Scripture References Luke 2:36–38 First Impression and Observations Anna (meaning “Grace”) was a prophetess mentioned briefly but powerfully in the Gospel of Luke. She was the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She had been married for seven years before becoming a widow and was very advanced in age—eighty-four years old (or possibly a widow for eighty-four years, depending on interpretation). Anna never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. At the very moment Mary and Joseph presented the infant Jesus at the temple, Anna came up, gave thanks to God, and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. Though only three verses are devoted to her, Anna stands as a model of faithfulness, perseverance, and hope. She represents a remnant of Israel who waited expectantly for the Messiah. Outline of Life Anna was born into the tribe of Asher, one of the northern tribes of Israel. She married but was widowed after only ...
Scripture References 1 Samuel 16–31 2 Samuel 1–24 1 Kings 1–2 Selected Psalms (e.g., Psalms 23, 51, 63, 78:70–72) First Impression and Observations David (meaning “Beloved”) was the youngest son of Jesse, a shepherd from Bethlehem. He is described as ruddy, handsome, and with beautiful eyes (1 Samuel 16:12). More importantly, he is called “a man after God’s own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22). David was courageous, musical, poetic, and deeply spiritual. He defeated Goliath as a youth, served King Saul faithfully, and later became Israel’s greatest king. He showed remarkable restraint by refusing to kill Saul when given the opportunity. However, he was also capable of serious moral failure, most notably in his sin with Bathsheba and the arranged death of her husband, Uriah. David’s life is marked by extremes—great faith and great failure, deep repentance and lasting consequences. He unified Israel, established Jerusalem as its capital, and desired to build a temple for the Lor...