I never noticed this...

The Israelites of old knew the importance of names. They took the job of naming their children very seriously. They wanted the name they chose to have special significance to the child.


In biblical times, a parent sometimes chose a baby's name from circumstances associated with the conception (as in the case of Isaac) or the delivery (as with Jacob and Benjamin), sometimes from divine acts or attributes (all those including as prefix or suffix "el," "eli," "ya," and "yahu") and sometimes from nature (for example, Deborah [bee] and Jonah [dove]).

The point is that they didn't just name their children something common. They named them something to set them apart.

Well, with that in mind, as I was reading 1 Chronicles the other day, this verse jumped at me from the pages. A verse that I had read before, but not in the way that the Lord seemed to highlight it for me this time.

Jabez was more honorable than his brothers; and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, 'Because I bore him in pain.'" 1 Chronicles 4.9

In keeping the above sentiments in mind (which is what suddenly came to my mind as I read that verse): if birthing him in pain was something to name him for...then, in my way of thinking, it was because it was something unique. Meaning, she didn't birth her other sons in pain.

If you know my story of birthing my daughters...you know this only excited me even more. More God-written proof and encouragement for my spirit the next time I deliver.

I called both of my close-to-delivering pregnant friends to share. Can't be keeping this stuff to myself. :)