Hebrew Hero Characteristics

Throughout time, humans have embedded ideal values into their key writings. In the modern age, this would take the form of the construction of legal documents and constitutional amendments. Likewise, this took the form of scriptures, myths, and holy texts for the Ancient Hebrews. In these texts, which usually took the form of epics and stories, heroes - not limited to Abraham, Jacob, Samson, Moses, and David - were chosen by God to save, create, or boost Hebrew society in some way, shape, or form. In doing so, the writers characterized these leaders with certain character traits which made them desirable. Even though these traits all had both vices and virtues, out of them, trends between these heroes still showed that being devoted to God was the most desirable and important trait for three main reasons. Being devoted to God almost always ended favorably for the Hebrew heroes. Essentially, devotion to God involved both listening and obeying his orders. While God was established to be omnipotent in terms of his control of the Hebrew race, he was accordingly able to control the success of his people as he desired as long as he had an obedient prophet or messiah. Once his heroes were chosen through some test or blessing, he typically gave them orders and means to
As told through their folktales, myths, and religious texts, this devotion was desirable in that it usually resulted in success and good fortune for the Hebrews, the power to rule, and an uniqueness (from being chosen by God), which was otherwise unattainable. With their goals in mind (e.g. to eventually have full control over their holy land Canaan) and various events from their sacred texts, it is obvious that the Hebrews wanted leaders who could attain power and glory for them - and spread the name of their God. Ultimately, devotion to God was beyond a desirable trait for the Ancient Hebrew leaders; it was both an obligation and an