“[The document was ratified and sealed with…the leaders of the people:]
…Bunni, Azgad, Bebai,
Adonijah, Bigvai, Adin…”
Nehemiah 10:15-16
Last time we began our investigation into the leaders of the people who signed a covenant with Yahweh, reminded of how God calls us to justice and authenticity as we follow Him. Today we see the next three names.
First up is Bunni, whose name comes from the same root as Bani from last week: banah – to build/rebuild. While we have seen this root word multiple times lately, I’ve been thinking how appropriate it is to this Advent season.
Building not only implies creating something new, it can refer to an increased longing. We sometimes say the anticipation is building. And while we know Christmas will come, the waiting builds the longing.
And when Christmas is over and there seems a long stretch of winter, the waiting builds longing still. Longing for it all to be made right. Rebuilding our hopes that we will see God move, again, in the new year. Anticipating we will not be ashamed but will reap a harvest as we do not grow weary in doing good. Building and rebuilding in seasonal cycles, over and over, until He comes again.
Our next leader is Azgad whose name means “Gad is mighty” or stern troop. It’s from az (mighty, strong, fierce, powerful, greedy, harsh) and gad (good fortune, invade, raid, crowd in upon – in the sense of distributing).
I think a powerful warrior king is implied in this meaning. And as our exiles returned and rebuilt Jerusalem, then as the prophets went silent and Rome grew mighty, God’s people could not help but hope for such a warrior to come and fight for them. To turn back their enemies and put them on top – with power, influence, and might.
But that wasn’t how He came was it? Though a descendant of David, the Root of Jesse would not sit on an earthly throne. Rather, He came to sheep herders and foreign astrologers, to humble parents and manual labor. And oh, thank You God, He came with a heartbeat and tears, emotions and logic. Able to become one of us yet be the Maker of us all.
His kingdom indeed would have no end, but it would not be of this world or immediately erase our suffering. Fortunately, it would conquer the one thing we needed most: sin and death. Completely mocked it, giving us access to power and right relationship and hope. Yes, a mighty, distributing King indeed.
Our next leader’s name does not give us a trail to follow. It is Bebai, whose origin is apparently not from Hebrew. So let’s reaquaint ourselves with Adonijah, whom we have seen here before. His name means “my Lord is Yahweh,” from adon – lord, husband, master, owner and Yah.
So much to say about this meaning. While I believe the Word is clear husbands and wives belong to each other, it does make me squirm when husband, master, and owner are listed in the same definition. And then I get to breathe again when I remind myself the name put together means Yahweh is my master. Our ultimate husband, the One Who will always, only satisfy our every emotional need and be worthy of worship.
This allows me to trust a human husband because I trust the God Man first. It helps us also stand up to anything in a marriage which goes against our primary allegiance to Him, the only way to truly love. Indeed, may our master be Yah.
Next up we have another name whose root word is unclear. Bigvai is listed next, which perhaps means “happy.” I’m not sure why scholars think this, but there are worse name meanings, yes?
What does that word happy do to you today? Are you walking in happiness or somewhere near it? Or does it grate due to your lack? Fortunately, God does not force us to put on happy faces if we’re suffering. When we suffer. He knows what it’s like to be left alone, confused, and betrayed. To be tempted to rely on self instead of His Father, and watch those He loves suffer. He even knows what it’s like to be the object of whispers and grow up with rumors about His family.
And yet I believe Jesus often walked on this broken planet in happiness. I think He found joy in work and delight in His family. I think He loved parties and people, animals and adventure. While the desert climate likely did not lend itself to snow angels, do you think He enjoyed weather changes and walks? I believe He loved flowers and belly laughs, children and warm, fresh bread. I think He embraced the prescribed feasts and sacred holidays with gusto.
In the advent, between the Advents, may we delight in happiness when it presents itself. Let us not feel guilty in our joy, even while the pain persists. It’s part of how we go from strength to strength.
And when it’s all just too much, we get the privilege of pouring our hearts out to Him. Our lament is welcomed, commanded, and a precious treasure to our God. Then we can get up and walk again, this day, with Him in what He’s called us to, borrowing His happiness.
Our final leader listed today is Adin, from the same meaning as eden – a luxury, dainty, delight, pleasure. Eden’s root is adan – to luxuriate, revel in.
It fascinates me this is the name of the place in which God settled the first humans. That He would give His creation a luxurious, pleasurable world in which to revel. With purposeful work, intimate relationships with Him and each other, savory cuisine, fruit sweeter than candy, and astonishing beauty.
I’m grateful He not only made such luxury, but He entered into it. He knows what it feels like to bite into succulent lamb, a fig so luscious He may have closed His eyes. To throw His head back in laughter and delight in loved ones. To weep unselfconsciously when those loved ones suffered in this weary world. To cling to joy in the midst of sorrow.
Yes, this God-Man has fully felt. Fully feels. As human leaders we are privileged to follow suit.
No other god. Jesus the One and Only.