David (1 Samuel 17:48-51)
When the whole Israelite army was too afraid to attack the Philistines, this young tyke went into battle, armourless, and brought Goliath down with a single sling-shot. Some scholars believe he was aged between 10 and 15! Just another day in the life of a guy who killed bears and lions (verse 35) in his spare time I guess?
Little maid of Israel (2 Kings 5)
Living in a foreign land, this young slave girl had amazing faith and love for others. Learning that her master Naaman—the king’s army commander—had leprosy, she bravely told her master’s wife that the prophet Elisha could cure him. And he did!
Daniel (Daniel 1:17)
Scholars believe Daniel and his friends may have only been eight years old when they stood up to the king and refused to eat the palace food. Most eight-year-olds refuse to eat broccoli, let alone stand up to a king!
Boy with loaves and fishes (John 6)
Some commentators suggest that the little boy in this story intended to sell his food to the crowd—otherwise, why would he pack so much? And yet, despite Andrew’s emphasis about how “small” his offering was, he willingly gave all he had without shame or hesitation. And through his generosity, thousands of people were fed!
Mary (Luke 1:26-36)
Mary was only a teenager, perhaps as young as 12, when the angel Gabriel told her she would have a baby. As a newly-engaged young woman, surrendering to God’s plan was a courageous decision. What would Joseph say? Would she have to raise the child alone? In that moment, she was willing to sacrifice everything.
Miriam (Exodus 2:7)
Moses’ older sister Miriam approached Egypt’s royalty unapologetically and they listened to her. Thanks to her bravery, their mother was able to nurse Moses during his early years.
Josiah (2 Kings 22:3)
Josiah was only eight years old when he became king of Judah. Eight! Succeeding his father Amon, who did evil in the sight of God, Josiah set to tear down the idols that had ensnared the people of Judah for more than 70 years. It makes us wonder, who raised him right?
Jesus (Luke 2:41-47)
After being lost for a whole day, Jesus was found teaching the elders in the temple. At just 12 years old, the Bible says that everyone was amazed at His understanding and the way He answered their questions. It seems wisdom isn’t a factor of age after all!
Timothy (1 Timothy 4:12)
During Paul’s second missionary journey, Timothy became his companion and partner along with Silas. We know that he was young because Paul tells him not to “let anyone look down on you because you are young”. Even when imprisoned, Timothy remained true to his pastoral calling and spread the gospel throughout the world.
Samuel (1 Samuel 3)
Dedicated to the temple when he was just a baby, Samuel was destined to lead an extraordinary life. When he was a young boy, God spoke to him audibly for the first time. As he grew, his prophetic gift increased—God let “none of Samuel’s words fall to the ground” (verse 19). Significantly, it was Samuel who chose David to be king of Israel.
