Topical Bible: Children were Named: Often by God

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In the biblical narrative, the naming of children holds significant theological and prophetic importance. Throughout Scripture, there are instances where God Himself intervenes to name a child, often to signify a divine purpose or to reveal aspects of His plan. These names are not merely identifiers but carry profound meanings that reflect God's intentions and promises.

Isaac

One of the earliest examples is the naming of Isaac, the son of Abraham and Sarah. In Genesis 17:19, God declares, "But your wife Sarah will bear you a son, and you will call him Isaac. I will establish My covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him." The name Isaac, meaning "he laughs," is a reminder of both Abraham and Sarah's initial laughter at the promise of a son in their old age and the joy that his birth would bring.

Ishmael

Similarly, God names Ishmael, the son of Abraham and Hagar. In Genesis 16:11, the angel of the Lord tells Hagar, "You are now pregnant and will give birth to a son. You shall name him Ishmael, for the LORD has heard of your misery." Ishmael means "God hears," signifying God's awareness and response to Hagar's distress.

John the Baptist

In the New Testament, the birth of John the Baptist is another instance where God names a child. In Luke 1:13, the angel Gabriel tells Zechariah, "Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John." The name John means "Yahweh is gracious," reflecting the grace of God in granting Zechariah and Elizabeth a child and in preparing the way for the Messiah.

Jesus

The most significant instance of divine naming is that of Jesus Christ. In Matthew 1:21, an angel of the Lord appears to Joseph in a dream, saying, "She will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins." The name Jesus, derived from the Hebrew Yeshua, means "The LORD saves," encapsulating His mission of salvation.

Prophetic Names

In addition to these direct interventions, God often used the names of children as prophetic symbols. For example, in the book of Hosea, God commands the prophet to name his children Lo-Ruhamah ("not loved") and Lo-Ammi ("not my people") to symbolize His judgment on Israel (Hosea 1:6-9). These names served as living messages to the people of Israel about their relationship with God.

Significance

The act of God naming children underscores His sovereignty and the unfolding of His divine plan. Each name given by God is imbued with meaning and purpose, often foreshadowing the role the individual will play in biblical history. These names serve as reminders of God's promises, His attentiveness to human affairs, and His ultimate plan for redemption through Jesus Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 8:3
And I went to the prophetess; and she conceived, and bore a son. Then said the LORD to me, Call his name Mahershalalhashbaz.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hosea 1:4,6,9
And the LORD said to him, Call his name Jezreel; for yet a little while, and I will avenge the blood of Jezreel on the house of Jehu, and will cause to cease the kingdom of the house of Israel.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Baptism of Daniel.
... named Daniel, and his four sons were named respectively John ... There were some hindrances
in the way of Daniel's ... baptised with her husband and children; but as Mr ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/hodson/old daniel/chapter eighteen baptism of daniel.htm

Christian Names.
... Hebrews obeyed the same law in naming their children. ... memorial, or indicated some
calling of the person named. ... Dr. Krummacher on this point: "Names were to the ...
/.../philips/the christian home/chapter xii christian names.htm

The Birth and Early Life of John the Baptist.
... 12:3; Philippians 3:5. Male children were named at their ... him, and how the child was
to be named John]; but ... about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/viii the birth and early.htm

A Wonderful Children's Meeting
... bright-eyed girl, about nine years old, named Ida ... mission hall in G"". Among the
children gathered there ... clear testimonies that their sins were forgiven and ...
/.../a wonderful childrens meeting.htm

'The Waters Saw Thee; they were Afraid'
... in Jordan.8. And Joshua said unto the children of Israel ... it, but that was a feat
worthy to be named in the ... chose to fall upon them as they were struggling across ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the waters saw thee they.htm

Fathers and Children'
... every fathership in heaven and earth is named, that we ... Catechism which they were
taught when they were little, and to teach it to their children, not only ...
/.../kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon i fathers and children.htm

The Blessing of God on Filial Piety.
... who had a son, or descendant, named Jonadab, or ... example, made an indelible impression,
and were means of ... follow his example"to charge their children to "keep ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxiii the blessing of.htm

Christ and the Little Children
... Love Leads to Love." A little boy named Charley stood ... You know he will often get
up and give pussy ... This was her answer:""While my children were infants on my ...
/.../the life of jesus christ for the young/christ and the little children.htm

The Relation of Christ to Prophecy, Continued.
... is good and what is not as children are of ... August from men to whom divine honors
were decreed; while ... September to December, continued to be named from their ...
/.../the relation of christ to.htm

The Knowledge of God
... If he were not equal to his Father, there would ... grow stern and harsh, unfeeling to
your children and workmen ... fatherhood in heaven and earth is named; good sons ...
/.../kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon xxi the knowledge of.htm