A good name is to be chosen over great riches.
Proverbs 22
by John Dehnart
©2009, All Rights Reserved
My Dad's name is Jim (James), which is one of several modern-day names that take their roots from the ancient Hebrew name Jacob. We draw the meaning for the name from the Bible story about Jacob. The word used for Jacob's name meant "heel-grabber", because the Jacob of the Bible struggled to be firstborn, even though his twin, Esau, was older (by a minute or two, anyway) In his youth, he also traded with his brother for the right of the firstborn (which, in Bible days, meant both a spiritual blessing, and a double portion of the inheritance.) Later still, his mother persuaded him to disguise himself as Esau, and he tricked his father into giving him a special blessing from God. For those reasons, many name books will say that the name Jacob means "Deceitful", or "Supplanter." (as in, one who supplants the King's thrown, usually through trickery.)
However, with a deeper inspection into the life of Jacob, we find that there was a heartfelt motivation behind Jacob's questionable actions. It can best be seen later in his life when he was walking alone on the far side of the river, and met an Angel of the Lord (which many scholars believe was God himself.) The Bible doesn't say what provoked a fight, but the two wrestled all through the night, until finally the Angel even dislocated Jacob's hip, and still Jacob refused to let go until the Angel gave him a blessing. And so, God blessed Jacob, and also changed his name to Israel.
You see, throughout Jacob's life, he sought the blessing. He didn't always do it in the right way, but all through his life, that's what he wanted. His mother's blessing, his father's blessing, and ultimately, God's blessing. So while some name books might say "Sneaky, Supplanter or Deceptive" our meaning for the name is drawn from Jacob's life: "Prudent: One who Seeks the Blessing"
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Jacob, a life seeking Blessing.
Angela, a name with a Message.
Maria, a name of Healing and Forgiveness
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Caleb: The Courage found through a Courageous Leader.
Elijah: The one who Called His God by Name.
Demaris: Strength submitted to God.
TRUST in the Lord, Names with Trusting Meanings
Driver's Ed, How these Name Gifts first started, over 10 years ago.
"My People", Our experience at the Home Educator's 2009 Convention.
How CrossTimber researches a name
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