The Old Testament doesn't explicitly state who went to Heaven. The concept of Heaven as it's understood in modern Christian theology wasn't fully developed during the Old Testament period.
Here's a breakdown of what the Old Testament *does* say and why it's a complex question:
* Sheol: The Old Testament primarily mentions "Sheol," which is generally understood as the abode of the dead. It's a shadowy, underworld-like place for both the righteous and the unrighteous. Some translations call it "the grave" or "the pit." Sheol wasn't necessarily a place of punishment (like Hell) or reward (like Heaven), but rather a general destination for all who died.
* Enoch and Elijah: There are two figures who are exceptions to the general rule of Sheol:
* Enoch (Genesis 5:24): It says, "Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away." This is usually interpreted as Enoch being taken directly by God without experiencing death.
* Elijah (2 Kings 2:11): Elijah was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind.
* Lack of Clarity: The Old Testament doesn't explicitly detail the ultimate fate of righteous individuals after death. While it describes their righteousness and relationship with God, it doesn't say they went to "Heaven" in the sense of a paradise.
* Later Interpretations: Later Jewish and Christian traditions have interpreted some Old Testament figures as being in God's presence after death. For example, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are often considered righteous ancestors who would be with God.
* New Testament Perspective: The New Testament provides more clarity on the concepts of Heaven, Hell, and resurrection. Jesus speaks of Heaven as a place with God, and the New Testament teaches that believers will be resurrected and live with God in eternity.
In Conclusion:
While the Old Testament doesn't explicitly name people who went to Heaven (with the notable exceptions of Enoch and Elijah), it lays the foundation for the understanding of a relationship with God that continues after death. Later theological developments, particularly in the New Testament, build upon this foundation to define the concept of Heaven more clearly. It's a matter of interpretation and theological perspective whether Old Testament figures are considered to be "in Heaven" in the same way that New Testament believers are described.