“[The document was ratified and sealed with…the following Levites…]
…Pelaiah, Hanan, Mica, Rehob…”
Nehemiah 10:10b & 11a
Last time we dove into three new Levite names and their meanings, reminding ourselves of the Ancient One and how our lives are an imperfect, but desired offering to the LORD. Today we continue on with three more Levites signing a covenant to obey Yahweh.
Our first is Pelaiah whose name we have seen in Nehemiah 8:7. The meaning is, “Yah has distinguished” from Yah and pala – to be surpassing or extraordinary; marvelous, miracles, show your power, things difficult, things wonderful, accomplish, arise.
It is so human to want those adjectives to be describing us. To be thought of as surpassing or extraordinary in a world which tears us down sounds delightful. And yet.
The most lonely of us wouldn’t be filled up if every person out there thought us extraordinary. And if we could surpass all human records and others’ expectations, it would only leave us wanting more.
Indeed, the only way to safely walk in our desires to be accomplished, distinguished, or wonderful is to let it be Yahweh Who works in and through us. The funny thing is, that’s most often when we are weak or lonely or hurting on our own. It really is He Who provides the marvelous.
Our next Levite, also seen in Nehemiah 8:7, is Hanan which means “gracious.” It’s from chanan – favor, to show favor, fair, bend or stoop in kindness, merciful, have pity upon, beseech, make supplication.
Our next Levite listed is Mica, whose name is a variation of Mikayah “Who is like Yah?”
For who is God besides the Lord?
And who is the Rock except our God? – Psalm 18:31
Well, no one. Not one single other thing or human, experience or amount of cash compares. Idols fail to deliver. None other answers by fire.
If you don’t know this deep down – like experientially realized the emptiness of everything else – choose today to believe and live like it’s true. Ask Him to show you how there is none like Him. Pray for an emptiness in other things. Then beg for a filling of Him so full, streams of Living Water cannot help but gush. May our lives be a walking answer to the question, “Who is like Yah?”
No one.
Our final Levite today is Rehob whose name comes from rachab – to be or grow wide or large, enlarge, extend, make room, rejoice, speak boldly, broaden literally or figuratively.
It all sounds so grand. To have our lives enlarged, to make room for others and have our influence broaden. To speak boldly when needed, without shrinking back in fear. And it is grand – if He orchestrates it.
May we first allow our walks with Him be enlarged and extend past ourselves. May we make room in our hearts for His agenda and rejoice in justice for those unlike us. To speak boldly with lives which back up our words because we’ve found His Word and ways to be True.
And as we are changed from the inside out, it is our gracious Yah Who broadens our hearts.