The term "Ancients" or "Faithful of the Old Testament" refers to the patriarchs, prophets, and other notable figures who demonstrated unwavering faith and obedience to God throughout the Hebrew Scriptures. These individuals are often celebrated for their exemplary lives and their roles in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. Their accounts are foundational to understanding the narrative of the Bible and the development of faith in the Judeo-Christian tradition.

Abel
Abel, the second son of Adam and Eve, is recognized for his righteous offering to God. His faith is highlighted in Hebrews 11:4: "By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God gave approval to his gifts. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead" . Abel's faithfulness, despite his untimely death at the hands of his brother Cain, sets a precedent for the importance of sincere worship and sacrifice.

Enoch
Enoch is noted for his close walk with God, which led to his being taken up to heaven without experiencing death. Genesis 5:24 states, "Enoch walked with God, and then he was no more, because God had taken him away" . His life is a testament to the possibility of living in intimate fellowship with the Creator. Hebrews 11:5 further commends Enoch's faith: "By faith Enoch was taken up so that he did not see death, and he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God" .

Noah
Noah is renowned for his obedience in building the ark, an act of faith that saved his family and preserved humanity. Genesis 6:9 describes Noah as "a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God" . His account is a powerful example of faith in action, as he trusted God's warning of the impending flood and acted accordingly. Hebrews 11:7 affirms Noah's faith: "By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in godly fear built an ark to save his family. By faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith" .

Abraham
Abraham, often called the "father of faith," is a central figure in the Old Testament. His journey of faith began with God's call to leave his homeland and culminated in the covenant promises of land, descendants, and blessing. Genesis 15:6 records, "Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness" . Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac, as recounted in Genesis 22, further exemplifies his profound trust in God. Hebrews 11:8-10 highlights Abraham's faith: "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance. He went out without knowing where he was going. By faith he dwelt in the promised land as a stranger, as in a foreign country. He lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise" .

Sarah
Sarah, Abraham's wife, is remembered for her faith in God's promise of a son despite her old age. Her initial doubt turned to belief, as noted in Hebrews 11:11: "By faith Sarah, even though she was barren and beyond the proper age, was enabled to conceive a child because she considered Him faithful who had promised" . Sarah's account underscores the theme of God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises.

Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph
These patriarchs continued the legacy of faith established by Abraham. Isaac's life is marked by his role in the continuation of the covenant promises. Jacob, later named Israel, fathered the twelve tribes, and his life is a testament to God's transformative power. Joseph's faith is evident in his unwavering trust in God's providence, even in the face of betrayal and hardship. Hebrews 11:20-22 commends their faith: "By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning the future. By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph's sons and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites and gave instructions about his bones" .

Moses
Moses is a towering figure in the Old Testament, known for leading the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage and receiving the Law at Mount Sinai. His faith is evident in his choice to identify with the people of God rather than enjoy the fleeting pleasures of Egypt. Hebrews 11:24-27 highlights Moses' faith: "By faith Moses, when he was grown, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to suffer oppression with God’s people rather than to experience the fleeting enjoyment of sin. He valued disgrace for Christ above the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his reward. By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw Him who is invisible" .

Rahab
Rahab, a Canaanite woman, is celebrated for her faith in the God of Israel, which led her to protect the Israelite spies in Jericho. Her actions resulted in her inclusion in the lineage of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 11:31 commends her faith: "By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies in peace, did not perish with those who were disobedient" .

These ancients, among others, form a "great cloud of witnesses" (Hebrews 12:1) whose lives of faith continue to inspire believers today. Their accounts are woven throughout the Old Testament, providing timeless examples of trust, obedience, and the enduring faithfulness of God.