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.
A popular game to play at Christian youth group gatherings is to name people in the Bible starting with each letter of the alphabet. You can be certain when the game reaches the letter “U” the name shouted out will be Uzzah. His sad death seems to stick with people who hear his story.
King David has rebuilt Jebus, the City of David. He has united the tribes of Israel under his leadership and begun conquering all his enemies. His kingship is going well and he remembers that the Ark of the Covenant is not being revered.
He also remembers the Ark had been captured by the Philistines during the time of Eli, the last of the judges. God had inflicted the Philistines with plagues because they had the Ark, so they sent it back to the Israelites at Beth Shemesh. The first Israelites to receive the Ark had looked inside. This horribly offensive act cause God to destroy seventy of them. In their fear, they sent the Ark to be housed at Keriath Jearim in the house of Abinadab. The Ark had remained there ever since.
