Tips for Character Studies?

I have a collection called Bible Character Studies which is made up of all my resources that I've tagged with BibleChar. Within that collection I filtered those that mention Moses in the title or description, and these are the resources I came up with. Of course the Bible itself would be your primary resource, but supplementary material can help in preparing talks or classes.

• The Greater Men and Women of the Bible: Moses–Samson by James Hastings (T&T Clark, 1914) - this volume has about 300 pages on Moses
• Heroes: The Biography of Faith (Hebrews 11) part of the Bible Biography Series by John G. Butler (LBC Publications, 2008) - this book has a few chapters on Moses
• Moses: The Emancipator of Israel part of the Bible Biography Series by John G. Butler (LBC Publications, 1996) - entire monograph on Moses
• Moses: Heroic Man, Man of God by George W. Coats (Sheffield Academic Press, 1988) - entire monograph on Moses
• Moses: The Servant of God by Frederick Brotherton Meyer (Morgan & Scott, 1909) - entire monograph on Moses

One way you can go about finding ideas related to a character, is to do a media search:

In the case above an interesting diagram came up in a journal tying a field of meaning with metaphor of Moses.

You can probably find other interesting angles that will better suit the thrust you want to communicate about the character.

Hope this helps.

Bill Shewmaker said:

Rosie, would you mind sharing your collection rule for Bible Characters and what you use to define the tag of BibleChar? Thank you.

My rule is simply mytag:BibleChar.

I've sporadically tagged books that I determined to be largely made up of biographies of Bible characters, either a whole bunch of them, or an entire book about one character. I have no methodology for how I did that. Just whenever I noticed such a book that got added to my library with a new purchase, I tagged it. I couldn't possibly help you tag your library that way, but I can post the list of books that are in my collection, and you can see if you own many of these and tag them BibleChar yourself.

Anderson, Clive. Face2Face with Sennacherib: Encounterng Assyria’s Great and Terrifying Ruler. Edited by Simon J. Robinson. Face2Face Series. Leominster: Day One Publications, 2007.

Barber, Wayne A., Eddie Rasnake, and Richard L. Shepherd. Learning Life Principles from the Kings of the Old Testament. Following God Series. Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 1998.

Barber, Wayne A., Eddie Rasnake, and Richard L. Shepherd. Learning Life Principles from the New Testament Men of Faith. Following God Series. Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 1999.

Barber, Wayne A., Eddie Rasnake, and Richard L. Shepherd. Learning Life Principles from the Women of the Bible, Book One. Following God Series. Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 1999.

Barber, Wayne A., Eddie Rasnake, and Richard L. Shepherd. Learning Life Principles from the Women of the Bible, Book Two. Following God Series. Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 2002.

Barber, Wayne A., Eddie Rasnake, and Richard L. Shepherd. Life Principles from the Prophets of the Old Testament. Following God Series. Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 1999.

Barber, Wayne A., Eddie Rasnake, and Richard L. Shepherd. The Leader’s Guidebook: Life Principles from the Women of the Bible—Book One. Following God Series. Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 2001.

Barber, Wayne A., Eddie Rasnake, and Richard L. Shepherd. The Leader’s Guidebook: Life Principles from the Women of the Bible—Book Two. Following God Series. Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 2002.

Bentley, Michael. Face2Face with David: Encountering the Man after God’s Heart. Edited by Simon J. Robinson. Vol. 1. Face2Face Series. Leominster: Day One Publications, 2006.

Bentley, Michael. Face2Face with David: Encountering the Man after God’s Heart. Edited by Simon J. Robinson. Vol. 2. Face2Face Series. Leominster: Day One Publications, 2007.

Blunt, Henry. Lectures on the History of Abraham and Jacob. Philadelphia: Hooker and Agnew, 1841.

Bockmuehl, Markus. Simon Peter in Scripture and Memory: The New Testament Apostle in the Early Church. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2012.

Branch, Robin Gallaher. Jeroboam’s Wife: The Enduring Contributions of the Old Testament’s Least-Known Women. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2010.

Brown, Derek R., Miles Custis, Douglas Mangum, and Matthew M. Whitehead. Joseph: Understanding God’s Purpose. Edited by Michael R. Grigoni. Studies in Faithful Living. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2013.

Brown, Derek R., Miles Custis, Douglas Mangum, and Wendy Widder. Jacob: Discerning God’s Presence. Edited by John D. Barry. Studies in Faithful Living. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2013.

Bruce, F. F. Paul: Apostle of the Free Spirit. Milton Keynes, UK: Paternoster, 1977.

Brueggemann, Walter. David’s Truth: In Israel’s Imagination and Memory. Second Edition. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2002.

Bulter, John G. Daniel: The Man of Loyalty. Vol. Number Twenty-One. Bible Biography Series. Clinton, IA: LBC Publications, 2007.

Butler, John G. Abraham: The Father of the Jews. Vol. Number Nine. Bible Biography Series. Clinton, IA: LBC Publications, 1993.

Butler, John G. David: The King of Israel. Vol. Number Fifteen. Bible Biography Series. Clinton, IA: LBC Publications, 1998.

Butler, John G. Elijah: The Prophet of Confrontation. Vol. Number Three. Bible Biography Series. Clinton, IA: LBC Publications, 1994.

Butler, John G. Elisha: The Miracle Prophet. Vol. Number Four. Bible Biography Series. Clinton, IA: LBC Publications, 1994.

Butler, John G. Gideon: The Mighty Man of Valor. Vol. Number Five. Bible Biography Series. Clinton, IA: LBC Publications, 1992.

Butler, John G. Heroes: The Biography of Faith (Hebrews 11). Vol. Number Twenty-Seven. Bible Biography Series. Clinton, IA: LBC Publications, 2008.

Butler, John G. Hezekiah: The King of Survival. Vol. Number Eighteen. Bible Biography Series. Clinton, IA: LBC Publications, 1999.

Butler, John G. Isaac: The Promised Son. Vol. Number Twenty-Five. Bible Biography Series. Clinton, IA: LBC Publications, 2008.

Butler, John G. Jacob: The Sower and Reaper. Vol. Number Seventeen. Bible Biography Series. Clinton, IA: LBC Publications, 1999.

Butler, John G. Job: The Suffering Saint. Vol. Number Twenty-Four. Bible Biography Series. Clinton, IA: LBC Publications, 2008.

Butler, John G. John the Baptist: The Herald of Christ. Vol. Number Seven. Bible Biography Series. Clinton, IA: LBC Publications, 1992.

Butler, John G. Jonah: The Parochial Prophet. Vol. Number Two. Bible Biography Series. Clinton, IA: LBC Publications, 1994.

Butler, John G. Joseph: The Patriarch of Character. Vol. Number One. Bible Biography Series. Clinton, IA: LBC Publications, 1993.

Butler, John G. Joshua: The Conqueror of Canaan. Vol. Number Thirteen. Bible Biography Series. Clinton, IA: LBC Publications, 1996.

Butler, John G. Lot: The Worldly Christian. Vol. Number Ten. Bible Biography Series. Clinton, IA: LBC Publications, 1994.

Butler, John G. Mordecai: The Defender of the Jews. Vol. Number Nineteen. Bible Biography Series. Clinton, IA: LBC Publications, 1999.

Butler, John G. Moses: The Emancipator of Israel. Vol. Number Twelve. Bible Biography Series. Clinton, IA: LBC Publications, 1996.

Butler, John G. Nehemiah: The Wall Builder. Vol. Number Sixteen. Bible Biography Series. Clinton, IA: LBC Publications, 1998.

Butler, John G. Noah: The Ark Builder. Vol. Number Twenty-Three. Bible Biography Series. Clinton, IA: LBC Publications, 2007.

Butler, John G. Paul: The Missionary Apostle. Vol. Number Eleven. Bible Biography Series. Clinton, IA: LBC Publications, 1995.

Butler, John G. Peter: The Illustrious Disciple. Vol. Number Eight. Bible Biography Series. Clinton, IA: LBC Publications, 1993.

Butler, John G. Ruth: The Ancestress of Christ. Vol. Number Twenty. Bible Biography Series. Clinton, IA: LBC Publications, 1999.

Butler, John G. Samson: The Weak Strong Man. Vol. Number Six. Bible Biography Series. Clinton, IA: LBC Publications, 1992.

Butler, John G. Samuel: The Prophet of Transition. Vol. Number Fourteen. Bible Biography Series. Clinton, IA: LBC Publications, 1997.

Butler, John G. Saul: The Rejected King. Vol. Number Twenty-Six. Bible Biography Series. Clinton, IA: LBC Publications, 2008.

Butler, John G. Solomon: The King of Splendor. Vol. Number Twenty-Two. Bible Biography Series. Clinton, IA: LBC Publications, 2007.

Cheeseman, John. Elijah: Man of Fire, Man of Faith. People in the Bible. Leominster: Day One, 2011.

Coats, George W. Moses: Heroic Man, Man of God. Vol. 57. Journal for the Study of the Old Testament Supplement Series. Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press, 1988.

Comfort, Philip, and Walter A. Elwell. The Complete Book of Who’s Who in the Bible. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2004.

Cumming, John. The Last of the Patriarchs; Or, Lessons from the Life of Joseph. Philadelphia: Lindsay & Blakiston, 1856.

Dale, Robert. Barnabas: A Good Man, Full of Faith. People in the Bible. Leominster, UK: Day One Publications, 2007.

Davies, Philip R. First Person: Essays in Biblical Autobiography. Vol. 81. The Biblical Seminar. London: Sheffield Academic Press, 2002.

De Haan, M. R. Adventures in Faith: Studies in the Life of Abraham. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1996.

De Haan, M. R. Daniel the Prophet. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1995.

Edwards, Brian H. Saul and Sons: Decline and Fallout in the Family of Israel’s First King. Leominster: Day One, 2010.

Ellsworth, Roger. Face2Face with Daniel: Encountering the Jerusalem Exile Living in a Babylon World. Edited by Simon J. Robinson. Face2Face Series. Leominster: Day One Publications, 2010.

Ellsworth, Roger. Face2Face with Joseph: Encountering the Man Who Saved His People. Edited by Simon J. Robinson. Face2Face Series. Leominster: Day One Publications, 2011.

Ellsworth, Roger. Face2Face with Samuel: Encountering the King-Maker. Edited by Simon J. Robinson. Face2Face Series. Leominster: Day One Publications, 2006.

Ellsworth, Roger. Face2Face with Simon Peter: Encountering the Preacher at Pentecost. Edited by Simon J. Robinson. Face2Face Series. Leominster: Day One Publications, 2007.

Farrar, Frederic William. The Life and Work of St. Paul. New York: E. P. Dutton & Company, 1902.

Gardner, Paul Douglas. New International Encyclopedia of Bible Characters: The Complete Who’s Who in the Bible. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 2001.

Gilmore, John. The Trials of Christ. Fearn, UK: Christian Focus Publications, 2001.

Got Questions Ministries. Got Questions? Bible Questions Answered. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2002–2013.

Grady, J. Lee, and Margaret Feinberg. Fearless Daughters of the Bible: What You Can Learn from 22 Women Who Challenged Tradition, Fought Injustice and Dared to Lead. Grand Rapids, MI: Chosen, 2012.

Grigoni, Michael R., Miles Custis, Douglas Mangum, and Matthew M. Whitehead. Abraham: Following God’s Promise. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012.

Hastings, James, ed. The Greater Men and Women of the Bible: Adam–Joseph. Edinburg: T&T Clark, 1913.

Hastings, James, ed. The Greater Men and Women of the Bible: Hezekiah-Malachi. Edinburgh: T&T Clark, 1915.

Hastings, James, ed. The Greater Men and Women of the Bible: Mary–Simon. Edinburg: T&T Clark, 1915.

Hastings, James, ed. The Greater Men and Women of the Bible: Moses-Samson. Edinburgh: T&T Clark, 1914.

Hastings, James, ed. The Greater Men and Women of the Bible: Ruth–Naaman. Edinburgh: T&T Clark, 1914.

Hastings, James, ed. The Greater Men and Women of the Bible: St. Luke-Titus. Edinburgh: T&T Clark, 1916.

Hughes, Chris. Face2Face with Ezra: Encountering God’s Revival Man. Edited by Simon J. Robinson. Face2Face Series. Leominster: Day One Publications, 2011.

Hughes, Chris. Face2Face with Rahab: Encountering the Woman Snatched from Destruction. Edited by Simon J. Robinson. Face2Face Series. Leominster: Day One Publications, 2008.

Jones, Colin D. Samson: Man of Strength, Man of Weakness. People in the Bible. Leominster, UK: Day One Publications, 2007.

Jones, Julia. Face2Face with Tamar, Bathsheba, and Tamar: Encountering Three Women with Messed-Up Lives. Edited by Simon J. Robinson. Face2Face Series. Leominster: Day One Publications, 2008.

Jordan, James B. Primeval Saints: Studies in the Patriarchs of Genesis. Moscow, ID.: Canon Press, 2001.

Krummacher, F.W. Elijah the Tishbite, 1880.

Lindsey, Scott with Lexham Press. Joseph: Understanding God’s Purpose: Videos. Studies in Faithful Living. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2013.

MacArthur, John F. In the Footsteps of Faith: Lessons from the Lives of Great Men. Electronic ed. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 1998.

Mackintosh, C. H. The Call of God, or Reflections on the Characters of Abraham and Lot: Genesis XII–XXII. New York: Loizeaux Brothers, 1945.

Mandel, David. The Ultimate Who’s Who in the Bible. Alachua, FL: Bridge-Logos, 2007.

Meyer, F.B. (Frederick Brotherton). Moses: Servant of God, 1893.

Meyer, F.B. Abraham, or the Obedience of Faith. F.H. Revell Co., 1890.

Meyer, F.B. Elijah and the Secret of His Power. Fleming H. Revell Company, 1890.

Moody, D. L. Bible Characters. New York; Chicago; Toronto: Fleming H. Revell, 1888.

Moody, D. L. Men of the Bible. Chicago; New York; Toronto: Fleming H. Revell, 1898.

Owens, Virginia Stem. Daughters of Eve: Seeing Ourselves in Women of the Bible. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2007.

Picirilli, Robert E. Paul the Apostle. Chicago: Moody Publishers, 1986.

Pink, Arthur Walkington. Gleanings from Elisha His Life and Miracles. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2005.

Pink, Arthur Walkington. The Life of David. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2005.

Rasnake, Eddie, Richard L. Shepherd, and Wayne A. Barber. Learning Life Principles from the Personalities of the Old Testament. Following God Series. Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 1998.

Richards, Larry. Every Man in the Bible. Nashville: T. Nelson, 1999.

Richards, Sue Poorman, and Larry Richards. Every Woman in the Bible. Nashville, TN: T. Nelson Publishers, 1999.

Robertson, A. T. Epochs in the Life of Paul: A Study of Development in Paul’s Career. London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1909.

Robinson, Simon J. Face2Face with Elijah: Encountering Elijah the Fiery Prophet. Face2Face Series. Leominster: Day One Publications, 2006.

Ryken, Philip Graham. King Solomon: The Temptations of Money, Sex, and Power. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2011.

Spurgeon, Charles H., and Chas. T. Cook. Men and Women of the New Testament. Electronic ed. Logos Library System; Pulpit Legends; Bible Sermon Series. Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 2000.

Spurgeon, Charles H., and Chas. T. Cook. Men and Women of the Old Testament: Sermons by C.H. Spurgeon. Electronic edition. Logos Library System; Pulpit Legends. Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 1995.

Stalker, James. The Life of St. Paul. New York: American tract society, 1888.

Tabletalk Magazine, August 1997: Counting on God: The Faith of Abraham. Lake Mary, FL: Ligonier Ministries, 1997.

Varner, William. The Chariot of Israel: Exploits of the Prophet Elijah. 1st ed. West Collingswood, NJ: Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry, 1984.

Wheeler, Andrew. Face2Face with Judas: Encountering the Betrayer of Jesus. Edited by Simon J. Robinson. Face2Face Series. Leominster: Day One Publications, 2010.

Whyte, Alexander. Bible Characters: Adam to Achan. Edinburgh; London: Oliphant Anderson and Ferrier, n.d.

Whyte, Alexander. Bible Characters: Ahithophel to Nehemiah. Edinburgh; London: Oliphant Anderson and Ferrier, n.d.

Whyte, Alexander. Bible Characters: Gideon to Absalom. Edinburgh; London: Oliphant Anderson and Ferrier, n.d.

Whyte, Alexander. Bible Characters: Joseph and Mary to James, The Lord’s Brother. Edinburgh; London: Oliphant Anderson and Ferrier, n.d.

Whyte, Alexander. Bible Characters: Our Lord’s Characters. Edinburgh; London: Oliphant Anderson and Ferrier, 1905.

Whyte, Alexander. Bible Characters: Stephen to Timothy. Edinburgh; London: Oliphant Anderson and Ferrier, 1901.

Wiersbe, Warren W. Be Obedient. “Be” Commentary Series. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1991.

Wiersbe, Warren W. Bible Personalities: A Treasury of Insights for Personal Growth and Ministry. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2005.

Winter, Jim. Face2Face with Elisha: Encountering the Messenger of Salvation. Edited by Simon J. Robinson. Face2Face Series. Leominster: Day One Publications, 2008.

Witherington, Ben, III. What Have They Done with Jesus?: Beyond Strange Theories and Bad History—Why We Can Trust the Bible. New York: HarperSanFrancisco, 2006.

Thank you Rosie. I was able to tag several of these resources in my library...and added several to my wish list.

The suggestion I would make is to be careful not to impress on the stories a significance they were not intended to have. So the first question on Moses, for instance, would be "why is the story told?" What role does his character play in the entire narrative in view of its overarching purpose?

A couple things to keep in mind: (1) Unlike Greco-Roman biography, OT narratives focus on fewer traits and often the same ones (dis/obedience; un/righteousness, etc.); (2) Hebrew Narrative tends to stick to the essential and is thus highly selective and partial with regard to other traits: Nabal was rich and foolish, Abigail was beautiful and wise, Bathsheba was beautiful, Leah had weak eyes, Isaac loved game meat. If Moses' anger is mentioned, is it to focus on his character or is it because it plays an essential role in events which themselves are essential to the overarching purpose of the whole narrative? (3) If you have time to do so, you might be interested in reading Philo's and Josephus' renditions of the story of Moses. It is an interesting study of contrasts. 

Logos 8 has a workflow called 'biblical person study', if you are an L8 user then you could try that.