Presently Chronicling the Past with an Eye toward the Future
March 21, 2024 at 11:59 am | Posted in Biblical names, I Chronicles | 2 CommentsTags: 1 Chronicles 1, 1 Chronicles 2, 1 Chronicles 3, Biblical history, commentary on 1 Chronicles, history of God's people, Jewish history, Sunday School lessons on 1 Chronicles
1 Adam, Sheth, Enosh, 2 Kenan, Mahalaleel, Jered, 3 Henoch, Methuselah, Lamech, 4 Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth.
I Chronicles 1:1-4
The Jewish people tended to think of Abraham as the father of their nation and heritage, but Chronicles reminded them that God traced their beginnings to THE beginning. Over the centuries Chronicles has sometimes gotten a bad rap as merely the leftover bits that were not included in I & II Samuel and I & II Kings. This is partly due to the name given to it in the popular Greek version of the Bible known as the Septuagint. In reality the Chronicles, although perhaps tedious to modern readers in the genealogical sections, have their own purpose. They offer commentary on, and motivation based on, the entire Old Testament.
The descendants of Shem are the ones that lead to Abraham, but Shem, in the verses shown above, is listed last after Ham and Japheth in order to highlight that Shem is the thread to follow, and to segue into the most key figures in Jewish history.
The sons of Shem; Elam, and Asshur, and Arphaxad, and Lud, and Aram, and Uz, and Hul, and Gether, and Meshech.
I Chronicles 1:17
27 Abram; the same is Abraham. 28 The sons of Abraham; Isaac, and Ishmael. 29 These are their generations: The firstborn of Ishmael, Nebaioth; then Kedar, and Adbeel, and Mibsam,
I Chronicles 1:27-29
These “generations” statements (“toldot“) are meant to the mirror the style of Genesis. While the original Hebrew name for Chronicles is something like “The Times of the Days” or “The Things that Went on in Those Days,” it is important to remember that they are more than a mere reporting of history. They are designed to highlight God’s directions to those He has chosen from the beginning, and to remind the people of the nation of Judah that, despite many setbacks, His ultimate promises would be fulfilled.
The Bible’s historical books, and the stories of its historical figures, from Adam to Noah to Abraham to Isaac to Jacob (Israel) to David, instruct us in the present and point us to the future, even as they chronicle the past.
The sons of Judah; Er, and Onan, and Shelah: which three were born unto him of the daughter of Shua the Canaanitess. And Er, the firstborn of Judah, was evil in the sight of the Lord; and he slew him.
I Chronicles 2:3
Ozem the sixth, David the seventh:
I Chronicles 2:15
Now these were the sons of David, which were born unto him in Hebron; the firstborn Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess; the second Daniel, of Abigail the Carmelitess:
I Chronicles 3:1
Arose by No Other Name
March 22, 2022 at 1:48 pm | Posted in Biblical names, I Thessalonians | 2 CommentsTags: 1 Thessalonians 4, Arise, commentary on 1 Thessalonians, Jesus Christ, Revelation 22, Sunday School lessons on 1 Thessalonians, the rapture
The word “arise” is found in the Bible 149 times. It is a command, many times given by God, to tell someone to get moving, get busy, go somewhere, and do something. I am so thankful for those who have heeded the Word of the Lord and have “arisen” early on Sunday mornings, and have come to a corporate worship service at a local Christian church to meet together, fellowship, study, and encourage others. For those of you who are reading this, and have visited, or diligently attended, a Biblically faithful church service or Sunday School class, you have been used of God to strengthen and bless me and others personally, and that is a reason to rejoice!
As we continue on with our study of I Thessalonians, there is an even better reason to rejoice described in Chapter 4.
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
I Thessalonians 4:14-17 (emphasis added)
The words “rose” and “rise” in these verses, referring to Christ’s Resurrection, and to the resurrection of the bodies of those who have died in the Christian faith, are from the Greek word anistemi, and are related to the word used in the command “arise,” so often given in the Bible. It literally means “up” (ana) and “to make stand or rise” (istanai). It is from this word that we get the name “Anastasia.”
If we are alive when it happens, we can only speculate on how great our wonder will be as the Lord causes the bodies of our dearly departed loved ones to “rise” up to meet Him in the air. It appears that we will not have much time, though, to stand around being amazed, for we will quickly follow! Are you ready for this great event: the coming of the Lord Jesus for His bride, and the rapture of the Church? John the Revelator’s proclamation was:
He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
Revelation 22:20
Many Christians today invoke this prayer – “Come quickly, Lord Jesus” – as an expression of their desire to escape the troubles, trials, and wickedness of our world today. At a time when we have seen the President of the greatest nation on earth inaugurated to the strains of a homosexual marching band, and when professing Christian pastors attempt to call down God’s blessings on proponents of abortion, those who harbor such a desire to depart can hardly be blamed.
However, it seems that the desire for Christ’s imminent return must almost be tempered by the realization that we know so many who have not yet trusted Christ. We want them to believe the Gospel and be saved before it’s too late. Perhaps there is more to the “come quickly” than just a longing to leave behind a bad situation. We know that our entrance into the Lord’s presence in Heaven will be the ultimate fulfillment of our sanctification. Those who truly love the Lord want to be more like Jesus every day. He is coming back for a spotless bride, a pure church. Rather than bemoaning how ungodly the world is becoming, it may be beneficial for those who are saved to focus on becoming more godly ourselves.
In any event, the day of Christ’s appearing and the day of the church’s arising is described for us in the Bible for a very specific reason:
Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
I Thessalonians 4:18
Praying through Lists of Names?
September 24, 2020 at 3:55 pm | Posted in Biblical names, Biblical prayer, Uncategorized | 4 CommentsTags: Bible Q&A, how to pray, prayer, prayer journals, prayer lists, prayer meetings, prayer requests, public prayer, Q&A
Question: We were praying through the Wednesday night prayer journal, and we got into a disagreement over how to pray for some of the longer lists of people who we don’t personally know. Should we pray for each name individually or can we just ask God to save or heal “everyone on this list?”
Answer: That’s a good question, and I could not find a Bible verse that specifically addresses it, although I do believe that it would be best to pray for each name specifically, for the following reasons:
1. Individuals are significant to God. The Bible contains several long lists of genealogies. We don’t know all the people named in all of them, and few, if any, details are given about many of them in Scripture, but their names are apparently important to God since He put them in the Bible and wants us to read them.
2. There are times in the Bible when we are told that the Apostle Paul prayed for people specifically by name (Ephesians 1:16; Philemon v. 4).
3. Praying for people by name will help us to remember their names and circumstances, so that if we meet them later, or hear of an opportunity to minister to them, we will be informed and “prayed up” concerning their situations.
Having said all that, though, I know that you probably have a lot to pray about in your personal prayer time that is not in the Wednesday night prayer journal, and that time is limited, so praying for “everyone on the list” is a better alternative than not praying at all.
Finally, I want to commend you and thank you for praying, regardless of what method you use. For those who don’t attend regular prayer meetings at the local church to which you belong, the “prayer journal” mentioned above is a pre-printed pamphlet updated and handed out at each prayer meeting. If your church does this, let me encourage you to pick one up and pray for your church family, friends, and missionaries throughout the week.
The Name of the Lord
August 11, 2020 at 9:27 am | Posted in Biblical names, Malachi | 4 CommentsTags: commentary on Malachi, dishonoring the Lord, Lord of Hosts, Malachi 1, Malachi 2, Revelation 2, Sunday School lessons on Malachi
After the nation of God’s people became divided, the northern kingdom was called Israel and the southern kingdom was called Judah. Israel was the first to fall into apostasy. The capital of the southern kingdom was Jerusalem. The Temple was there. Jersusalem was ultimately conquered by the Babylonians, and most of the people there were taken captive. Later, the Persians (Medo-Persians) conquered Babylon. The king of the Persian empire who issued a decree saying the Jewish people could go back to Jerusalem and rebuild the walls and the Temple was Cyrus, and this decree was issued in 538 B.C. The rebuilding of the Temple was completed in 515 B.C. The Jewish leaders who oversaw the repair of the walls and gates, and the rebuilding of the Temple were Ezra and Nehemiah. The High Priest during this time was named Joshua. The governor was Zerubbabel.
The conditions described in the Book of Nehemiah are addressed in the Book of Malachi, and that’s why it is believed this was the time period in which the prophet Malachi ministered. Malachi’s name meant “My messenger,” and his message is more important than his biography. The conditions in the land at that time were poor crops and an extremely poor economy. Jewish men had divorced their Jewish wives and married pagan women. There were also serious problems in the priesthood.
A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour? and if I be a master, where is my fear? saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name?
Malachi 1:6
The poor people were being oppressed by the wealthy and powerful, and people were failing in the obligation to financially support the proper worship in the house of the Lord. We can hear the weariness in Malachi as he addressed the sins of people who should have learned their lessons. He already knew what their excuses and complaints were. Before something is properly painted it must be stripped and rubbed smooth. This is the job of a prophet.
Nevertheless I have [somewhat] against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
Revelation 2:4
I have loved you, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, Wherein hast thou loved us? Was not Esau Jacob’s brother? saith the LORD: yet I loved Jacob, And I hated Esau, and laid his mountains and his heritage waste for the dragons of the wilderness.
Malachi 1:2-3
God identified a coldness in His people in their love for Him. God’s electing grace is evidence of His love. As true Christians, we love Him, yes, but we love Him because He first loved us (I John 4:19).
The title “Lord of hosts” is used in Malachi 1:4 and 24 times in the Book of Malachi. The English word “host” comes from the same root word as “hostile.” Malachi didn’t really use the title as a threat, but the threat is there in “Lord of Hosts.” We would do well to remember there is no middle ground with God. We are for Him or against Him. He deals with those who are both hot and cold, but He has less patience for the lukewarm – He spits them out.
“My name” is another common phrase in Malachi (1:6,11,14; 2:2,5; 3:16; 4:2).
Dishonoring God’s name was another big sin that Malachi addressed. Giving less than our best dishonors God’s name. Service, time, finances – all must be done to the glory of God. Breaking vows dishonors God’s name. Doing the Lord’s work merely for wages or for what we get out of it dishonors God’s name.
Therefore have I also made you contemptible and base before all the people, according as ye have not kept my ways, but have been partial in the law.
Malachi 2:9
Three Words about God: His Supremacy, His Image, and His Name
November 12, 2014 at 1:14 pm | Posted in Biblical names, Exodus | 33 CommentsTags: 1st Commandment, 2nd Commandment, 3rd Commandment, commentary on Exodus, Decalogue, Exodus 20, idolatry, Sunday School lessons on Exodus, Suzerainty Treaties, Ten Commandments
Exodus 20 contains one of the most well-known passages in the Bible. We usually refer to it as “The Ten Commandments.” Theologians call it “The Decalogue,” or “The Ten Words.”
The word “commandments” isn’t even used until Verse 6, but there is certainly nothing wrong with calling them the “Ten Commandments,” although they might be more properly thought of as the “sanctions” section of the Mosaic (Old) Covenant, which was in the form of a suzerainty treaty.
A suzerain is a greater king or overlord who enters into a covenant or agreement with a “lesser” king or nation, known as the “prince” or “lord” or “vassal.” A suzerainty treaty is a treaty – an agreement containing terms or conditions – between a greater king and a lesser king, ruler, nation, or group. The Decalogue itself is not a suzerainty treaty, but it is part of the suzerainty treaty that we call the Old Covenant. The Decalogue is similar to the U.S. Constitution, and the other 600 or so laws in the Old Covenant are similar to America’s federal statutes.
The Decalogue may also be thought of as a broad overview – a comprehensive survey – of the two greatest commandments or laws: Love God with everything within you, and love your neighbor as yourself.
The first Word of the Decalogue is:
And God spake all these words, saying, I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Exodus 20:1-3
This prohibits idolatry. It does not mean that there are other divine beings, with God being the greatest one. It means that human beings are forbidden from thinking of any created thing or being, as being above, or equal to, God. “Before Me” doesn’t mean that God is number one, with some other god as number two. It means not to place anyone or anything (even anything fictitious) “in opposition to God” or to worship anything other than Him “in His presence” (which is everywhere).
The worship of any other being, or the ascription to any entity other than God of a status greater than or equal to God, would be considered by Him to be disloyalty, treachery, and an attack on His glory and His name.
We tend to think of the First Commandment as having a different application today from the application it had for Moses and the Israelites, but, actually, it applied to people in the ancient world in a very similar way. The little g gods that people worshiped in the ancient world were typically representations of their perceived needs or pleasures – their life-sustaining activities and their “fun” or distracting activities. In the First Commandment, God reminded them and us that He created us, and that He obviously “owns” us, but also that our activities, our joys, even our very thought processes, are to be exclusively centered around Him. If you are a parent, your two greatest responsibilities might be the clear teaching of the Gospel (which includes Who Christ is) to your children, and helping them to be utterly convinced of the absolute supremacy of God.
The second Word of the Decalogue is definitely referential to the first, but it is also definitely a separate Word:
Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.
Exodus 20:4-6
An overly literal, out-of-context reading of this commandment would seem to prohibit the representation of any creature. In that case, it would be sinful to have a toy fluffy pony or an army man or even a sculpture of a tree. However, when we recognize that the Second Commandment is tied to the idea of “worship” and therefore idolatry, then we get a truer perspective. The worship of false gods in ancient times always involved imagery – figures that in those days were “graven.” This is still being prohibited by the Second Word, but the command goes even further, as it prohibits us from making a making a mental image of God as being so loving as to be unjust, or as being so kind as to not really have wrath. In other words, we break the Second Commandment any time that we make up a god in our minds that is not revealed in Scripture. This happens frequently when professing Christians claim that God rewards the “good works” of unconverted sinners by counting them as righteous based on their deeds.
Additionally, Muslims, Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses (and liberal seminary students) are flagrant violators of Word number two. They concoct a false “Jesus,” or they profess to believe something about God based on what they “feel” He is like.
The Third Word is:
Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
Exodus 20:7
Why would God not hold guiltless those that take His name in vain? Why is this such a serious crime? Because vanity is emptiness masquerading as fullness, and God’s name has great weight. It is empty of neither holiness, nor authority. Taking something “in vain” is ascribing negligible value to it. If there is anything in this universe that’s not vain, it is the Lord our God, and His name is a great gift and a great blessing, because it is a great revelation. God is providing the very air and breath that people are using to mock or to even curse His name.
This is one of the reasons why we shouldn’t flippantly exclaim, “Oh my G–,” or even say or type “OMG” or “gosh” or whatever else fills in for His name. Don’t say Jesus’s name like a curse word. One of the proofs of the depravity of man is the ubiquity of blasphemy and the complete absence of epithets such as “Adolf Hitler!” or “Muhammadd- – n!” or “Buddhad- – n!” I teach my kids not to use God’s name unless we are talking to, or about, God.
When God Makes Fun of Your Name
December 10, 2013 at 5:16 pm | Posted in Biblical names, Micah | 5 CommentsTags: commentary on Micah, covetousness, false prophecy, Israel, Judah, Micah 1, Micah 2, Samaria, Sunday School lessons on Micah
The Old Testament prophet Micah’s name meant “Who is like God?” He was a contemporary of Isaiah, but he prophesied to the rural people in Judah, whereas Isaiah prophesied mainly to the courts in both Jerusalem and Samaria. Micah was from Moresheth, about 25 miles from Jerusalem. He warned of God’s judgment coming upon Israel (the northern kingdom) and Judah (the southern kingdom).
For, behold, the LORD cometh forth out of his place, and will come down, and tread upon the high places of the earth. And the mountains shall be molten under him, and the valleys shall be cleft, as wax before the fire, [and] as the waters that are poured down a steep place.
Micah 1:3-4
The people of Judah saw what the Assyrians had done to Israel, and it should have caused them to repent. The northern kingdom became openly idolatrous and competed with Judah’s “true” worship. The Assyrians and other gentile peoples brought in by the Assyrians intermingled with the Israelites and became the despised, half-breed Samaritans. Spiritual adultery – in the form of “watered-down” worship – is contagious, and the sickness of Israel began to infect Judah.
For the transgression of Jacob is all this, and for the sins of the house of Israel. What is the transgression of Jacob? is it not Samaria? and what are the high places of Judah? are they not Jerusalem?
Micah 1:5
You can call it worship, but if it’s idolatry, it’s idolatry. You can call it spiritual, but if it’s flesh, it’s flesh. Micah prophesied about the cities in Judah and God mocked their names. God has a way of taking what is nearest and dearest to you, and, if you disregard Him, taking it away, or turning it into a curse.
Declare ye it not at Gath, weep ye not at all: in the house of Aphrah roll thyself in the dust.
Micah 1:10
“Gath” meant “declare it” and “Aphrah” meant “house of dust.”
Pass ye away, thou inhabitant of Saphir, having thy shame naked: the inhabitant of Zaanan came not forth in the mourning of Bethezel; he shall receive of you his standing.
Micah 1:11
“Saphir” meant “beautiful,” “Zaanan” meant “come out,” and “Bethezel” meant “taking away.”
For the inhabitant of Maroth waited carefully for good: but evil came down from the LORD unto the gate of Jerusalem.
Micah 1:12
“Maroth” meant bitterness.
O thou inhabitant of Lachish, bind the chariot to the swift beast: she is the beginning of the sin to the daughter of Zion: for the transgressions of Israel were found in thee. Therefore shalt thou give presents to Moreshethgath: the houses of Achzib shall be a lie to the kings of Israel. Yet will I bring an heir unto thee, O inhabitant of Mareshah: he shall come unto Adullam the glory of Israel. Make thee bald, and poll thee for thy delicate children; enlarge thy baldness as the eagle; for they are gone into captivity from thee.
Micah 1:13-16
“Lachish” meant “team of fast horses,” “Achzib” meant “deception,” and “Mareshah” meant “conqueror.”
These were God’s covenant people, but being in a covenant does not excuse sin. The first sin addressed in Micah Chapter 2 is covetousness.
Woe to them that devise iniquity, and work evil upon their beds! when the morning is light, they practise it, because it is in the power of their hand. And they covet fields, and take them by violence; and houses, and take them away: so they oppress a man and his house, even a man and his heritage. Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, against this family do I devise an evil, from which ye shall not remove your necks; neither shall ye go haughtily: for this time is evil.
Micah 2:1-3
The second sin addressed is false prophecy.
Prophesy ye not, say they to them that prophesy: they shall not prophesy to them, that they shall not take shame. O thou that art named the house of Jacob, is the spirit of the LORD straitened? are these his doings? do not my words do good to him that walketh uprightly?
Micah 2:6-7
Arise ye, and depart; for this is not your rest: because it is polluted, it shall destroy you, even with a sore destruction. If a man walking in the spirit and falsehood do lie, saying, I will prophesy unto thee of wine and of strong drink; he shall even be the prophet of this people.
Micah 2:10-11
Prophets who are truly from God are seldom popular. One of the marks of a false prophet is that, in telling people they are good, he is loved by the people. Note how the sins of covetousness and false prophecy often go hand in hand.
Don’t Ruin Your Name
September 10, 2012 at 10:03 am | Posted in Biblical Don'ts, Biblical names, Ecclesiastes | 4 CommentsTags: a good name, commentary on Ecclesiastes, Ecclesiastes 7, good reputation, ointment, perfume, precious ointment, reputation, Sunday School lessons on Ecclesiastes
A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one’s birth.
Ecclesiastes 7:1
Your “name” (your reputation) is a precious thing. In Bible times ointment was expensive and precious. It could be used for medicinal salve or for perfume, but it could be easily spoiled. One little dead fly could ruin a whole batch of ointment. Don’t ruin your name.
The name “Judah” meant “praise” in the Old Testament, but the name “Judas” is now forever associated with treachery and betrayal because of the act of one man. I have no idea what the names “Adolph” or “Hitler” brought to mind prior to 1930s Germany, but they certainly haven’t been very popular names since then. Do you know any “Adolphs?” Did you go to school with a kid named little Timmy Hitler Smith? What about Charles Manson Jones? Those names were pretty much ruined by the deeds of evil men.
Ointment in the Bible was good, but it was fleeting. It had an expiration date. A good name is something that can be passed on from generation to generation. It can earn and carry with it trustworthiness. Cherish and protect your name by living your life according to the principles of the Bible.
Nominative Repetition: Warning and Comfort
April 8, 2011 at 9:07 am | Posted in Biblical comfort, Biblical names, Genesis | 7 CommentsTags: 1 Samuel 3, Acts 9, assurance, Biblical names, Christ in Genesis, commentary on Genesis, Genesis 46, Luke 10, relocation, Sunday School lessons on Genesis
In Genesis 45 Joseph revealed himself to his brothers. This is sort of the climax of the story of Joseph.
In Chapter 46 Jacob moves his family to Egypt, but first he built an altar and worshiped.
And Israel took his journey with all that he had, and came to Beersheba, and offered sacrifices unto the God of his father Isaac.
Genesis 46:1
This was very wise. It is always wise for us to seek counsel from the Lord before we make any move, and especially before we relocate our family.
Jacob was concerned about going to Egypt, and understandably so: He was aware of the trouble that Abraham had experienced there.
And God spake unto Israel in the visions of the night, and said, Jacob, Jacob. And he said, Here am I.
Genesis 46:2
When the Lord says someone’s name twice, it is as if the first time is to get their attention, and the second time is to give assurance or comfort.
Genesis 22:11: “Abraham, Abraham” (when Abraham was just about to slay Isaac)
I Samuel 3:10: “Samuel, Samuel” (when the Lord spoke to Samuel as he served Eli)
Luke 10:41: “Martha, Martha” (when Jesus wanted to contrast Martha and Mary)
Acts 9:4: “Saul, Saul” (at the time of the Apostle Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus)
Why did God want Jacob and his family in Egypt?
And he said, I am God, the God of thy father: fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation:
Genesis 46:3
Even though going down to Egypt is sometimes a picture in the Bible of “going down” spiritually, God wanted to use Egypt as the place where He would fashion a people for Himself – not for themselves.
And he sent Judah before him unto Joseph, to direct his face unto Goshen; and they came into the land of Goshen.
Genesis 46:28
The “land of Goshen” (which is sort of an exclamation where I’m from) was very fertile – good for herdsmen. Judah led the way, continuing to establish his leadership role in the family – and foreshadowing the fact that the tribe of Judah would be the “royal tribe.”
Lord, I confess that I am not depending on anything other than the shed blood, atoning death, and bodily resurrection of Christ Jesus for my righteousness. Lord God, when you look at the account sheet of my life, none of my works are going to pay the price for even my slightest sin. You’re going to look on the righteousness side of the account sheet and see nothing but the blood of Jesus. This I confess in His holy name. Amen.
The Deep End 
Funny Names in the Bible
March 25, 2024 at 2:20 pm | Posted in Biblical names, I Chronicles | Leave a commentTags: 1 Chronicles 1, 1 Chronicles 2, Biblical genealogies, Biblical names, commentary on 1 Chronicles, significance of names, Sunday School lessons on 1 Chronicles
When I’ve taught through certain books of the Bible which have chapters containing long lists of names, it can be tempting to see a little humor in how some of the names translated or transliterated from Hebrew sound in modern English. However, it’s unlikely that the names listed in Scriptural genealogies or compilations of land inheritances or Temple vocations to the people who actually had those names or saw their ancestors listed there. In fact, the Holy Spirit included these sometimes lengthy genealogies and lists of names and roll calls in the eternal Word because:
1. Names are important to God.
2. Names are important to people.
3. Names sometimes have meanings.
4. Names establish connections to past generations.
5. History is “HIS-story,” and God’s history is accurate, and we need to know that the reporting in the Bible – even in the less spiritually instructive passages – is accurate and true.
And the sons of Jonathan; Peleth, and Zaza. These were the sons of Jerahmeel.
I Chronicles 2:33
The name Zaza (not one of the Gabor sisters) meant brightness or fulness. Perhaps he was born around noontime, or maybe his parents hoped he would be “bright.”
I Chronicles 2:18
Azubah meant forsaken (what an odd-sounding name for a child, to us!). Maybe her mother felt forsaken by her husband, or maybe she loved her other children better, we can only speculate, but it would be nice to think that she overcome her “forsakenness,” realizing that she was not forsaken by God, and, in fact,” would be included in His Bible.
I Chronicles 3:22
Hattush meant “assembled.” He probably made a good husband. His wife wouldn’t have needed an instruction manual to get him to work right. He came into the marriage already put together.
Or perhaps his parents hoped he would be a good organizer or leader – that one day he would put together an assembly of workers, or that he would speak or preach to an assembly of people and hold their attention.