This week, we will commence a study of the import of names. In circular cultures, names have little meaning, they are viewed as some cute-sounding words parents picked out so they could call us to dinner without having to say, “Hey, you!” But in Bible culture, names have tremendous importance; and as believers, we must be careful in choosing names for our offspring.
A name is a label that gives identity or character to a person or thing. It makes a person or thing unique, and sets apart a character from all others.
The first man, Adam, gave name to all of God`s creation… Whatever Adam called each living creature became its name. (Gen2:19), thus showing how much God valued man… What is man, that thou art mindful of him? And the son of man, that thou visitest him? (Psalms 8:4).
Zakar is the Greek word translated ‘mindful’; it also denotes ‘to celebrate.’ While the Greek word ‘Paqad’ translated ‘visitest’ also connotes ‘to put him in charge.’ Put differently, the above verse reads, “What is man, that thou celebrate him? And the son of man, that thou have put him in charge? Man, as God’s under ruler, gave identity to all of God’s creation.
All through Scriptures, people are given names at birth that reflect something of significance or describe the course of their lives. A name is a word or term or symbol of authority; and words create images. Hope forms the image in our heart of the desired result, then faith brings that image into reality.
Hence, God changed Abram’s name to Abraham when He promised him a child. No longer will you be called Abram [Exalted Father]; your name will be Abraham [Father of Many] (Gen17:5).
Abraham denotes “father of many nations.” God labeled him “Father of many nations.” Thus, each time someone called Abraham, he heard himself identified as the father of many nations. Every time he introduced himself, he professed he was the father of many nations.
Soon, Abraham had developed faith in the name and in the new identity and, sure enough, that impotent old man became not only the father of Isaac but the father of many nations!
Similarly, David named his son ‘Solomon,’ derived from Hebrew word ‘shalom,’ which means ‘peace’ (a state of harmony characterized by the lack of violence, absence of hostility).
Each time Solomon introduced himself, he identified himself as peace. He ruled Israel for 40 years. He was the first king whose reign was without warfare. Note that during his time, every spring was set aside for Kings to go to war. And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth to battle (2 Samuel11:1).
In the same vein, Isaac and Rebekah named their second son ‘Jacob,’ which means “holder of the heel” or “he who supplants”… Afterward his brother came forth, and his hand grasped Esau’s heel; so he was named Jacob [supplanter]. (Gen25:36).
To supplant means to usurp the place of, especially through intrigue or underhanded tactics. Each time Jacob introduced himself, he professed that he was a supplanter. This label ruled his life, his daily conduct was synonymous with deceit, until God changed his name to Israel, meaning ‘God rules; strives with God; a prince of God; or God’s fighter…’ Your name is Jacob [supplanter]; you shall not be called Jacob any longer, but Israel shall be your name. So He called him Israel [contender with God] (Gen 35:10)).
Likewise, Jabez was labelled with ‘sorrow’ at birth, His mother said “I gave birth to him in pain” and named him Jabez, meaning ‘sorrow.’ But he understood the consequence of names; he knew he had the wrong label. So he prayed to God and his prayer against contracting sorrow nullified the label, and his life contradicted his name. (1Chronicles 4:10) Hallelujah!!!
By Emmanuel Emeke Asiwe
