Jacob's Sons
When we choose a name for our children, a lot of thought goes into the process. We get baby name books and look up the choices that we have made to see what the name means. In the old days children were usually named after a relative but in the Bible, Jacob had 12 sons and their names have given us a lot of detail about the workings of God. I don't like "spiritualizing" the bible but this was amazing when I seen it. Have a look....or rather a read.....
Ruben's name means Surely The Lord has surely looked on my affliction. Genesis 29:32
In the future we see in Exodus 2:25 God looked upon the the Children of Israel.
Simeon's name means Because The Lord has heard that I am unloved. Genesis 29:33
Exodus 3:7 I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt and have heard their cry.
This describes the first stage of Israel's history. Israel was hated and afflicted by Egypt. And in some instances even today the Jews are still hated for who they are.
Levi's name means This time my husband will become attached to me. Genesis 29:34
When was God joined to his people? They were joined to God on the first Passover the night before the Exodus. Now believers are joined to God through the death of Christ. John 31:31-32.
Judah's name means Now I will praise The Lord Genesis 29:35. Israel at the crossing of the Red Sea sang, "Who is like unto Thee, O Lord among the gods? Who is like Thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders? Exodus 15:11 See also Psalm 106:11-12. It is interesting to note here that this is Leah's third son and after having Judah she took her eyes off of Jacob and placed them on the Lord. Leah stopped looking to Jacob to fulfill her needs and look to the Lord. What a lesson we could learn from Leah. Also, Jesus came from the tribe of Judah.
Dan's name means God has judged me. Genesis 30:6 This points toward God judging Israel when they murmured against him. In Deuteronomy 1:27 we read "and you murmured in your tents and said,"Because the Lord hated us he has brought us out of the land of Egypt, to give us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us." The children of Israel murmured against the Lord when they were in the desert and God would not let them inter the promise land because of their complaining.
Naphtali's name means With great wrestlings have I wrestled with my sister and I have prevailed. Genesis 30:8 Israel wrestled with Amalek. Exodus 17:11 And it came to pass when Moses held up his hand that Israel prevailed and when he let down his hand Amelek prevailed.
Gad's name means A troop comes! Genesis 30:11 When Israel entered the Promise Land, the seven nations of the Canaanites seeked to oppose them.
Asher's name means Happy am I Genesis 30:13 This tells of Israel's joy following the defeat of their enemies. We also see this in the life of Christ "who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right had of he throne of God." Hebrews 12:2. When we finally see the Lord, he will tell us to "enter into the joy of the Lord." What a day that will be!
Issachar's name means God has given me my wages. Genesis 30:18 I heard a preacher say once "Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last" Christians will be rewarded richly for their service to their King.
Zebulun's name means God has endowed me with a good endowment. Genesis 30:20
These speak of Israel's occupation and inheritance. Despite their grumblings, they did enter the Promise Land but that promise land only foreshadowed the heavenly promise land to come. In Revelation 21:2-3 we have this great promise, "And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God."
Joseph's name means The Lord shall add to me another son. Genesis 30:24 This reflects God choosing believers in Christ has his children. In John 1:12 we read, "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name." What grace God has extended to sinners like you and me. He has adopted us as his own family.
Benjamin"s name means Son of my right hand. Genesis 35:18 This is a reference to the Exaulted Son of God, Jesus Christ. Mar 1:1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Hebrews 10:12 " But this man, (Jesus Christ) after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God"
May you see the beauty of the Word of God and trust in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.
c
