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God changing our name In Bible times a person's name stood for the person - and represented him and his characteristics” (Bible Knowledge Commentary). The name of a child expressed as a personal characteristic, the hope or prayer of the parent. There are times the Lord specifically tells what to name the child (Hosea 1:3-5)Then there are events in which he changes a person’s name. Abram (“Lofty and exalted father” Gen.17:5) was changed to Abraham (“Father of the Multitudes”). Jacob (“heel catcher” supplanter Gen. 32:28) changed to Israel (“Prince or ruler with God”). Sarai (“domineering” Gen. 17:15) changed to Sarah (“lady, princess, of the multitude”). Simon (“that hears” Mt.16:17-18) is changed to Peter (“small rock or stone”) by Jesus. Speaking of Jacob’s encounter “he struggled with the Angel, and prevailed, he wept and sought favor from Him. He found Him in Beth-El (house of God) and there He “spoke to us that is the Lord God of Hosts.” Jacob, who wrestled with this man, is asked by him, what is your name? He consequently changes it to Israel, Jacob then asks what this man’s name is that he is wrestling? But He is not told (we find this same question answered later to Manoah). Jacob the "supplanter" became Israel "prince" Saul’s Hebrew name was replaced by Paul as he went to the Gentiles to preach the gospel. It is God himself who changed the names of His people. He did or will do something new in them and gives them a new name to help remind them of what He had done. To Pergamos Rev. 2:17"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it."' In the kingdom age (millennium) those who have overcome, are to be given a new name, not like the one we came into the world with – a first and last name. But one after our spirit, our calling and what God has done. We will be known by this name as we will serve under Jesus as kings a priests over the nations when He reigns from Jerusalem as king over the earth. To Philadelphia Rev. 3:12 "He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. And I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name.” How this is written,' On the high priest's forehead he wore a golden plate with Yahweh's name, "Holiness to the Lord" (Exodus 28:36-38). Apparently certain saints will His name openly displayed. John also contrasts this with those branded on the forehead as followers of the Beast (Revelation 13:16-17) Isaiah 62:2 speaks of Jerusalem in the Millennium “The Gentiles shall see your righteousness, And all kings your glory. You shall be called by a new name, Which the mouth of the LORD will name.” |
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