2014-05-30
Good Morning Dear Ones,
Last week, I began writing about name changes mentioned in the Bible that were associated with being adopted into another group or ethnicity. As we saw in the case of Daniel and his friends, these new names were often associated with the gods. For example, in DN 1: 6-7, Daniel (which in Hebrew means “God is my Judge”) became Belteshazzar (which in Babylonian probably means “Bel [Marduke] protect his life”). His friends, Hananiah (which in Hebrew means “The Lord shows Grace”) becomes Shadrach (which in Babylonian means “Command of Aku” –a Sumarian moon god); Mishael (which in Hebrew means “Who is what God is?”) became Mishach (which in Babylonian means “Who is what Aku is?”), and Azariah (which in Hebrew means “The Lord helps”) became Abednego (which in Babylonian means “Servant of Nego” [aka Nabu-another Babylonian or Sumarian god). As with this case, the adoption isn’t always a choice on the part of the adoptee. These young Jewish men were taken captive by the Babylonians under King Nebuchadnezzar in 602 BC when Daniel was only 15 years old. They were slated to work in the king’s court. As we read through the entire book of Daniel, we will come to see that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob would not completely abandon them, nor would these men ever stop worshipping Him [DN 6: 10]. Daniel was given a remarkable talent for interpretation of dreams, which along with his loyalty the one and only true God would serve him well and have a great impact on the stories that are told.
Another significant example of name changes in the Bible came with those of Abram, whose name was changed by God by the addition of the Hebrew letter, shin ש, to Abraham (which means “Father of Nations” in that language) [GN 17: 3-5]. Similarly, his wife, Sarai’s name was changed to Sarah (which means “princess” and denotes “mother of kings and nations”) [GN 17: 15-16]. This whole issue of spiritual circumcision for Sarah and spiritual/physical circumcision for Abram and all the males of their household serves as an outward sign of participation in the covenant with God. All of this happened when Abram was 99 years old and Sarai was almost 90, long past childbearing age. At that time God appeared to Abram. GN 17: 1b-2, “I am God Almighty (El Shaddai); walk before Me and be blameless. I will confirm My covenant between Me and you and will greatly increase your numbers.” God promised them another child, thirteen years younger than Abram’s son with his Egyptian handmaiden, Hagar; the older boy’s name was Ishmael (whose name suggests he will roam the desert like a wild donkey). Ishmael is not a son of the covenant, since he was conceived out of an original plan concocted by Sarai through her own impatience with her barrenness. When Sarah overheard the Angel of God saying she would be pregnant at her advanced age, she laughed [GN 18: 10-12]. True to God’s word, Sarah became pregnant with this “son of the promise,” Isaac, which means “Laughter” [GN 21: 6]. It is a Jewish custom even today to pay careful attention to the meaning of names given.
The long-familiar story of Joseph, which begins in GN 39, also involved a name change for its hero. Due to jealousy of his older brothers, Joseph was put in a place where he would be captured by slave traders on their way to Egypt. Most of us know that he went through a series of adventures which at one time caused his imprisonment, and later, led to Joseph becoming the second in charge in the pharaoh’s court. He too, like Daniel was much later, was given the talent to interpret the pharaoh’s dreams. Joseph was given the name Zapheneth-Peneah, the exact meaning of which is unknown, at the time he was given this responsibility by the pharaoh. He was also given Asenath, the daughter of the priest of On, Potiphera, to be his wife [GN 41: 45]. Asenath’s name means “She belongs to (the Egyptian goddess) Neith.” Potphera is not the same peroson as Potiphar (whose wife made the trouble for Joseph that sent him to prison earlier [GN 37: 36; GN 39: 11]. Potiphera’s name, in Egyptian, means “He Who Ra Has Given”-Ra being the Egyptian sun god. The city of On is 10 miles northeast of modern Cairo. Even with all these gifts of position and a wife given to Joseph by the pharaoh, the latter had no idea Joseph really served a Higher Power, the one and only true God, Jehovah.
Next week, we will see how a name change for key combatants is brought about by political wrangling between Egypt and Israel, and the displeasure of the Lord toward Judah which led eventually to the Babylonian Captivity. Political intrigue is certainly a timely issue for us today, due to internal disagreements between liberals and conservatives domestically and difficult international relations between America and some other countries. In view of the lessons that history has for us, it would be quite irresponsible to think that God’s displeasure with things here doesn’t affect them now. This gives us plenty of motivation to know God’s will and to obey it.
PRAYER: O Lord, we must avoid apathy and the idea that You would never allow our country and it’s leaders to fall under the power of an enemy nation. We must also realize that taking responsibility for the decisions we make and actions we take is essential. This places on us the reminder that we, too, just as Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph did, have a covenant with You that we are to honor. Our covenant was put in place at the exact moment that Christ died on the cross, taking the sins of the world with Him. It was this work of redemption that took a fallen world and opened an opportunity for salvation—one believer in Him at a time [JN 3: 16; RO 3: 24-25]. We were justified-deemed acceptable to You at that time [RO 4: 3]. This great work done for us has made the difference for all who believe in You and repent of their sins; we can choose whether or not to sin. Prior to that, we and all had no choice but to sin [RO 3: 23; RO 6: 23] and thus die spiritually. We remain sinners, until such time as the process of sanctification (a cooperation between us, Your covenant partners, and You, our Covenant Partner) has been completed. At that time, we as believers are deemed ready for glorification (to be taken back to Your side in heaven)—purified and perfected. EPH 2: 8-10 tells us, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” These basic truths are sufficient motivation for us to study Your word, pray often, learn from the lessons history has for us, and to make Your agenda our own. We ask for Your help in doing these things, so that our lives will honor You and carry out the tasks You have for us. This ethical foundation is a great blessing that we now acknowledge comes from You and for which we offer You our heartfelt praise and thanks, in Christ’s holy/mighty name. Amen.
NEXT WEEK: We will look at a time in Judah’s history in which the above-mentioned name change was a part of it’s eventual downfall. While this may not be the most popular portion of the Scriptures to study, we, as covenant partners, need to look at it’s lessons with an eye to what is going on in our own country today. Modern Israel is not immune to this need. Her geographical position, her internal policies, and her foreign relations all give us a picture of everyone’s need for greater knowledge of God. This greater knowledge of Who God is and what power He possesses should cause widespread self-examination by both individuals and countries. The goal of this self-examination should be greater and greater faithful obedience to God. Our very existence depends on this. Together we should pray, PS 139: 23-24, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” If we will do this with deliberation, meditation, and genuine hearts, God will answer us with His guidance, in accordance with PS 40: 1-2. “I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a Rock and gave me a firm place to stand.” Our Covenant Partner’s divine counsel is precious. PS 73: 23-28 is compelling. “Yet I am always with You; You hold me by the right hand. You guide me with Your counsel, and afterward You will take me into glory. Whom Have I in heaven but You? The earth has nothing I desire beside You. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the Strength of my heart and my Portion forever. Those who are far from You will perish; You will destroy all who are unfaithful to You. But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my Refuge; I will tell of all Your deeds.” Praise and thanks be to our God forever!
Grace Be With You Always,
Lynn
JS 24:15
© Lynn Johnson 2014. All Rights Reserved.
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