Throughout the Bible, God chooses individuals not based on outward appearances but by the condition of their hearts. As Proverbs 3:3-4 says, “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck… then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.”
Those chosen by God are called to bear fruit, live holy lives, and reflect His grace. From Samuel’s anointing of David (1 Samuel 16:7) to God’s call for Moses to lead His people (Exodus 3:10), these stories show us that God looks beyond the surface to find those who are ready to fulfill His purpose. Whether it was Mary, chosen to carry Jesus (Luke 1:28), or Esther, raised up to save her people (Esther 4:14), each one was marked for greatness.
These 20+ Bible characters were chosen for a specific purpose and equipped to fulfill it. Their stories remind us that, just like them, we too can be chosen to accomplish God’s will in powerful ways.
1. Jesus
21. Jesus – Chosen by God to be the Savior of the world, fulfilling God’s plan of redemption through His life, death, and resurrection (Matthew 1:21; John 3:16). Jesus’ perfect obedience to God, His compassion, and willingness to sacrifice Himself for humanity’s sins made Him the ultimate instrument of salvation. His love and authority established the foundation for the Christian faith.
- Characteristic: Obedience, love, and sacrifice.
- Verse: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
2. YOU and Every Believer
Each believer is uniquely chosen to be part of God’s family, set apart for good works and to carry out God’s will on earth. Through faith in Christ, believers are adopted into God’s kingdom and entrusted with sharing the gospel and living out their faith in love and obedience.
- Characteristic: Faith and obedience.
- Verse: “For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 1:4-5).
Related Article: 10+ Signs You Are Chosen by God
3. Moses
Moses – Chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and receive the Ten Commandments (Exodus 3:10-12).
Moses demonstrated a spirit of excellence in leadership, with a humble heart, and trust in God’s direction, despite his initial doubts.
- Characteristic: Humility and excellence in leadership.
- Verse: “Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth” (Numbers 12:3).
- God’s spirit of excellence was evident as Moses led the Israelites with great persistence and faith.
4. David
David – Chosen by God to be the king of Israel, a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 16:12-13; Acts 13:22).
David’s courage, heart for worship, and ability to trust God, even in the face of Goliath and other battles, helped him rise to prominence as Israel’s king.
- Characteristic: Courage and heart for worship.
- Verse: “The Lord has sought out a man after his own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14).
5. Abraham
Abraham – Chosen by God to be the father of many nations and the recipient of God’s covenant promises (Genesis 12:2-3; 17:4-5).
Abraham’s faith in God’s promises, even when they seemed impossible, set the foundation for God’s covenant with Israel.
- Characteristic: Faith and obedience to God’s promises.
- Verse: “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness” (Romans 4:3).
6. Mary, Mother of Jesus
Mary, Mother of Jesus – Chosen by God to bear and raise the Savior of the world (Luke 1:28).
Mary’s obedience, humility, and willingness to trust in God’s plan made her the perfect vessel for the birth of Jesus.
- Characteristic: Obedience and trust.
- Verse: “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38).
7. Daniel
Daniel – Chosen by God for wisdom and to serve in Babylonian courts, interpreting dreams and visions (Daniel 1:9).
Daniel’s unwavering commitment to God, even in a foreign land, enabled him to interpret dreams and serve with integrity in a pagan kingdom.
- Characteristic: Wisdom and integrity.
- Verse: “Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine” (Daniel 1:8).
8. Joseph (Father of Jesus)
Joseph (Father of Jesus) – Chosen by God to be the earthly father of Jesus and guide His family (Matthew 1:19-20).
Joseph’s righteousness, obedience to God’s direction, and protective nature helped him care for Mary and Jesus during difficult times. His quick obedience to the angel’s message highlighted his trust in God’s plan.
- Characteristic: Righteousness and obedience.
- Verse: “ Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.” (Matthew 1:19) “When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him” (Matthew 1:24).
9. Esther
Esther – Chosen by God to be queen and save the Jewish people from destruction (Esther 4:14).
Esther’s bravery, wisdom, and willingness to risk her life for her people were crucial in saving the Jews from genocide.
- Characteristic: Courage and wisdom.
- Verse: “Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14).
Related Article: 12 Character Traits of Esther in the Bible
10. The Disciples
The Disciples – Chosen by Jesus to spread the gospel, perform miracles, and witness His resurrection (Matthew 4:18-20; John 15:16).
The disciples’ willingness to leave everything behind and follow Jesus, despite challenges, was essential for spreading the gospel message.
- Characteristic: Willingness and obedience.
- Verse: “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people” (Matthew 4:19).
11. John the Baptist
John the Baptist – Chosen by God to prepare the way for the coming Messiah and baptize with repentance (Luke 1:15-17).
John’s fiery passion for righteousness, boldness in speaking out against sin, and humility in recognizing Jesus as the Messiah fulfilled his mission.
- Characteristic: Boldness and humility.
- Verse: “He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born” (Luke 1:15).
12. Samson
Samson – Chosen by God to deliver Israel from the Philistines with his God-given strength (Judges 13:5).
Samson’s extraordinary strength, when aligned with God’s will, enabled him to defeat Israel’s enemies, though his personal struggles were challenges to his calling.
- Characteristic: Strength and divine empowerment.
- Verse: “The Spirit of the Lord began to stir him while he was in Mahaneh Dan” (Judges 13:25).
13. Solomon
Solomon – Chosen by God to succeed David as king and build the temple (1 Chronicles 28:6).
Solomon’s wisdom, granted by God, enabled him to lead Israel to prosperity and build the temple, a lasting symbol of God’s presence.
- Characteristic: Wisdom.
- Verse: “God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight” (1 Kings 4:29).
Related Article: How did Solomon get wisdom in a Dream?
14. Deborah
Deborah – Chosen by God to be a prophetess and judge over Israel (Judges 4-5).
Deborah’s wisdom, courage, and leadership inspired Israel to victory against their enemies, demonstrating that God can use anyone, regardless of gender, for His purposes.
- Characteristic: Wisdom and courage.
- Verse: “Deborah, a prophet, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time” (Judges 4:4).
15. Jacob
Jacob – Chosen by God to be the father of the twelve tribes of Israel (Genesis 28:13-15).
Jacob’s perseverance and ultimate transformation from a deceiver to a man of faith helped fulfill God’s promise to build a nation from his descendants.
- Characteristic: Perseverance and transformation.
- Verse: “Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth” (Genesis 28:14).
16. Elijah
Elijah – Chosen by God to confront Israel’s apostasy and bring revival (1 Kings 17-19).
Elijah’s boldness in confronting King Ahab and his prophets of Baal demonstrated his unwavering commitment to God.
- Characteristic: Boldness and commitment.
- Verse: “Elijah said, ‘As the Lord God of Israel lives, whom I serve'” (1 Kings 17:1).
17. Ruth
Ruth – Chosen by God to become the great-grandmother of King David, through her loyalty and faithfulness (Ruth 4:13-17).
Ruth’s loyalty to her mother-in-law and her trust in God’s provision set the stage for her inclusion in the lineage of Jesus Christ.
- Characteristic: Loyalty and faithfulness.
- Verse: “Where you go, I will go” (Ruth 1:16).
Related Article: 12 Character Traits of Ruth in the Bible
18. Nehemiah
Nehemiah – Chosen by God to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls after the exile (Nehemiah 1-2).
Nehemiah’s prayerful dependence on God, leadership, and vision were essential in successfully rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem.
- Characteristic: Vision and leadership.
- Verse: “The God of heaven will give us success” (Nehemiah 2:20).
19. Paul
Paul – Chosen by God to spread the gospel to the Gentiles and establish churches (Acts 9:15).
Paul’s zealous transformation from a persecutor of Christians—who once sought to imprison and even murder them—into an apostle and tireless missionary was instrumental in the early church’s expansion.
- Characteristic: Zeal and transformation.
- Verse: “But the Lord said to Ananias, ‘Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles'” (Acts 9:15).
20. Elizabeth and Zechariah
Elizabeth and Zechariah – Chosen by God to be the parents of John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus (Luke 1:5-25).
Elizabeth’s faithfulness and trust in God’s timing, despite her old age, and Zechariah’s eventual obedience and prophetic declaration, made them pivotal in God’s plan to prepare the way for the Messiah.
- Characteristics: Faithfulness, trust in God’s timing, obedience, and transformation in faith.
- Verse: “The Lord has done this for me… he has shown his favor” (Luke 1:25) and “His name is John” (Luke 1:63).
21. Noah
Noah – Chosen by God to preserve humanity and animal life through the flood (Genesis 6:8).
Noah’s unwavering obedience and faith in God, despite the ridicule he faced, enabled him to build the ark and save creation.
- Characteristic: Obedience and faithfulness.
- Verse: “Noah did everything just as God commanded him” (Genesis 6:22).
22. Samuel
Samuel – Chosen by God to be His prophet and judge over Israel (1 Samuel 3:10-20).
Samuel’s integrity and willingness to listen to God’s voice from a young age made him a faithful servant to God’s plan.
- Characteristic: Integrity and willingness to listen to God.
- Verse: “Speak, for your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:10).
Conclusion
Just as these Bible characters were chosen for greatness, you too can be chosen by God. Seek Him with a heart that desires to obey and love others. As 1 Samuel 16:7 reminds us, “The Lord looks at the heart,” and when your heart aligns with His will, He will guide you toward your purpose. Trust that God’s favor will rest upon you as you step into His plans and seek to love and serve others.