I’ve always been partial to Biblical names for children. So it’s insightful to read how people in the Bible actually went about naming their children.
Leah bore several children in a loveless marriage. She named them based on how she felt at the time about her marriage and the Lord. The names were shortened versions of her feelings when she gave birth.
Her first son carried a sense of relief in his name – it is because the Lord has seen my misery, surely my husband will love me now (Rueben).
The second, not so much – because the Lord heard that I am not loved (Simeon).
The third, hopeful – now at last my husband will become attached to me (Levi).
And the fourth, finally giving up on her husband, Leah focuses fully on the goodness of God – this time I will praise the Lord (Judah).
The story within the story never ceases to amaze me. Just like our stories within other stories within the story God is telling today.
Genesis 29 in week four of reading the Bible cover to cover.
So interesting, too, that Christ comes from the line of Judah, the child given to Leah after she focused solely on the Lord, rather than her misery.
I had not put that piece together, thanks for pointing that out. I’m always amazed at how themes weave their way through scripture.