Bible characters · God’s timing

People in the Bible who waited on God

Short answer: Many people in the Bible waited years for God’s promises. Abraham waited 25 years for Isaac (Genesis 12:4; 21:5), Joseph about 13 years from slavery to ruling Egypt, Moses 40 years in Midian and Caleb 45 years for his land (Joshua 14:10). Isaiah 40:31 promises that those who wait on the LORD renew their strength.

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Ten who waited

Abraham (25 yrs): Promised a son at 75; Isaac was born when Abraham was 100. Genesis 12:4; 21:5
Joseph (13 yrs): Sold at 17; stood before Pharaoh at 30. Genesis 37:2; 41:46
Moses (40 yrs): Fled Egypt at 40; sent back to Pharaoh at 80. Acts 7:23, 30; Exodus 7:7
Caleb (45 yrs): Waited 45 years for the land he spied out, still strong at 85. Joshua 14:10–11
Israel in Egypt (430 yrs): Lived in Egypt 430 years before the Exodus. Exodus 12:40
David (Years): Anointed as a youth; king of Judah at 30. 1 Samuel 16:13; 2 Samuel 5:4
Hannah (Years): Prayed “year by year” through sorrow until Samuel was born. 1 Samuel 1:7, 20
Zacharias & Elisabeth (Old age): Childless and “well stricken in years” until John the Baptist. Luke 1:7, 13
Simeon (A lifetime): Waited for “the consolation of Israel” and held the infant Jesus. Luke 2:25–32
Jesus (About 30): Began his public ministry “about thirty years of age”. Luke 3:23

Wait on the LORD

“They that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles.” Isaiah 40:31

More promises for waiting

“Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart.” Psalm 27:14
“The LORD is good unto them that wait for him.” Lamentations 3:25
“Though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come.” Habakkuk 2:3
“He hath made every thing beautiful in his time.” Ecclesiastes 3:11