Children of the Old Testament

In Short

This collection of narrative portraits retells classic Old Testament stories, focusing directly on the young people whose lives shape the history of Israel. From Joseph's betrayal in Canaan to the child Moses in the Nile, and from young Samuel hearing a voice in the sanctuary to David facing a giant in the valley, the book brings ancient biblical figures to life. It highlights their everyday actions, their childhood fears, and their extraordinary faith. The work endures because it distills complex spiritual sagas into vivid, human-scale dramas that speak directly to a young reader's imagination.

The Story

The book traces the lives of several key children from the scriptures, following their transformation from vulnerable youths into historical leaders. The narrative opens in the great valley of Hebron, where seventeen-year-old Joseph works the fields alongside his young brother, Benjamin. Loved deeply by his father Jacob, Joseph receives a striped tunic of many colors—a gift that fuels the bitter hatred of his older brothers. When Joseph tracks his brothers to their pastures, they strip him of his coat, cast him into a pit, and ultimately sell him for twenty pieces of silver to passing merchants. Transported to Egypt as a slave, Joseph rises through trials to become ruler over the land. Decades later, during a severe regional famine, his brothers travel to Egypt to buy grain. Joseph tests their character in secret before revealing his identity with tears of joy, ultimately forgiving them and inviting his entire family to settle safely in the fertile land of Goshen.

As generation succeeds generation, the Israelites grow into a vast nation, prompting a new Egyptian king to force them into heavy labor making bricks and building storehouses. During this period of severe oppression, a Hebrew mother named Jochebed hides her infant son, Moses, placing him in a woven basket among the river flags. Her daughter Miriam watches from afar as the Pharaoh’s daughter discovers the floating basket, takes pity on the crying child, and claims him to raise in the palace.

The focus shifts to individual acts of devotion and calling in later generations. Ruth, a loyal daughter-in-law, travels with Naomi to Bethlehem, gleaning stray ears of barley in the fields of Boaz to support them both. In Shiloh, the young boy Samuel is dedicated to God by his mother, Hannah, serving the aging priest Eli in the tabernacle. One night, the child hears his name called in the darkness and receives a solemn prophecy about the nation’s future, maturing into a respected judge and prophet.

Samuel eventually anoints David, a young shepherd boy from Bethlehem who spends his days tending sheep and playing the harp. When the Philistine champion Goliath defies the armies of Israel, David steps forward with only his staff and sling, slaying the giant and earning a place in the royal court. The volume concludes with accounts of God's guidance through prophets like Elijah and Elisha, who restore children to grieving parents, and the story of a captive Jewish maidservant whose quiet advice leads to the healing of the Syrian commander Naaman.

How It Unfolds

The dreamer betrayed Joseph's brothers grow jealous of their father's favor and strip the boy of his striped tunic. They throw him into a pit and sell him to Egyptian slave traders for twenty silver coins.

A reunion in Egypt Years later, Joseph's brothers kneel before him in Egypt without recognizing the powerful officer. After testing their honesty and seeing their true sorrow, Joseph reveals himself and forgives them.

Floating among the lilies To save her baby from the king's harsh orders, a Hebrew mother places little Moses in a floating basket along the Nile. The king's daughter finds the crying infant and decides to raise him as her own.

Gleaning in the harvest fields Ruth faithfully accompanies Naomi to Bethlehem and spends long days gathering stray barley. Her quiet industry catches the attention of the landowner Boaz, who offers her protection and food.

A voice in the quiet night Young Samuel lies near the holy place in Shiloh when a voice calls out to him in the dark. The boy answers the call and receives a solemn message regarding the future of Israel.

The shepherd facing a giant David leaves his father's sheep to bring supplies to his older brothers on the battlefield. Hearing the giant Goliath mock his people, the ruddy youth steps forward with a simple sling.

A servant girl's kindness A young captive maid in Syria feels pity for her master Naaman's severe illness. She speaks up boldly to her mistress, directing the commander to the prophet in Samaria for healing.

The People

• Joseph: A favored youth whose bright tunic and big dreams inflame his brothers' jealousy. Thrown into a pit and sold into Egyptian slavery, he grows into a wise ruler who saves his family from famine and forgives those who wronged him.
• The Older Brothers: Ten dark-bearded shepherds who envy Joseph's place in their father's heart. Driven by resentment, they sell their brother, only to face their past actions years later when begging for grain in Egypt.
• Jochebed and Miriam: A mother and sister who act courageously to save baby Moses from destruction. They craft a floating basket, place it among the river lilies, and secure a safe future for the infant within the royal household.
• Samuel: A dedicated child given to the tabernacle service by his mother, Hannah. He grows up under the care of the old priest Eli, learning to listen to the voice of God and guide his nation with wisdom.
• David: A ruddy shepherd boy from Bethlehem who plays the harp, slays wild beasts, and steps forward with a sling to defeat the giant Goliath when an entire army hesitates.
• The Little Jewish Maid: A young girl captured in a Syrian raid who serves Naaman's wife. Despite her captivity, she displays deep empathy by telling her owners where her master can be cured.

In Its Own Voice

"Two boys, Joseph and Benjamin, sons of a rich Eastern shepherd, lived in their father's wide tent in the great valley of Hebron."

The book begins by setting its scenes in simple, evocative landscapes, establishing the family ties that drive the narrative.

"'Whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God...'"

Ruth speaks these famous words of devotion to Naomi as they prepare to leave behind their old lives for Bethlehem.

"Outside the city walls his servants scraped the earth together until they had filled two mule-sacks, and then the small band of Syrians, shouldering their spears, set out on the homeward road."

After his unexpected healing, Naaman leaves Samaria carrying humble gifts of earth, transformed by his journey.

What It's Really About

The text explores how small, vulnerable individuals—often forgotten younger siblings, isolated mothers, or captive children—play pivotal roles in shaping historical events. Beneath the dramatic plotlines of betrayals, battles, and famines, the book examines the nature of family bonds, the destructive power of envy, and the quiet dignity of work. It emphasizes that real strength does not depend on military power or high physical stature, but on integrity, obedience, and an unshakeable faith. The stories repeatedly contrast outer appearances with inner character, showing how ordinary choices in humble circumstances echo far beyond the immediate moment.

Why Read It Today

Readers who appreciate classic storytelling with clear moral resonance will find this volume deeply engaging. The prose moves at a steady, rhythmic pace, using clear visual descriptions—like the bright colors of Joseph’s striped coat, the muddy riverbanks of the Nile, and the golden harvest fields of Bethlehem—to bring ancient settings to life.

It carries the gentle, accessible tone of vintage juvenile literature, making it ideal for reading aloud or exploring historical narrative styles. While the text reflects the straightforward moral framework and period language of older retellings, it avoids unnecessary sentimentality by keeping its main emphasis on human action and vivid detail. The book leaves the reader with a lasting sense of how individual courage and unexpected kindness can alter the course of lives, leaving a quiet, memorable impact long after the final page.