Throughout the biblical narrative, God often uses individuals who might seem obscure or insignificant by human standards to fulfill His divine purposes. These figures, though not always in the forefront, play crucial roles in the unfolding of God's plan. Their accounts remind us that God values faithfulness and obedience over prominence and power.

Bezalel and Oholiab

Bezalel and Oholiab are two artisans mentioned in the Book of Exodus, chosen by God to construct the Tabernacle and its furnishings. Bezalel, from the tribe of Judah, is described as being filled with "the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, and ability in all kinds of craftsmanship" (Exodus 31:3). Oholiab, from the tribe of Dan, was appointed as his assistant. These men, though not leaders or prophets, were instrumental in creating the sacred space where God would dwell among His people.

Shiphrah and Puah

Shiphrah and Puah were Hebrew midwives who played a pivotal role during Israel's time in Egypt. When Pharaoh ordered the killing of all newborn Hebrew boys, these women feared God and defied the king's edict, allowing the boys to live (Exodus 1:17). Their courage and reverence for God preserved the lives of many, including Moses, who would later lead the Israelites out of bondage.

Jael

Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, is a heroine in the Book of Judges. During the time of Deborah and Barak, Jael played a decisive role in the defeat of Sisera, the commander of the Canaanite army. She invited Sisera into her tent, offered him hospitality, and then killed him, securing victory for Israel (Judges 4:21). Her actions, though controversial, were celebrated in the Song of Deborah as a demonstration of God's deliverance through unexpected means.

Onesimus

Onesimus was a runaway slave mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the Epistle to Philemon. After fleeing from his master, Philemon, Onesimus encountered the Apostle Paul and became a Christian. Paul sent him back to Philemon with a letter, urging Philemon to receive Onesimus not as a slave but as a beloved brother in Christ (Philemon 1:16). Onesimus's transformation and reconciliation with Philemon illustrate the power of the Gospel to transcend social barriers and bring about spiritual renewal.

Ebed-Melech

Ebed-Melech, an Ethiopian eunuch serving in the court of King Zedekiah, is noted for his bravery in the Book of Jeremiah. When the prophet Jeremiah was cast into a cistern and left to die, Ebed-Melech intervened, petitioning the king and rescuing Jeremiah from certain death (Jeremiah 38:7-13). His actions demonstrated compassion and courage, and God promised him deliverance during the fall of Jerusalem because he trusted in the Lord (Jeremiah 39:18).

Rhoda

Rhoda was a servant girl in the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where early Christians gathered to pray. When Peter was miraculously freed from prison, he came to the house and knocked at the door. Rhoda recognized his voice and, in her excitement, forgot to open the door, instead running to announce Peter's presence to the others (Acts 12:13-14). Her seemingly minor role highlights the joy and surprise of answered prayer and the communal life of the early church.

These obscure figures, among others, demonstrate that God's plan often unfolds through the lives of those who may seem insignificant. Their accounts encourage believers to remain faithful and obedient, trusting that God can use anyone, regardless of their status, to accomplish His purposes.