Every Name Has a Story

Praying “hallowed be your name” it is not for God’s ears as much as it is for our minds and hearts to be reminded of a critical spiritual reality.

“Hallowed be your name.” — Matthew 6:9b

I love name stories.

You know what I mean. When you are introduced to someone who has a unique name, you can’t help but ask, “Where did you get your name?”

What’s the story?

Sometimes, the story is funny. “My parents were watching this episode of Seinfeld…” Often, there is family significance. “I’m named after my grandfather, who…”

In Bible times, especially in Old Testament Israel, names were a big deal. A name wasn’t just a name. Hebrew names are like short stories that usually reveal more than meets the eye.

Names had meaning that would reflect events surrounding the birth or embody, hopes the parents had for their child, or something potentially prophetic about their future.

For example, Abraham means “father of many” and Jacob is translated “holder of the heel” or “supplanter.”

In the Old Testament, God revealed his personal, covenantal name to Moses as Yahweh (YHWH, יהוה‎)…