has this to say about Enoch and his departure: "By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: He could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God." According to Wikipedia, Enoch means initiated, dedicated and disciplined.

Answer: Hannah

Hannah's story is told in the first chapter of 1 Samuel which is devoted to the birth of Samuel. Scripture reports Hannah was married to Elkanah, who had a second wife named Peninnah. While Peninnah was giving birth to children, Hannah was barren, a status that depressed her immensely. Making matters worse, Peninnah would apparently remind Hannah she was unable to conceive, simply to provoke her.

In 1 Samuel 1:11 she issues a prayer: "LORD Almighty, if you will only look on your servant's misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the LORD for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head." The chapter concludes by stating in the course of time Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son.

She named him Samuel, saying, "because I asked the LORD for him."

Answer: Othniel

Othniel was the first judge of Israel. He was the younger brother of Caleb and his father was Kenash. His wife was Achsah. Judges 3:10-11, in the NIV Bible, states: "The Spirit of the LORD came on him, so that he became Israel's judge and went to war.

The LORD gave Cushan-Rishathaim king of Aram into the hands of Othniel, who overpowered him. So the land had peace for forty years, until Othniel son of Kenaz died."