“In the days of Joiakim, these were the heads of the priestly families:
of Seraiah’s family, Meraiah;
of Jeremiah’s, Hananiah;
of Ezra’s, Meshullam;
of Amariah’s, Jehohanan.”
Nehemiah 12:12-13
Last time we saw the lineage of one Levite, Joshua, grateful to see our “re” prefix again, this time how God restores with intimate knowing. Today we begin to explore some family heads of the priests.
Seraiah is the descendant up first, a name we saw just eleven verses ago, which means “Yah persists.” It’s from Yah and sarah – to exist, exert oneself, persevere, wrestle, prevail. It’s telling that in a definition of wrestling is the simple explanation “to exist.” As in, to exist at all implies a struggle in our world long lain with sin and pining.
And yet, it’s Yah Who persists, His existence what sustains us. I typed the previous sentence a few weeks ago. Then my father passed away last week. I really love how He will allow us to walk through the very things we know to be true about Him. His existence sustains us. It sustains those heartbroken over a new Covid variant, because it means even more isolation as they take more precautions than others. It sustains a widow quarantined alone, a house full of memories. And it sustains all of us who’ve lost so much in recent years.
Because of Him we persevere.
The head of Seraiah’s family is Meraiah, whose name comes from marah – contentious or rebellion, disobedient, bitter, provocation; To be compared with Yimrah/yamar – to exchange places; boast in self. Pride, rebellion, and bitterness do seem to go together. So do humility, surrender, and gratitude. We get to choose, friends.
Hananiah is the next family head listed. His name means “Yah has been gracious” from Yah and chanan – beseech, show favor, stoop in kindness, bestow, move to favor by petition. I saw someone on social media say, “Favor isn’t fair, but it sure is wonderful.” I’ve thought about that many times since. Sometimes when I feel ridiculously blessed by God, my own mind can object: I don’t deserve this; others have had it way worse; but I’ve made so many mistakes.
But the truth? That’s not what favor is about. That’s earning, and none of us can do that with an Almighty God. No matter how we perform, it will always be Him stooping in kindness. And the thing that seems to most touch His heart: petition. Simple asking and receiving. Where we get no credit other than needing Him.
The next family is Ezra, our Helping priest. The name means “help” from Azar – to further, ally, grant, restrain, support. This word always makes me think of its connection to ezer, how Eve is described in the Garden. And how all creation is described as good, except for that she isn’t in it yet.
We are all called to be a help, though, aren’t we? We get to both restrain and support those in our lives, encouraging them to step out in faith and reign in selfishness. We can choose to further others’ plans and needs, rather than simply living to further our own. And we get the privilege of granting a blessing over those in our spheres of influence: speaking words in secret to God for them and in person over them.
May we be Azars.
The family head listed for Ezra is Meshullam, another name we saw in Nehemiah 11. It’s from shalam – to make amends, be complete, make an end, finish. I’ve been thinking about forgiveness and what that looks like when the person from whom we desire an apology does not offer one. It seems like the shalam in that situation will look like a work between us and God Himself. Only He can make us complete without the other person willing to make amends. We can make an end to bitterness when we repeatedly hand over to Him what broke us.
But, even further, our God can take up causes of injustice and abuse, and make an end to them. Not only can He, but He ultimately will. We don’t have to wonder if we’ll be in His presence one day, frustrated that He hasn’t come through for the sake of Shalom. His holy character could not allow such a violation of righteousness. And we represent that character in the here and now.
Amaraiah is the family listed next. The name means “Yah has promised” from Yah and amar – to say. Now don’t you just love that if it’s Yah Who says it, it’s a promise? Notice it is not translated, “Yah has said.” Oh no, He has promised.
“God is not man, one given to lies,
and not a son of man changing his mind.
Does he speak and not do what he says?
Does he promise and not come through?”
Number 23:19 (MSG)
The answer to such rhetorical questions is no. His word is all powerful. When combined with flawless character, you have a promise.
The head of Amaraiah’s family is Jehohanan which means “The LORD has been gracious” from Yah and chanan, the same word used in Hananiah’s name – to beseech, show favor, stoop in kindness, bestow, move to favor by petition. The alternative name translation listed? “Jehovah-favored.”
Doesn’t that make you smile?
“What’s your name?”
“Jehovah-favored. Nice to meet you.”
But it is how we could walk around introducing ourselves. Mostly because it has nothing to do with our loveliness and everything to do with His love. It is not a brag, only an admission of spiritual reality. And when we believe that through the positive and negative human circumstances?
We are refined and He gets renown.