Orphans of the Bible
Several notable figures in the Bible were orphaned or lost their parents at a young age, including
Esther, who was raised by her cousin Mordecai, and Joseph, who lost his mother Rachel early and was separated from his father. Other figures who experienced similar circumstances or were raised by others include Moses, Samuel, and Esther’s cousin, Mordecai.
- Esther (Hadassah): She was an orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai.
- Joseph: Lost his mother (Rachel) young, and was later separated from his father.
- Moses: While raised in Pharaoh's palace, he was separated from his birth parents.
- Mordecai: Esther's cousin who adopted her, having been orphaned himself.
- The Daughters of Zelophehad (Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah): Represented in Numbers 27 as women whose father died.
These individuals often overcame their circumstances to become key leaders, embodying the biblical theme of divine protection for the fatherless.