Old Testament: Leaders & Judges

Caleb

Name meaning: "Dog" or "whole-hearted"
Approximately 35 references

One of the twelve spies sent into Canaan and one of only two (with Joshua) who gave a faithful report, trusting God's promise. Because of his faith, he was allowed to enter the Promised Land. At 85, he asked for and conquered the hill country of Hebron (Joshua 14:6-15).

Key references: 1 Chronicles 2:18, 1 Chronicles 2:19, 1 Chronicles 2:42, 1 Chronicles 2:46, 1 Chronicles 2:48, 1 Chronicles 2:49, 1 Chronicles 2:50, 1 Chronicles 4:15, 1 Chronicles 6:41, 1 Samuel 30:14 (and 25 more)

Deborah

Name meaning: "Bee"
Approximately 10 references

Prophetess and judge of Israel who led alongside the general Barak in defeating the Canaanite commander Sisera (Judges 4–5). Her victory song in Judges 5 is one of the oldest poems in the Bible.

Key references: Genesis 35:8, Judges 4:4, Judges 4:5, Judges 4:9, Judges 4:10, Judges 4:14, Judges 5:1, Judges 5:7, Judges 5:12, Judges 5:15

Eliakim

Name meaning: "God raises up"
Approximately 15 references

Multiple figures: (1) Eliakim son of Hilkiah — steward of the royal household under King Hezekiah. Played a key role during the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem, serving as the king's representative in negotiations with the Rabshakeh (2 Kings 18:18-37, Isaiah 36–37). Isaiah 22:20-25 contains a prophecy about him receiving authority, with imagery later echoed in Revelation 3:7. (2) Eliakim son of Josiah — a king of Judah whom Pharaoh Neco renamed Jehoiakim (2 Kings 23:34). Also appears in the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:13, Luke 3:30). The reference count includes all bearers.

Key references: 2 Chronicles 36:4, 2 Kings 18:18, 2 Kings 18:26, 2 Kings 18:37, 2 Kings 19:2, 2 Kings 23:34, Isaiah 22:20, Isaiah 36:3, Isaiah 36:11, Isaiah 36:22 (and 4 more)

Gideon

Also known as: Jerubbaal
Name meaning: "Hewer" or "great warrior"
Approximately 39 references

Judge who defeated the Midianites with just 300 men, demonstrating that victory comes from God, not human strength (Judges 6–8). Tested God with a fleece. Also called Jerubbaal ("let Baal contend") after destroying his father's Baal altar.

Key references: Judges 6:11, Judges 6:13, Judges 6:19, Judges 6:22, Judges 6:24, Judges 6:27, Judges 6:29, Judges 6:34, Judges 6:36, Judges 6:39 (and 27 more)

Joshua

Name meaning: "The LORD saves"
Approximately 218 references

Moses' successor who led Israel into the Promised Land. Originally named Hoshea, Moses renamed him Joshua (Numbers 13:16). One of only two faithful spies (with Caleb) who trusted God to give them Canaan. Led the conquest of the land and the covenant renewal at Shechem. His name is the Hebrew equivalent of "Jesus."

Key references: 1 Chronicles 7:27, 1 Kings 16:34, 1 Samuel 6:14, 1 Samuel 6:18, 2 Kings 23:8, Deuteronomy 1:38, Deuteronomy 3:21, Deuteronomy 3:28, Deuteronomy 31:3, Deuteronomy 31:7 (and 189 more)

Moses

Name meaning: "Drawn out" (of water)
Approximately 846 references

The greatest prophet of the Old Testament and deliverer of Israel from Egyptian slavery. Received the Law at Sinai, led Israel for forty years in the wilderness, and authored the Pentateuch according to tradition. Spoke with God "face to face" (Exodus 33:11). Died on Mount Nebo in sight of the Promised Land, which he was forbidden to enter because he struck the rock at Meribah (Numbers 20).

Key references: 1 Chronicles 5:29, 1 Chronicles 6:34, 1 Chronicles 15:15, 1 Chronicles 21:29, 1 Chronicles 22:13, 1 Chronicles 23:13, 1 Chronicles 23:14, 1 Chronicles 23:15, 1 Chronicles 26:24, 1 Kings 2:3 (and 773 more)

Nehemiah

Name meaning: "YHWH comforts"
Approximately 8 references

Cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes who was appointed governor of Judah (c. 445 BC). Led the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls in just 52 days despite opposition. Instituted social and religious reforms alongside Ezra. His book reveals his character through frequent short prayers.

Key references: Ezra 2:2, Nehemiah 1:1, Nehemiah 3:16, Nehemiah 7:7, Nehemiah 8:9, Nehemiah 10:2, Nehemiah 12:26, Nehemiah 12:47

Samson

Name meaning: "Man of the sun"
Approximately 38 references

Nazirite judge of extraordinary strength, empowered by the Spirit of God. Known for his exploits against the Philistines and his tragic downfall through Delilah, who discovered the secret of his strength — his uncut hair (Judges 13–16). In his death, pulling down the Philistine temple, he killed more enemies than in his life.

Key references: Judges 13:24, Judges 14:1, Judges 14:3, Judges 14:5, Judges 14:7, Judges 14:10, Judges 14:12, Judges 14:15, Judges 14:16, Judges 14:20 (and 27 more)

Zerubbabel

Name meaning: "Seed of Babylon"
Approximately 24 references

Governor of Judah who led the first group of exiles back from Babylon (c. 538 BC) and oversaw the rebuilding of the Temple. Encouraged by the prophets Haggai and Zechariah. Listed in the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:12-13).

Key references: 1 Chronicles 3:19, Ezra 2:2, Ezra 3:2, Ezra 3:8, Ezra 4:2, Ezra 4:3, Haggai 1:1, Haggai 1:12, Haggai 1:14, Haggai 2:2 (and 13 more)

9 entries. Reference counts are approximate, based on morphological analysis of the Westminster Leningrad Codex (Hebrew) and Open Greek New Testament.