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Names

Have you ever noticed how that Bible people’s names always match their personalities? How did that happen? Just wondering.

Here is the list of names given to Jacob’s twelve sons. Each name is followed by its meaning. I have also included each son’s mother to help you put this puzzle together. The names are also given by birth order. If you trace this list through the Old Testament you will notice that it is given in many different orders. Not sure why but it would be an interesting study. So, here they are:

Ruben - He has seen my misery Leah
Simeon - One who hears Leah
Levi - Attached Leah
Judah - Praise Leah
Dan - Vindicated Bilhah, Rachel’s slave
Naphtali - My struggle Bilhah, Rachel’s slave
Gad - good fortune Zilpah, Leah’s slave
Asher - Happy Zilpah, Leah’s slave
Issachar - Reward Leah
Zebulun - Honor Leah
Joseph - May he add Rachel
Benjamin - Son of my right hand Rachel

Well okay, their names didn’t always represent their character but it seemed to happen a lot. The above list represents constant conflict. Jacob the deceiver was deceived by his future brother-in-law Laban and given the wrong bride. However, from her came: Ruben the firstborn, Levi the father of the priesthood, Judah from whose lineage would be born the Christ, Jesus, among others. Those are some heavy hitters.

Jealousy was rampant between Leah and Rachel. Even slave girls were used as pawns to win favor. Rachel was shut out until son number eleven when she birthed Joseph. He would become the savior of the nation in just a few bitter years. Benjamin was the death of her. With her dying breath she named him, “Ben-Oni”, which means, “son of my trouble”. Jacob changed his name to Benjamin, “son of my right hand”.

Oh, and there was a girl. She is almost an afterthought. Leah gave birth to Dinah. She caused a peck of trouble too. But her story will have to wait until another day. It is REALLY complicated and troubling. You can read it for yourself in Genesis 34. It is a doozy.

All of this is a reminder that God can take a lump like me and do something wonderful with it. He can work the lump in unbelievable ways. He knows exactly what to do in every situation.

My name means, “Who is like God” and it is not with a question mark after it. That is a huge shoe to fill and a constant reminder of God’s mercy, grace  and continued work in an imperfect person. Encouraging to say the least. What does your name mean and how does it remind you of God’s continued work in your life? Leave a comment.
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