# Olney Hymns — Character guide

> Key figures in Olney Hymns by John Newton.

- [Jesus Christ](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/jesus_christ.md): Central divine figure, the Son of God, whose life, death, and resurrection are the focus of the hymns.
- [God](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/god_the_father.md): The sovereign creator and judge, often addressed in prayer and praise throughout the hymns.
- [Satan](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/satan.md): The adversary and tempter, frequently depicted as the enemy of the believer and the one from whom Christ delivers.
- [The Holy Spirit](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/the_holy_spirit.md): The third person of the Trinity, who indwells, guides, and comforts believers.
- [Moses](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/moses.md): The great lawgiver and leader of Israel, whose life and writings are frequently referenced as types of Christ.
- [David](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/david.md): The shepherd-king of Israel, a man after God's own heart, whose psalms and experiences are often cited.
- [Peter](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/peter.md): One of Jesus' foremost apostles, known for his impulsive faith and subsequent restoration.
- [Paul](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/paul.md): The apostle to the Gentiles, whose conversion and epistles are foundational to Christian doctrine.
- [Adam](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/adam.md): The first man, whose disobedience brought sin and death into the world, contrasted with Christ's obedience.
- [Cain](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/cain.md): The first murderer, who killed his brother Abel out of jealousy, a warning against ungodly anger.
- [Abel](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/abel.md): The righteous shepherd, whose acceptable sacrifice and faith are commended in scripture.
- [Lot](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/lot.md): Abraham's nephew, who chose to dwell in Sodom and was rescued from its destruction.
- [Esau](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/esau.md): Jacob's elder brother, who sold his birthright for a meal, symbolizing profane disregard for spiritual things.
- [Jacob](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/jacob.md): The patriarch whose name was changed to Israel, whose life illustrates God's sovereign grace.
- [Joseph](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/joseph.md): The dreamer and governor of Egypt, who forgave his brothers and preserved his family.
- [Balaam](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/balaam.md): The prophet who was hired to curse Israel but could only bless them, a warning against covetousness.
- [Gideon](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/gideon.md): The timid judge whom God used to deliver Israel from Midian with a small army.
- [Samson](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/samson.md): The Nazarite judge of superhuman strength, whose downfall came through Delilah.
- [Hannah](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/hannah.md): The barren woman who prayed for a son and dedicated Samuel to the Lord.
- [Saul](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/saul.md): The first king of Israel, whose disobedience led to his rejection by God.
- [Solomon](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/solomon.md): The wise king of Israel, who built the temple but whose heart was led astray.
- [Elijah](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/elijah.md): The fiery prophet who confronted Ahab and was fed by ravens.
- [Elisha](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/elisha.md): Elijah's successor, who performed many miracles and helped the needy.
- [Naaman](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/naaman.md): The Syrian commander who was healed of leprosy by dipping in the Jordan.
- [The Shunammite](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/the_shunammite.md): A wealthy woman who showed hospitality to Elisha and was rewarded with a son.
- [Hezekiah](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/hezekiah.md): The righteous king of Judah who trusted God and was granted extended life.
- [Job](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/job.md): The patient sufferer who endured great loss and remained faithful to God.
- [The Queen of Sheba](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/the_queen_of_sheba.md): The queen who traveled to test Solomon's wisdom and praised his God.
- [Jericho](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/jericho.md): The city whose walls fell down by faith, a symbol of God's power.
- [Gibeon](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/gibeon.md): The city whose inhabitants deceived Israel into a treaty.
- [Belshazzar](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/belshazzar.md): The Babylonian king who saw the handwriting on the wall and was slain that night.
- [Daniel](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/daniel.md): The faithful prophet in Babylon, known for his integrity and visions.
- [Jonah](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/jonah.md): The reluctant prophet who was swallowed by a great fish and preached to Nineveh.
- [Zaccheus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/zaccheus.md): The tax collector who climbed a tree to see Jesus and received salvation.
- [Bartimeus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/bartimeus.md): The blind beggar who cried out to Jesus for mercy and received his sight.
- [Mary](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/mary.md): The mother of Jesus, who treasured these things in her heart.
- [Martha](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/martha.md): The sister of Mary and Lazarus, who was busy serving but needed to choose the better part.
- [Lazarus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/lazarus.md): The brother of Mary and Martha, whom Jesus raised from the dead.
- [The Rich Man](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/the_rich_man.md): The wealthy man in the parable who ignored Lazarus and suffered in torment.
- [Stephen](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/stephen.md): The first Christian martyr, who saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God.
- [Thomas](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/thomas.md): The disciple who doubted Jesus' resurrection until he saw the wounds.
- [Simon](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/simon.md): A common name for several figures, including Simon Peter and Simon the Cyrene.
- [Abraham](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/abraham.md): The father of faith, who believed God and it was counted to him as righteousness.
- [Isaac](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/isaac.md): The promised son of Abraham and Sarah, a type of Christ in his willing submission.
- [Ephraim](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/ephraim.md): The tribe of Joseph, often used as a symbol of the northern kingdom of Israel.
- [Manasseh](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/manasseh.md): The wicked king of Judah who repented and was forgiven.
- [Jehu](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/jehu.md): The king of Israel who destroyed the house of Ahab and the worship of Baal.
- [Goliath](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/goliath.md): The Philistine giant slain by David, symbolizing the defeat of God's enemies.
- [The Philistines](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/the_philistines.md): The recurring enemies of Israel, often representing the world and the flesh.
- [Dagon](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/dagon.md): The Philistine fish-god who fell before the ark of the Lord.
- [Baal](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/baal.md): The Canaanite deity whose prophets were defeated by Elijah on Mount Carmel.
- [The Dry Bones](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/the_dry_bones.md): The valley of dry bones in Ezekiel's vision, symbolizing Israel's restoration.
- [The Leper](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/the_leper.md): The man with leprosy who came to Jesus saying, 'Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.'
- [The Waiting Soul](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/the_waiting_soul.md): A personified representation of the believer longing for God's presence.
- [The Child of Grace](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/the_child_of_grace.md): A symbolic figure representing the believer as a child of God's grace.
- [The Bridegroom](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/the_bridegroom.md): A title for Christ, the heavenly bridegroom of the church.
- [The Good Shepherd](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/the_good_shepherd.md): A title for Jesus, who lays down his life for the sheep.
- [The Redeemer](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/the_redeemer.md): A title for Christ, who redeems his people from sin and death.
- [The Judge](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/the_judge.md): God as the righteous judge of all the earth.
- [Death](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/death.md): Personified as an enemy that is conquered by Christ's resurrection.
- [Sin](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/sin.md): Personified as a master that enslaves, from which Christ sets free.
- [Grace](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/grace.md): Personified as the unmerited favor of God that saves and sustains.
- [Mercy](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/mercy.md): Personified as the compassionate kindness of God toward sinners.
- [Wisdom](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/wisdom.md): Personified as a divine attribute, often identified with Christ.
- [Faith](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/faith.md): Personified as the trust in God that pleases him and overcomes the world.
- [Pray'r](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/prayer.md): Personified as the means of communion with God and the channel of his blessings.
- [The Almighty](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/the_almighty.md): A title for God, emphasizing his sovereign power over all things.
- [The Lord](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/the_lord.md): A common title for God or Christ, used throughout the hymns.
- [The Narrator](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/the_unknown_narrator.md): The poetic voice of the hymns, often expressing personal faith and struggle.
- [The Saints](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/the_saints.md): The collective body of believers, often addressed or described in the hymns.
- [Angels](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/the_angels.md): Heavenly beings who worship God and minister to believers.
- [The Jews](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/the_jews.md): The people of Israel, often referenced in the context of the Old Testament and the Gospels.
- [The Samaritans](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/the_samaritans.md): The people of Samaria, often mentioned in contrast to the Jews.
- [The Egyptians](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/the_egyptians.md): The people of Egypt, often referenced in the Exodus narrative.
- [Pharaoh](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/the_pharaoh.md): The king of Egypt who opposed Moses and hardened his heart against God.
- [The Assyrian](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/the_assyrian.md): The empire that conquered the northern kingdom of Israel, often a symbol of pride.
- [The Babylonian](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/the_babylonian.md): The empire that conquered Judah and took the people into exile.
- [The Roman](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/the_roman.md): The empire that ruled during Jesus' time, often mentioned in the Gospels.
- [The Publican](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/the_publican.md): A tax collector, often used as an example of repentance and humility.
- [The Harlot](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/the_harlot.md): A woman of ill repute, often used as an example of forgiven sin.
- [The Thief](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/the_thief.md): The criminal crucified beside Jesus who asked to be remembered in his kingdom.
- [The Centurion](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/the_centurion.md): The Roman officer who declared, 'Truly this was the Son of God.'
- [The Sower](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/the_sower.md): The farmer in Jesus' parable who sowed seed on different types of ground.
- [The Prodigal Son](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/the_prodigal.md): The wayward son in Jesus' parable who squandered his inheritance and was welcomed home.
- [The Elder Brother](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/the_elder_brother.md): The self-righteous brother in the parable of the prodigal son.
- [The Good Samaritan](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/the_good_samaritan.md): The compassionate traveler in Jesus' parable who helped a wounded stranger.
- [The Ten Virgins](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/the_ten_virgins.md): The bridesmaids in Jesus' parable about being ready for the bridegroom's coming.
- [The Talents](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/the_talents.md): The servants in Jesus' parable who were entrusted with different amounts of money.
- [The Sheep and Goats](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/the_sheep_and_goats.md): The nations in Jesus' parable of the final judgment, separated as sheep from goats.

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters