“[The document was ratified and sealed with…the leaders of the people:]
…Hariph, Anathoth, Nebai…”
Nehemiah 10:19
Last time we met some of the covenant-signing leaders, letting their name meanings turn us toward a God Who came. Today we see the next three names.
First up is Hariph whose name comes from charaph – to betroth (surrender), reproach, blaspheme, defy, insult, scorn, revile, taunt, expose. Not the loveliest of meanings, huh?
In fact, betroth is the only one which seems joyful. Of course, we all know situations in which marriage is not happy: domestic violence, adultery, abuse. But to be betrothed to a beloved is one of God’s purest gifts.
So what to do with defy, insult, expose? What can such definitions say to us today? My thoughts immediately turn to how opposite they are of the fruit of the Spirit. If we as believers are walking in step with the Spirit inside, taunting, scorning, blaspheming God or others should be the last thing to characterize our lives.
So how are we doing? Does insulting or reviling another sound familiar? If not in our real lives, how about our social media feeds? We are all more prone to swagger when there’s a screen between us and a real live human. But others really will know we are His disciples by our love for each other.
Next signing is Anathoth whose name comes from anah – to testify, answer, respond, sing, shout, announce. What a brilliant name for a leader of God’s people. I love how the first three words of this definition are in response to others.
Have you ever thought about how Peter instructs us to prepare an answer when asked about the hope we have? It implies others will see how we handle hopeless situations and inquire why we still have hope. Do our lives and understanding of the gospel cause others to be dumbfounded at our hope? Can we expectantly hold on during Jesus-promised trials, clinging to Hope Himself? Would others ever take you by the shoulders and go, “What is up? How are you still hopeful?”
I think it should be stated that the question isn’t, “How are you still smiling?” or “How are you so happy?” Genuine gospel hope is comfortable with genuine grief and sorrow. But hope? We can have that no matter what. We are called to it.
The second list of three synonyms are things our lives can display whether others take us by the shoulders or simply ignore us: sing, shout, announce. Horrible atrocities happen daily around this weary globe. As we weep, serve, pray, vote, advocate, and volunteer, may we also announce the only Answer. May He give us songs to sing in the battle. Worship is a form of battle, you know. May our words and art, work and leisure announce Another. May His presence be unmistakable, shouting to all who interact with us.
Now we have Nebai, whose name only occurs in this verse. It “comes from nob – fruit, to produce fruit, literally or figuratively; Nebai: from the margin.”
So beautiful, yes? Not only that a leader’s root meaning is fruitful, but that it would imply this fruit comes from the margins. Sorry if you’re not a Star Wars fan, but our family saw Rise of Skywalker this past weekend. Best line?
“How are they doing this? They don’t have a Navy.”
“Sir, it’s not a navy. It’s just…people.”
Indeed, darkness wants to convince us we’re all alone. Or those in obvious power are calling all the shots. But in the margins is where Jesus shines.
How can you know if you’re paying attention to the margins? Well, since white, middle to upper class men have held the predominate narrative in this country, ask yourself who does not fit that description. Then discover all you can from them. Folks like:
Women of color, disabled people, indigenous folks, Jews, men of color, immigrants, those struggling to keep a job or home or off an addiction. Jesus is at work among those who do not always have an elevated platform. And He promises they’re the happy ones. Let’s learn from them.
As I type this on New Year’s Day, with intentions and goals for the next 12 months, my desire is to not be the same at this time next year. I want contentment with the good and holy discontent with evil. I want to be characterized by prayer, gratitude, and generosity, not selfishness, greed, or gluttony. I want to open the doorway for self-control to reign and for it to flood all facets of my life.
How about you? What fruit would you like your life characterized by? Will your inspiration come from the margins? Will you sing, shout, and testify when appropriate? Will you allow the Spirit’s fruit to bloom in your life?
We don’t need a Navy or even an elaborate plan. We simply get to bow again in 2020, asking for strength, surrendering to His work, joining where He’s moving, and loving Him and others.
Let’s do it together.