Reading Biblical Stories: Understanding the Characters of Scripture
We love a good story. Whether it’s an epic novel, a gripping movie, or an unforgettable TV show, what pulls us in isn’t just the plot, it’s the characters. We relate to their struggles, their victories, and their failures because, like them, we’re living our own story. We face conflict, make choices, and deal with the consequences.
The Bible is no different. Biblical narratives use characters as a mirror, when we look at them, we see ourselves. Their successes and failures reveal human nature, showing us what it means to follow God…and what happens when we don’t.
But here’s the challenge: biblical characters are not written like the ones in modern stories. The authors of Scripture develop their characters with an economy of words. They don’t give us detailed descriptions, deep psychological insights, or long internal monologues. They leave gaps, forcing us to pay close attention, to think, and to reflect.
What the Bible Tells Us About Characters (And Why It Matters)
Unlike modern storytelling, the Bible rarely describes what a person looks like, unless that detail means something. When we are told that Saul is tall, it’s not just trivia. His height reflects his craving for power, his love for status, and his belief that strength equals leadership. In contrast, David is small, seemingly unimpressive. Yet his story flips expectations, God exalts the humble and works through weakness, not outward strength.
Other physical details matter too. Esau is described as hairy, wild and animalistic, ruled by his appetites. Jacob, whose name means “deceiver,” is smooth-skinned, slippery, calculating, and always scheming. The Bible uses physical features, names, and small character details to communicate something deeper about who they are.
What the Bible Doesn’t Tell Us
Biblical stories also leave out things we want to know. They rarely spell out people’s thoughts or motives. Take Moses, for example. When he sees an Egyptian beating an Israelite, he kills the man on the spot. But why? Was it an act of righteous justice, or did he just lose his temper? Was God okay with this?
The text doesn’t say. Instead, it lets the consequences tell the story. Moses’ action forces him to flee into the wilderness for forty years, an exile that ultimately shapes his journey with God.
This is a common storytelling technique in Scripture. The authors prefer to show, not tell. They give us dialogue and events but avoid direct moral commentary. Instead, they invite us to wrestle with the story, to sit with the tension, and to consider the results of people’s choices.
Are There Any True “Heroes” in the Bible?
If you grew up with children’s Bible stories, you might expect the Bible to have clear-cut good guys and bad guys. But that’s not how these stories work. Unlike fairy tales where the hero is noble and the villain is evil, biblical characters are a mix of both, just like us.
Take Abraham, the father of faith. He trusted God enough to leave his homeland but also used an Egyptian slave for sex and lied (twice!) to protect himself at his wife’s expense. Or David, the man after God’s own heart, who committed adultery and then arranged the murder of the woman’s husband.
These stories aren’t about moral perfection. They’re about flawed people being pursued by a perfect God.
So, does that mean we shouldn’t imitate biblical characters? Well…not exactly.
What Biblical Characters Do Teach Us
While we’re not supposed to blindly follow the example of every biblical character, there is something to learn from them. Pay attention to what happens when they come to the end of themselves, when they hit rock bottom, realize their failures, and choose to trust God’s wisdom over their own.
These moments are the true turning points of the biblical narrative. The people God works through most powerfully are the ones who surrender their plans, pride, and strength, choosing instead to rely fully on God.
And this is where we find the real hero of the Bible, God himself.
Throughout Scripture, God isn’t just a distant force; he is the character, the one driving the story forward. Again and again, he remains faithful when humans fail. He continues to work through broken people, proving that his love, patience, and grace are what truly hold the story together.
Why This Matters for Us
Reading biblical narratives isn’t just about learning ancient history, it’s about seeing ourselves in the story. The failures of biblical characters remind us of our own struggles, and their moments of trust encourage us to do the same.
Ultimately, the Bible’s message isn’t “Be like these people.” It’s See how God works in the lives of imperfect people, and know that he is still working in yours today.
So next time you read a biblical story, don’t just ask, Is this character good or bad? Instead, ask:
- What does this person’s journey reveal about human nature?
- How does this story show me God’s patience and grace?
- Where do I see myself in this character’s successes and failures?
Because when we engage with these stories the way they were meant to be read, we aren’t just learning about the past, we are stepping into a narrative that is still unfolding today.