Names are important, aren’t they? They tell us a lot about a person. This is especially true for the Chinese. There are usually three parts in the name. Each part is a word by itself and carries the meaning of a character trait with it – like loyalty or beauty.
In addition, the name tells us how a person is related to another member in the family tree. The first name is the family name. It distinguishes one family from another. The second name is the generation name. It distinguishes one generation from the next. The last name is the given name. It distinguishes the individual from all others in the household. A person’s association is all wrapped up in his name.
In Genesis 25, we read about why Esau was named Edom. He was hungry and asked his brother for some food. Jacob gave him some red stew in exchange for his birthright. From that day on, he was given another name, Edom (which literally means red). Who would think that taking some red stew would be such a defining moment in a person’s life! I know of Asians who have taken on an English name like Peter or John on the day of their conversion or baptism, but never of anyone who was named “Sweet and Sour Chicken” after eating a meal.
There’s an important truth behind this event. It wasn’t just about the way names came to be. Moses, the writer of Genesis, left us a clue in verse 34. It says, “So Esau despised (disregarded) his birthright.” When he took the stew that day, Esau decided that the physical food in front of him was more important than all that was behind the rich spiritual heritage promises by Jehovah-God to him as the eldest son.
Such was the character of Esau. He valued his physical needs far above what God deemed important. This ungodly characteristic was wrapped up in his new name, Edom. What about your character? What qualities could be associated with your name? – Lim Chien Chong
In addition, the name tells us how a person is related to another member in the family tree. The first name is the family name. It distinguishes one family from another. The second name is the generation name. It distinguishes one generation from the next. The last name is the given name. It distinguishes the individual from all others in the household. A person’s association is all wrapped up in his name.
In Genesis 25, we read about why Esau was named Edom. He was hungry and asked his brother for some food. Jacob gave him some red stew in exchange for his birthright. From that day on, he was given another name, Edom (which literally means red). Who would think that taking some red stew would be such a defining moment in a person’s life! I know of Asians who have taken on an English name like Peter or John on the day of their conversion or baptism, but never of anyone who was named “Sweet and Sour Chicken” after eating a meal.
There’s an important truth behind this event. It wasn’t just about the way names came to be. Moses, the writer of Genesis, left us a clue in verse 34. It says, “So Esau despised (disregarded) his birthright.” When he took the stew that day, Esau decided that the physical food in front of him was more important than all that was behind the rich spiritual heritage promises by Jehovah-God to him as the eldest son.
Such was the character of Esau. He valued his physical needs far above what God deemed important. This ungodly characteristic was wrapped up in his new name, Edom. What about your character? What qualities could be associated with your name? – Lim Chien Chong
REFLECTION
Would my friends characterize me as one who values physical security far above what God thinks is important? How can I invest more time or money in what God deems as important?
“Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew, and he ate and drank and rose and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright.” Today Verses : Genesis 25:24-34
Would my friends characterize me as one who values physical security far above what God thinks is important? How can I invest more time or money in what God deems as important?
“Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew, and he ate and drank and rose and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright.” Today Verses : Genesis 25:24-34
