Teachings on Old Testament Figures

Kings of Israel

Saul
The son of Kish of the tribe of Benjamin, the Lord sent the prophet Samuel to anoint Saul as Israel's first king, reigning in the second half century of 11 B.C. Saul led Israel in victory through God's leading on numerous occasions against the Philistines. However, Saul eventually took matters into his own hands and lost the favor of the Lord. This led to God appointing another king to eventually replace Saul—David. Saul made several attempts on David's life, which all failed. Saul was eventually slain in battle with the Philistines along with his son Jonathan. Saul's story is found in 1 Samuel.
Teachings: Freedom from Slavery.

David
The second king of Israel, David reigned 1010-970 B.C. David was from Bethlehem, the youngest of eight sons of Jesse, and anointed as the successor to Saul by the prophet Samuel as a young boy. “The Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward,” as his life led him as a musician for Saul, slayer of the Philistine giant Goliath, a soldier is Israel's army,and eventually king. David conquered Jerusalem and made it the capital city of Israel. David was always regarded as “a man after the Lord's own heart,” even despite his murder of Uriah and adultery with Bathsheba. David is the author of many of the Psalms. His story is found in 1 and 2 Samuel and 1 Kings.
Teachings: Handling a Crisis Successfully.

Solomon
The son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon became the hand-picked successor of David as king of Israel and reigned from 970-931 B.C. As a young and untried king, Solomon acted with surprising forcefulness in crushing the men who turned against his father and remained a threat to his throne. In a dream, the Lord asked Solomon what he would like to be given, Solomon responded in asking for an “understanding mind to govern the people.” God was pleased he didn't ask for long life, riches or triumph over his enemies, so the Lord gave him these, as well. Solomon's wisdom surpassed all others and became legendary throughout the other kingdoms of the world. Solomon built the first temple in Jerusalem and authored Proverbs an Song of Songs, and credited as the the writer of Ecclesiastes. Solomon also strayed from the Lord by taking a harem of wives from other nations and leading Israel into idolatry. Solomon's story is found in 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles.
Teachings: The Half-Hearted King.

Prophets

Elijah
Elijah was a prophet in Israel during the ninth century B.C. Elijah is described as appearing mysteriously from an unknown background. He fought as a soldier of the Lord against false gods, championed the downtrodden, performed miracles and vanished up to heaven in a blazing chariot. Elijah first appears in Israel during the middle of King Ahab's reign, around 864 B.C. His story is found in 1 and 2 Kings.
Teachings: 1 Kings 17, 1 Kings 18, 1 Kings 19, 2 Kings 2, Comparison to Elisha.

Elisha
Elisha prophesied in Israel during the ninth century B.C. Elisha was the disciple and successor of Elijah. Unwavering in their commitment to the Lord, there were remarkable differences between Elisha and his mentor Elijah. Elisha was firm when necessary, but a more gentle man than Elijah, often living with other prophets and pursuing his mission through performing miracles. Elisha was the son of the farmer Shaphat. It was while plowing the fields that Elijah called Elisha as a youth to be his successor. Elisha's story is found in 2 Kings.
Teachings: 2 Kings 2, Comparison to Elijah.

Haggai
A prophet in Israel during the sixth century B.C. Haggai and his fellow prophet Zechariah succeeded in urging the Israelites complete the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem following their return from Babylonian exile. Haggai linked the struggles of the people with the fact that the temple remained in ruin. He predicted the coming of God's final judgment of the world. Haggai's story is found in the book bearing his name.
Teachings: The Road to Compromise