What Old Testament figures experienced name changes, and why? Setting the Scene: Mark 3:16 “He appointed the twelve: To Simon He gave the name Peter.” (Mark 3:16) Jesus’ act of renaming Simon reaches back to a well-established Old Testament pattern in which a new name signals a new destiny, covenant, or sphere of authority. Name Changes Initiated Directly by God • Abram → Abraham (Genesis 17:5) – “For I have made you a father of many nations.” • Sarai → Sarah (Genesis 17:15) – “She will become nations; kings of peoples will come from her.” • Jacob → Israel (Genesis 32:28; 35:10) – After wrestling with the Angel of the LORD: “You have struggled with God and with men and have prevailed.” • Hoshea → Joshua (Numbers 13:16) – Moses, under divine leading, changes “He saves” to “Yahweh saves,” foreshadowing Joshua’s role in leading Israel into the land. • Solomon → Jedidiah (2 Samuel 12:24-25) – Through Nathan the prophet: “Because the LORD loved him.” Name Changes Made by Covenant Leaders or Rulers • Ben-Oni → Benjamin (Genesis 35:18) – Jacob shifts the focus from “son of my sorrow” to “son of my right hand.” • Joseph → Zaphenath-paneah (Genesis 41:45) – Pharaoh honors Joseph’s God-given wisdom and authority. • Eliakim → Jehoiakim (2 Kings 23:34) – Pharaoh Neco asserts political control over Judah’s throne. • Mattaniah → Zedekiah (2 Kings 24:17) – Nebuchadnezzar places his mark on Jerusalem’s last king. Name Changes Under Foreign Domination • Daniel → Belteshazzar • Hananiah → Shadrach • Mishael → Meshach • Azariah → Abednego (Daniel 1:6-7) – Babylonian officials impose names honoring their gods, attempting to reshape identities. • Hadassah → Esther (Esther 2:7) – A Persian name eases integration into the royal court. Covenant and Mission Threads • Every God-given name change marks a turning point in redemptive history: covenant (Abraham, Sarah), national identity (Israel), conquest (Joshua), royal favor (Jedidiah). • Human-imposed name changes reveal who claims authority—fathers (Benjamin), kings (Jehoiakim, Zedekiah), or empires (Babylon, Persia). • Through each renaming, Scripture underscores that ultimate identity is bestowed by the LORD, not by circumstance. Linking Back to Peter • As with Abraham and Israel, Jesus’ renaming of Simon signals a fresh calling: from fisherman to foundational “rock” (cf. Matthew 16:18). • Mark 3:16 thus echoes the Old Testament rhythm—new name, new purpose, same faithful God guiding His people. |
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