The theme of God using the humble is a recurring motif throughout the Bible, illustrating the divine preference for those who exhibit humility and a contrite spirit. This principle is evident in both the Old and New Testaments, where God often chooses individuals who are lowly in the eyes of the world to accomplish His purposes, thereby demonstrating His power and wisdom.

Old Testament Examples

1. Moses: Moses is a quintessential example of humility in the Old Testament. Despite his initial reluctance and self-doubt, God chose him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Numbers 12:3 states, "Now Moses was a very humble man, more so than any man on the face of the earth." His humility allowed him to be a vessel for God's deliverance and law-giving.

2. David: Before becoming king, David was a shepherd boy, the youngest of Jesse's sons, and seemingly insignificant. Yet, God saw his heart and chose him to be king over Israel. In 1 Samuel 16:7 , the Lord tells Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart."

3. Gideon: Gideon was from the weakest clan in Manasseh and considered himself the least in his family. Despite this, God called him a "mighty warrior" and used him to deliver Israel from the Midianites (Judges 6:12-16). Gideon's humility and obedience allowed God to work mightily through him.

New Testament Examples

1. Mary, the Mother of Jesus: Mary is a profound example of humility in the New Testament. A young, humble maiden from Nazareth, she was chosen to bear the Son of God. Her response to the angel Gabriel in Luke 1:38 reflects her humility and submission: "I am the Lord’s servant... May it happen to me according to your word."

2. The Disciples: Jesus chose His disciples from among fishermen, tax collectors, and other ordinary individuals. Their humble backgrounds did not hinder them from becoming the foundation of the early Church. In Acts 4:13 , it is noted that the religious leaders were astonished by the boldness of Peter and John, recognizing "that they were unschooled, ordinary men."

3. Paul: Once a persecutor of Christians, Paul became one of the most influential apostles. He often spoke of his weaknesses and reliance on God's grace. In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 , Paul writes, "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me."

Theological Insights

The biblical narrative consistently underscores that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). Humility is not merely a passive trait but an active posture of the heart that acknowledges one's dependence on God. It is through humility that individuals become receptive to God's guidance and empowerment.

The use of the humble serves to magnify God's glory, as it becomes evident that the accomplishments achieved through them are not by human strength or wisdom but by divine intervention. This principle is encapsulated in 1 Corinthians 1:27-29 : "But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast in His presence."

In summary, the biblical theme of God using the humble is a testament to His sovereign choice and the transformative power of humility. It serves as a reminder that God values the heart over outward appearances and that His strength is made perfect in human weakness.