Intercessors in the Bible are individuals who pray on behalf of others, standing in the gap between God and people, and seeking God’s mercy, intervention, or guidance for specific situations or individuals. They play a vital role in advocating for others before God.
Some of the Intercessors In The Bible
The Bible features several notable intercessors. Here are a few examples:
Advertisements
- Abraham – Interceded for Sodom and Gomorrah: In Genesis 18:23–33, Abraham pleaded with God to spare the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah if even a small number of righteous people could be found there.
- Moses – Interceded for the Israelites: Moses frequently interceded for the people of Israel during their wilderness journey. One notable instance is in Exodus 32:11–14, when he implored God not to destroy the Israelites after they had made a golden calf.
- Samuel – Interceded for the Israelites: In 1 Samuel 7:5–9, Samuel prayed for the Israelites during a time of conflict with the Philistines, and God intervened on their behalf.
- Job – Interceded for his friends: After enduring great suffering, Job interceded for his friends who had spoken wrongly about God. In Job 42:8–9, God instructed Job to pray for his friends, and Job’s prayers were accepted.
- Elijah – Interceded for rain: In 1 Kings 18:41–45, Elijah prayed fervently for rain after a drought, and God answered his prayer by sending rain.
- Daniel – Interceded for Israel: In Daniel 9:3–19, Daniel interceded for Israel, confessing their sins and seeking God’s mercy and restoration for Jerusalem.
- Nehemiah – Interceded for Jerusalem: Nehemiah’s prayers for the restoration of Jerusalem are recorded in the book of Nehemiah, especially in Nehemiah 1:4–11.
- Esther – Interceded for her people: In the book of Esther, Esther courageously interceded for her people, the Jews, when they were facing a threat of annihilation.
- Abigail – Interceded for her husband and family: In 1 Samuel 25, Abigail interceded to prevent David from taking revenge on her foolish husband Nabal.
- Hezekiah – Interceded for Jerusalem: In 2 Kings 19, King Hezekiah prayed for deliverance when Jerusalem was threatened by the Assyrians, and God answered his prayer.
- Jeremiah – Interceded for the people of Judah: Throughout the book of Jeremiah, the prophet interceded for the people of Judah, pleading for God’s mercy and warning them of the consequences of their actions.
- Ezekiel – Interceded for Jerusalem: In Ezekiel 22:30, God sought for someone to stand in the gap for the land of Israel, and Ezekiel’s intercession is implied.
- Jesus Christ – The Ultimate Intercessor: Jesus serves as the ultimate intercessor between humanity and God. He intercedes on behalf of believers before God the Father. Romans 8:34 states, “Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.”
- Holy Spirit – Intercedes for believers: The Holy Spirit also intercedes for believers when they are unable to find the right words to pray. Romans 8:26-27 describes the Holy Spirit helping believers in their weakness.
- Paul – Interceded for fellow believers: The apostle Paul often prayed for the churches and individuals he ministered to, as seen in his letters (Epistles) in the New Testament.
- Epaphras – Interceded for the Colossian church: In Colossians 4:12, Epaphras is described as always wrestling in prayer for the believers in Colossae.
- Timothy – Interceded for the Thessalonians: In 1 Thessalonians 3:10, Paul mentions how Timothy prayed earnestly night and day for the Thessalonian believers.
- Phoebe – Interceded for many: In Romans 16:1-2, Paul refers to Phoebe as a servant of the church who has helped many, indicating a form of intercession.
- Anna – Interceded for Jerusalem: In Luke 2:36–38, Anna is described as a prophetess who continually prayed and fasted in the temple, interceding for the redemption of Jerusalem.
- Epaphroditus – Interceded for the Philippian church: In Philippians 2:25–30, Epaphroditus is mentioned as a fellow worker and one who ministered to Paul’s needs.
READ MORE: List of Kings In the Bible In Order
These intercessors exemplify the role of standing before God on behalf of others, seeking His mercy, grace, and intervention in various circumstances.
In Summary
These are just a few more examples of intercessors in the Bible. The concept of intercession is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, and many individuals throughout both the Old and New Testaments interceded on behalf of others in various circumstances.
