Topical Bible: Children were Named: Often Numerous

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In biblical times, the naming of children held significant cultural and spiritual importance, often reflecting the circumstances of their birth, prophetic insights, or parental aspirations. The Bible provides numerous examples of children being named in ways that highlight their roles in God's unfolding plan and the blessings of progeny.

Biblical Context and Significance

The practice of naming children in the Bible is deeply rooted in the Hebrew tradition, where names were not merely labels but carried profound meanings and expectations. Names often encapsulated the parents' faith, divine revelations, or historical events. The act of naming was sometimes accompanied by divine instruction, as seen in the cases of Isaac, John the Baptist, and Jesus.

Examples of Naming in Scripture

1. Isaac: The name Isaac, meaning "he laughs," was given by God to Abraham and Sarah's son, reflecting both the joy and the incredulity of his birth to aged parents. Genesis 21:3-6 states, "Abraham gave the name Isaac to the son Sarah bore to him. When his son Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him, as God had commanded him. Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him. And Sarah declared, 'God has made me laugh, and everyone who hears of this will laugh with me.'"

2. Jacob and Esau: The twins born to Isaac and Rebekah were named based on their birth circumstances and prophetic destinies. Esau, meaning "hairy," was named for his appearance, while Jacob, meaning "he grasps the heel" or "supplanter," was named for his actions at birth and his future role in supplanting his brother. Genesis 25:25-26 records, "The first one came out red, covered with hair like a fur coat; so they named him Esau. After this, his brother came out grasping Esau’s heel; so he was named Jacob."

3. John the Baptist: The naming of John was divinely ordained, breaking with family tradition. Luke 1:13 recounts the angel's message to Zechariah: "But the angel said to him, 'Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John.'"

4. Jesus: The name Jesus, meaning "The Lord saves," was given by divine command to signify His mission of salvation. Matthew 1:21 states, "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."

Numerous Offspring as a Blessing

In the biblical narrative, having numerous children was often seen as a sign of divine favor and blessing. The patriarchs, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, were promised descendants as numerous as the stars or sand, symbolizing God's covenantal promises and the perpetuation of His people.

1. Abraham: God's promise to Abraham included a multitude of descendants. Genesis 15:5 records, "And the LORD took him outside and said, 'Now look to the heavens and count the stars, if you are able.' Then He told him, 'So shall your offspring be.'"

2. Jacob's Twelve Sons: Jacob's twelve sons became the progenitors of the twelve tribes of Israel, fulfilling God's promise of a great nation. Genesis 35:22-26 lists the sons, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's promise through Jacob's numerous offspring.

3. Psalm 127:3-5: This passage highlights the blessing of children, stating, "Children are indeed a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is His reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them."

Conclusion

The biblical tradition of naming children and the emphasis on numerous offspring reflect the cultural and theological values of the ancient Israelites. Names were imbued with meaning, often pointing to God's promises and purposes, while the blessing of many children underscored the importance of family and continuity in God's covenantal plan.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Kings 10:1
And Ahab had seventy sons in Samaria. And Jehu wrote letters, and sent to Samaria, to the rulers of Jezreel, to the elders, and to them that brought up Ahab's children, saying,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Chronicles 4:27
And Shimei had sixteen sons and six daughters: but his brothers had not many children, neither did all their family multiply, like to the children of Judah.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Faith of Little Children.
... A little girl only nine years old, named Sutherland, living at ... a Southern Orphan
Asylum, writes The Christian, that often when the children were sick, and ...
/.../various/the wonders of prayer/the faith of little children.htm

La Brea
... dropping from overhanging vegetation, are often found partially ... 'There was a certain
man named Juan Bono ... together with some women and children, were burnt alive ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter viii la brea.htm

The Tournament at Constantinople.
... The parents' hearts told them that the children were their own. ... Leaving his children
under the care of those wise tutors, named Industry, Attention, and ...
/.../the seven champions of christendom/chapter twelve the tournament at.htm

1869-1870. Emigration of Families --A visitor's Impressions --The ...
... in all the neighbourhood around other boys were so much ... we now have no less than
forty children in that ... secretary, remembered that a small boy named Smith, who ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/lowe/gods answers/chapter ii 1869-1870 emigration of.htm

Kingo's Childhood and Youth
... Kingo is often named "The Singer of Orthodoxy", yet no one ... that he spent in the obscure
parish were, no doubt ... thrice and had a large family of children of all ...
/.../aaberg/hymns and hymnwriters of denmark/chapter three kingos childhood and.htm

How the Amalekites and the Neighbouring Nations, Made War with the ...
... the water, and to take care of the children, and the ... slain; but the slain of the
enemy's army were too many ... to God, and built an altar, which he named The Lord ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 how the amalekites.htm

The British Advance, 1801-1856.
... church at Tarbolton, they fell in with an old Moravian named William Kirkland ... If
the parents desired it, their children, at a suitable age, were prepared for ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter v the british advance.htm

Letter cxxiii. To Ageruchia.
... so that she has a posthumous son named after his ... rich in flocks and herds and richer
still in children. ... rise up and walk." [3326] For they were not weighed ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxxiii to ageruchia.htm

The Disciples of Jesus.
... Peter was married and had children; his mother-in-law lived with him.[2] Jesus loved
this house and dwelt there habitually ... They were only named in company ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/renan/the life of jesus/chapter ix the disciples of.htm

Third Sunday in Lent
... to understand that it is not to be named of Christians. ... were ignorant and went astray,
but we were darkness itself ... 1 Pet 2, 9), and to "walk as children of light ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/epistle sermons vol ii/third sunday in lent.htm