“[The document was ratified and sealed with…the leaders of the people:]
…Ater, Hezekiah, Azzur,
Hodiah, Hashum, Bezai…”
Nehemiah 10:17-18
Last time we looked into the next several leaders whose names encouraged us to live like our Master is Yah. Today we meet six more leaders of the people who purposed to follow Jehovah.
We begin with Ater whose name means “maimed, to shut up, close, bind, bend, curve, what surrounds, encloses.” We have seen him back in Nehemiah 7:21 when we got to see how God used this root word in the context of protecting His people from harm.
It is one thing to know we are spiritually surrounded, enclosed in the curve of our Father’s strong arm; it is another to experience that joy. While we do not always get to sense His presence binding our wounds or experience the joy of Him seeming to bend down just for us to provide deliverance, if He does grant us that great gift, may we rejoice.
And no matter what circumstances we happen to be in this day, we get the privilege of celebrating He ultimately came, bending down in humility to feel embarrassment and experience excitement. To be angry at injustice and require sleep. It is humble of Him because our flesh is so limiting. And scary. We are fragile and yet so good at attacking one another. And He came down into it. Maiming the enemy, shutting up death, opening wide heaven’s door and enclosing those who choose Him into His family.
Hezekiah is our next listed leader, which is interesting as King Hezekiah is in Ater’s lineage. Likely named after this famous king, our leader’s title means “Yah has strengthened,” from Yah and chazaq – to grow firm or strong, strengthen.
Next we have Azzur whose name means “helpful,” from Azar – to help, ally, further, protect, restrain, support, surround, aid.
Have you ever known a genuine helper? One who seems most satisfied with furthering another’s plan, supporting them with whatever is required? I have and they are often my favorite people. Not desiring the spotlight for themselves, these servants most likely show up when practical aid is needed. They are most living into their spiritual giftedness when others are relieved of certain duties by them so they may fully focus on what they feel called to do.
To me these are the ones who are most at risk of an eye saying to the hand, “I don’t need you.” While sincere helpers are not out for applause, they are likely to be taken for granted. But we certainly notice when they aren’t around! If a group is made up of only those with “out front” giftings, look out. May we all remember our giftings have everything to do with serving each other and honoring God as His Body.
Our next leader listed is Hodiah, which is the feminine form of Yehudi – Jewish. So this essentially means Jewess, which is fascinating. While this refers to a male leader, the meaning points to the female portion of the people.
As I type this on Christmas Eve, my thoughts turn to Mary, along with the male-dominated culture in which she said yes to God.
Do you think she worried about the whispers? What did she think when Joseph decided to divorce her quietly? Did she love him? Was she full of shame or was the knowledge she hadn’t broken her vows enough to keep her head held high? Do you think she wondered about being stoned? Surely she knew if an angel had told her she would birth the Messiah, they would both be spared such a fate.
And I’m so touched by God’s tenderness to give her Elizabeth during these early processing days. And with the reassurance of Elizabeth’s proclamation of the child in her womb being the Lord, Mary, full of the Spirit, could not help but preach of God’s goodness!
Two women, in similarly surprising situations, filled with the Spirit and delighting in God’s choice of them to advance the Kingdom. Yes, God’s plan for women – no matter the current cultural climate – will not be stopped. He always bestows dignity on His daughters.
Our next leader is Hashum which comes from chashman – ambassador, wealthy princes. Such a stark contrast from humble Mary and Joseph to wealthy princes. And yet, some of the highest on the social and economic ladder were seeking the Messiah as well.
What does the fact He came for all do to you? That lowly shepherds and men who could afford to travel months and offer pure gold and costly spices could both find Him? Surely it must speak to us about God drawing all people to Himself. And those who with ears to hear respond by falling on their faces in worship.
Our final leader’s name is of uncertain derivation: Bezai which means “domineering,” perhaps from bus – to tread down, trample (literally or figuratively), loathe, squirm, under foot, be polluted.
I watched The Nativity Story yesterday, which always helps me remember why the Jewish nation was looking so forward to a liberating Messiah. Paying taxes to a polytheistic Ceaser, children taken to pay debts, a tyrannical king killing all little boys in his paranoia, political oversight of worshipping the way Yahweh had commanded.
Yes, the people likely felt trampled and polluted under such a dictatorship. And yet their long-awaited King would avenge not with a sword but servanthood. Though King of all kings He would not wage war as the world does. Instead He trampled the ultimate enemy for all people, underneath His beautiful feet.
I am oh so glad He came for more than politically setting free one nation. And could our current political climate stand to see His will and ways through a larger lens as well? Perhaps the movement and activity of God takes a much wider angle than our tribalistic tendencies? He may even move right past our party lines and pet ideologies – right into the hearts of those who seek more.
It is too small a thing this Christmas to shove the Creator of the Universe, wrapped in swaddling clothes, in a box. Let’s let Him out – He’s not in there anyway, cannot be contained. But for our sakes may we lift the lid and open our eyes to His leading today.
And you can be sure He’ll be found where His glory is of utmost importance.