The term “one-hit wonder” is most commonly used to designate musicians who had only one popular song. For example, one list of “The Greatest One-Hit Wonders of All Time” ranks the 1996 Los del Rios’ song, “Macarena,” at number one.
For purposes of this series, a “one-hit wonder” is a Bible character who is mentioned once, sometimes not even by name. Some of these characters play critical parts in important events, and some just give us an interesting glimpse into their world.
Because little is known about these minor characters, it is necessary to give them personalities that would be reasonable for the situation, then concentrate the episode of the Eyewitness Bible Series around events portrayed in the Bible.
As we often caution, we are not trying to add to what the Bible says; we are simply trying to add context that will help you understand the Bible better. We invite you to read the applicable Scriptures for these stories so you will know exactly what the Bible says.
Just as some one-hit wonder songs are a bit whimsical. Perhaps you will find some of these stories to be the same way. I hope you enjoy them, and learn some unexpected things.
Throughout the Old Testament, the Jews are instructed to be merciful to widows and other vulnerable people. Jesus demonstrated this by raising from the dead the son of a widow of Nain. During his ministry, it is highly likely that Jesus’ own mother was a widow. There is no doubt that Jesus had a special place in his heart for widows.
This event takes place at the very end of Jesus’s ministry. He is teaching at the Temple in Jerusalem, where the Pharisees and Jewish leaders have made Jesus public enemy number one. They are looking for a way to kill him without arousing the sentiments of the crowds who adore him. One of the reasons the crowds love Jesus is he points out the faults and inconsistencies of the leaders. The people of the crowds are unwilling and unable to do so because the leaders have the ultimate weapon of keeping people from worshiping at the Temple.
