Topical Bible: Children were Named: from Circumstances Connected With Their Birth

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In biblical times, the naming of children often held significant meaning, reflecting circumstances surrounding their birth or prophetic insights into their future. This practice is evident throughout the Scriptures, where names serve as a testament to God's providence, human experiences, and divine promises.

Isaac
Isaac, the son of Abraham and Sarah, was named for the laughter that surrounded his birth. Sarah laughed when she heard the promise of a son in her old age, and later, Abraham also laughed in wonder at God's promise (Genesis 17:17; 18:12). The name Isaac, meaning "he laughs," encapsulates the joy and incredulity of his parents. Genesis 21:6 records Sarah's words: "God has made me laugh, and everyone who hears of this will laugh with me."

Esau and Jacob
The twin sons of Isaac and Rebekah were named based on their birth circumstances. Esau, the firstborn, emerged red and hairy, leading to his name, which means "hairy" (Genesis 25:25). Jacob, whose name means "he grasps the heel" or "supplanter," was born holding Esau's heel, foreshadowing the future struggles between the brothers (Genesis 25:26).

Ichabod
The name Ichabod, meaning "the glory has departed," was given to the son of Phinehas, Eli's son, by his mother upon hearing of the Ark of the Covenant's capture and the deaths of her husband and father-in-law. This name reflects the tragic circumstances and the perceived loss of God's presence among the Israelites (1 Samuel 4:21).

Benjamin
Rachel, the beloved wife of Jacob, named her second son Ben-Oni, meaning "son of my sorrow," as she died giving birth. However, Jacob renamed him Benjamin, meaning "son of the right hand," signifying a place of honor and strength (Genesis 35:18).

Moses
Moses was named by Pharaoh's daughter, who drew him out of the water. His name, meaning "drawn out," reflects the circumstances of his rescue from the Nile River, which would later symbolize his role in leading the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 2:10).

Samuel
Hannah named her son Samuel, meaning "heard by God," because she had prayed earnestly for a child, and God granted her request. This name signifies the divine response to her fervent prayers (1 Samuel 1:20).

Perez and Zerah
The twin sons of Judah and Tamar were named based on the unusual circumstances of their birth. Zerah, meaning "brightness," was named for the scarlet thread tied to his wrist as he initially emerged. However, Perez, meaning "breach," was born first, breaking through unexpectedly (Genesis 38:28-30).

These examples illustrate the profound significance of names in biblical narratives, often serving as a reflection of divine intervention, parental hopes, or pivotal events surrounding a child's birth.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 25:25,26
And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 35:18
And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, (for she died) that she called his name Benoni: but his father called him Benjamin.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Chronicles 4:9
And Jabez was more honorable than his brothers: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bore him with sorrow.
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Library

The Upbringing of Jewish Children
... at the time of Christ also, there were little parchment rolls specially for the
use of children, containing such ... that Jesus went on the occasion named to the ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 7 the upbringing of.htm

In the Fifteenth Year of Tiberius C??sar and under the Pontificate ...
... the Roman Emperor, after whom he named the city ... thus apostrophises Abraham: If thy
children were even (morally ... the river-bank to raise up children unto Abraham ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xi in the fifteenth.htm

Synagogues: their Origin, Structure and Outward Arrangements
... provokes exile alike upon himself and his children, as it ... it was anciently, or "almmeor,"
as it is presently named. Those who were called up to it for reading ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 16 synagogues their origin.htm

The Child-Life in Nazareth
... Antipas of the New Testament) was named his successor. ... from God, as much as the
circumstances of his ... But the children were gathered in the Synagogues, or in ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter ix the child-life in.htm

The Pentateuch.
... In the fifth chapter none are named but sons in ... the special blessing of God upon
his children and all ... befell them, and the new ordinances that were from time ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xix the pentateuch.htm

The Ministry of Paul in Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, and Corinth.
... which was Dionysius, the Areopagite, and a woman, named Damaris, and ... These were Aquila
and Priscilla. ... in easy circumstances, to train up their children to some ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter vii the ministry of.htm

The Preparations of the Greeks for Defense.
... When, however, the children arrived at an age to assume ... public officer of high rank
and influence, named Themistocles ... at least of all those who were willing to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter vii the preparations of.htm

The Catholic System.
... Therefore our people, when named Catholic, are separated by ... does not appear that
his epistles were deemed unwarranted ... Church than that all the children of men ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter viii the catholic system.htm

The Persecutions of the Church.
... then almost all in very humble circumstances; and their ... her brother and another
catechumen, named Rusticus, to ... and men, women, and children, were enjoined to ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter ii the persecutions of.htm

Letter xxix. (AD 395. )
... what kind of fruits drunkenness was named, and read ... of our Lord Jesus Christ, "If
His children forsake my ... wished to assume the Christian religion were kept back ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter xxix a d 395.htm