In chapter 2 Esther’s name is changed from Hadassah to Esther by her cousin Mordecai (although I know that some believe he was her uncle himself) He changes her name to protect her. Her name is changed at a young age and she is raised as Esther.
When we name our children we think a lot about the meaning of their name and how they will be perceived. It is a custom that predates us and many times we do not understand why. For example many of us choose good, strong names which give our children a lot to live up to.
A lot of times kids hate the names we give them and change them or use a nickname most of their adult lives. It is things that happen. However for those in the Bible your name said so much about you. For example the name Mordecai said that he was a Jew while Esther was a good Persian name.
Assignment
Read Esther chapter 3-4 (or 1-4 if you haven’t started yet)
What’s in a Name?
What does your name mean? Do you think you have lived up to that?
![\\\\\\\"\\\\\\\"](\\\\\\\"https://d5nxst8fruw4z.cloudfront.net/atrk.gif?account=r2cEh1aAod000d\\\\\\\")
Mine is Deborah and in the Bible it says Deborah is a prophetess and judge of Israel, the only woman to hold that office. I certainly haven’t lived up to that but I do take care of people since I’m a nurse. I shorten my name to Deb and that’s what my dad calls me so I think that’s OK!
You hold a pretty important office too as a nurse so I would say you have lived up to you name.
My name is Kristine and it means Christ-like. Pretty hard one to live up to if you ask me!
I can see where that would be difficult to live up to.
My name is Tina. It means “follower of Christ”. I think that says it all.
My name, Jean, means “God’s gracious gift.” That always embarassed me a little because I certainly don’t thing or behave like I am “God’s gift” in the braggy, overconfident way that phrase is often used. I am adopted, though, so my parents do feel that I am God’s gift to them. In that sense, it’s the perfect name.