“[The document was ratified and sealed with…the following Levites…]

Hashabiah, Zakkur, Sherebiah, Shebaniah…”

Nehemiah 10:11b-12

Last time we looked at covenant-signing Levites whose names reminded us Yah provides the marvelous and broadens our hearts as we walk with Him. Today we will step into the next four Levite names.

We begin with Hashabiah whose name we also see in Nehemiah 3:17. The meaning is “Yah has taken account” or “Yah has regarded,” from Yah and chashab – to think, account, calculate, design, devise, determine, esteem, plan, purpose, scheme.

These words give me pause at first blush. The idea of calculating, devising, or scheming conjure up images of human striving, working each angle to make something fit to a predetermined end. And if we look at the news or our own hearts, we can surmise this end is a selfish one. The good news is that is never God’s heart.

If He is devising plans, they are for our ultimate good. If He is calculating or scheming, it is not as humans would do, trying to figure out the best end. He knows the best end, the perfect direction for everyone involved. No needing to recalculate, redesign, or reassess His purpose. He has one purpose – His glory and our good – and as Creator God, God Incarnate, and God the Spirit, He moves resolutely in that direction.

And this Perfect One has regarded us. He has taken us into account though we often ignore Him. He esteems our worth as His image bearers, though at times we trash that worth in ourselves and others. In short, whenever we devise, calculate, or determine that He has somehow gotten it wrong in our lives (read: sin) we can pretty much assume we are the ones who have missed the mark.

And, as such, we get to join God in His redemption of our messes. When we start to wonder if Yah has taken account of certain systemic injustices or blatant iniquities, we get to remind ourselves He has. He sees and knows and is on the move to redeem. Our invitation is to calculate, determine, how to jump into the already rushing tide.

Our next Levite is Zakkur whose name is from zakar – mindful, confess, remember, boast, call to mind.

I remember the first time I heard confession explained using the Greek definition: homologeó – to speak the same, to agree. It made so much sense and gave my heart some freedom in the idea. If to confess our sins to God means to agree with Him that they are not what is best – for us, for others, for Shalom – the heart can follow. To be of the same mind that living for ourselves is junk and never worth it can remind us no matter how tightly we’re clinging to what wants to kill us, some part of us knows it’s not what we truly want.

And to come to the same conclusion as the prompting from the Spirit inside us brings immense relief. We can let go of the heavy burden and allow Him to bring the sorry we may not feel yet, open our eyes to how we’ve hurt others in our selfishness. In short, confession is saying, “My flesh still wants this, but my heart knows it’s wrong. Forgive me and give me godly sorrow over it. Help me let it go.”

Freeing, yes? It helps us be mindful of what we genuinely want to be true of our lives, remember how living for Him feels, and boast in His magnificent grace toward us. In short, good name, Zakkur.

Our final two Levites are also listed in Nehemiah 9:4-5 of those standing on the stairs in view of the people commanding praise to God. The first is Sherebiah whose name means “Yah has sent burning heat.” It’s from Yah and sharab – burning heat, parched ground, to glare; quivering glow (of the air), mirage.

Can’t you picture it? The mirage in a desert, heated air distorting the vision ahead?

According to Science Daily, the mirage effect is “an optical phenomenon in which light rays are bent to produce a displaced image of distant objects or the sky. The most common example of a mirage is when an observer appears to see pools of water on the ground. This occurs because the air near the ground is a lot warmer than the air higher up, causing lights rays to bend upward towards the viewer’s eye rather than bounce off the surface.

This results in an image of the sky appearing on the ground which the viewer perceives as water actually reflecting the sky; the brain sees this as a more likely occurrence.”

Interesting that this heat – this burning heat, parched ground – would be what Yah has sent. Is He trying to distort reality for us, making His work in our lives like a deceptive mirage? Of course not, that’s not His character. And He wouldn’t be worthy of worship, let alone our entire lives, if it was.

So what does it mean that He has sent a quivering glow? Heat that burns and ground which is in need of moisture? I don’t know all of what it could mean, but in my experience with our Consuming Fire it has had to do with getting rid of impurities which needed gone before He and I could take the next step together. Fire cleanses not just destroys.

When in the capable hands of Yah, fire in the lives of His people is not for our destruction. It may, however, be teaching us not to rely on our own powers of perception. I don’t know about you, but I have been completely wrong in the past with what I thought I was seeing. He can use such times of burning heat to help us live out leaning not on our own understanding. Not because He’s cruel but because He’s kind.

Our final Levite today, who was alongside Sherebiah on the stairs leading praise, is Shebaniah, whose name means “Yah has grown, prospered.” I so quickly go to finances in my mind for this prosper verse, when growing wealth cannot possibly be true for every follower of Jesus around the world.

But if Yah indeed grows any influence or depth of spirituality in our lives, may it be coupled with a hefty dose of humility and fear of the LORD. One need only to see those in the public eye fall to know it could happen to any one of us. Every one of us. As we choose to walk in the Spirit of power, love, and self-control, rather than anxious fear of public failure, we can both protect our hearts from temptation and walk in a manner worthy of our calling.

For it is true, Yah has regarded us.

“[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.

“[The document was ratified and sealed with…the following Levites…]:

Kadmiel, and their fellow Levites:

Shebaniah, Hodiah, Kelita…”

Nehemiah 10:9b-10a NLT

Last time we began with the Levites who signed our document, remembering God gives ear to His people, full of dignity and well-favored. Today we step into the next three Levite names.

First is Kadmiel (Ezra 3:9, Nehemiah 9:4) – “God is the ancient one” from qedem – aforetime, east, front, formerly, everlasting, ancient, past.

Don’t you love knowing there is Someone Who has always been? Even if it takes a minute to ponder – then nearly implodes your mind as you do – it is one of the most reassuring Truths of which we can remind ourselves.

One of my favorite characteristics in another person is loyalty. When someone has been by your side, saving your hide, for over a year, what a gift. Over five years, what a joy. For more than a decade? My friends, you have a celebration on your hands.

How much more faithful marriages of fifty years? Friendships which span decades and generations of family stories and branches of its tree? Even these gifts pale in comparison to the everlasting nature of Yahweh. Elohim – Creator God. El Elyon, God Most High. El Olam, the Everlasting One.

This idea of Him being before time is spectacular enough, but what about His absolute perfection throughout? Not a spot of selfishness, not one drop of mean-spiritedness. Never has He been sinfully impatient nor abusive and cruel. This spotless, pristine character was true before the creation of the world and will still be enduring when we’ve been there 10,000 years. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Not changing with His moods or shifting opinions based on new data. He has all the data. He does not need new information. He knows all, sees all, and is all-powerful through infinity.

Our next Levite’s name, the first of Kadmiel’s “fellow Levites,” is Shebaniah which means, “Yah has grown.” We have seen this name in Nehemiah 9:4-5 as the Israelites are confessing their sins and the Levites step in and command praise:

“Stand up and praise the Lord your God, who is from everlasting to everlasting.” (Nehemiah 9:5b)

And once again we have our Everlasting God. Perhaps that is the secret to Yah growing us: relying less and less on our own strength, courage, and understanding, and leaning into His. Remembering He is from before time and there will be no god after Him. That it is He Who forms the light and creates darkness. From the beginning.

Our next Levite is Hodiah which means, “My Splendor is Yah.” It comes from Yah and hod – splendor, majesty, vigor, authority, beauty, glory, honor, natural color.

We have seen this name before in Nehemiah 8 when Ezra read the Law aloud from His platform. Hodiah was one of the Levites who helped interpret the Hebrew and explain the meaning to the people. Now here he is signing our covenant to obey the God of Israel.

Do you genuinely believe your splendor is Yah? What about the Church in our day, His Bride in our generation? Does the splendor come from Him more than programs and performances? Is His the source of all authority in our lives and His beauty what captivates us?

I think we will know if this is true for us when we see the fruit of it in our collective lives: feet washed and a considering of others better than ourselves. Daily crosses borne and falling to the ground to die like a seed in order to live. Lives drenched in the Word and growth, too concerned with the brokenness we see and a world dying without hope, to waste time attacking others. Too much is at stake and the task too full of purpose to squander it.

Let’s turn our focus to the Source of all beauty and majesty, vigor and authority. Just like my hair roots, when we wait long enough our true colors come through. Our sin is exposed, and we all struggle. But may He find us faithful to confessing our sins, sincerely repenting, and walking by His Spirit.

We have seen the final name listed on here before: Kelita,”whose name comes from qalat – to be stunted, to maim, lacking in his parts. Its only use is in Leviticus 22:22-25 when talking about a less-than-perfect sacrifice for a freewill offering:

‘Don’t try giving God an animal that is blind, crippled, mutilated, an animal with running sores, a rash, or mange. Don’t place any of these on the Altar as a gift to God. You may, though, offer an ox or sheep that is deformed or stunted as a Freewill-Offering, but it is not acceptable in fulfilling a vow. Don’t offer to God an animal with bruised, crushed, torn, or cut-off testicles. Don’t do this in your own land but don’t accept them from foreigners and present them as food for your God either. Because of deformities and defects they will not be acceptable.’ (MSG)” (source)

Verses like these not only make me grateful for the Ultimate Sacrifice of Jesus, but cause me to selah about the Holiness of our One True God. Giving Him less than what He has asked is an affront to Him. The only way to fulfill the vow of making Him our Savior and authority in all of life is to accept He had to do it for us. Come and take our place, walk in our mess, and take it all on Himself.

And so, with Paul, “in view of God’s mercy,” we offer ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to Him. We lay on that altar, and lay back down when our stubborn sin keeps encouraging us to get up. No, it’s not a perfect offering to a perfect God, it is stunted and lacking and never enough. But because of Him it is. It is. Our lives laid down for His glory every day is our offering.

And the Ancient One is honored.

“[The document was ratified and sealed with]…the following Levites:

Jeshua son of Azaniah, Binnui from the family of Henadad…”

Nehemiah 9a

On we continue with those signing our covenant to love and obey the God of Israel. Last time we saw the final three priests who signed, remembering we can desist from grief as Yah hears our cries for refuge.

Today we begin our journey with the Levites, those descendants of Levi which God put in charge of taking care of Temple duties.

First up is Jeshua or Yehoshua whose name we have seen quite a bit. It means “Yah saves” from Yah and yasha – to deliver, avenge, preserve, gain victory, rescue, be safe.

We’ve talked before about how in Israel’s history, God sent human avengers to lead the people toward His purposes. But you know what else? He also makes us victorious in our own lives. Rather then relying on others to swoop in and rescue, and not expecting God to do our part, He gently but firmly teaches us to walk with Him in victory. To rely on His Spirit inside and the resources He gave, and simply do what He’s asking us to do.

Praise Him He isn’t into enabling.

But today’s use of yasha speaks to God alone. In the end, none of us can save ourselves. He is the One Who gives ultimate rescue, delivers us from sin, and preserves a people for His renown.

This Jeshua in our verse today is the son of Azaniah whose name means, “Yah has heard.” It comes from azan – give ear, listen, pay attention, perceive by the ear.

Do you ever marvel that God pays attention? Among billions of image bearers, oceans of creatures, and galaxies of light, our God of angel armies gives ear to us. Indeed, He knows what we need before we even ask.

While He does not require a human ear or our audible voice to hear us, how precious is it He took on flesh and did exactly that? That we have a risen Savior, right now seated in heaven, with resurrected ears?

It was not enough in the heart of God for Him to tell Moses through a bush, “I have heard [my people in Egypt] crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering…” but He took on that suffering in His own Body, human ears attuned to humanity’s cries. As one of humanity’s cries.

Humanity is crying in our day. Injustice, greed, broken homes, and trauma. Violence, racism, abuse and neglect. Friends, we must remember He pays attention. No other god came, any other god is worthless to save. But the One Who hears with human ears yet needs none listens.

Our next Levite to sign the document is Binnui whose name comes from banah – to build, construct, fortify, rebuild, restore.

This seems to be a theme for God’s people throughout the Word. I’m currently in I Kings learning about the details of Solomon building the Temple. We know the returned exiles rebuilt Temple and the wall of Jerusalem. And, in line with His profession as a carpenter, Jesus has been constructing and fortifying His Church since His ascension.

What has He called you to build? To construct from scratch or restore to its original glory? To fortify when the storms come or rebuild when they blow through?

We serve a God Who specializes in building, particularly His people to be sanctified in this hostile world. We are fortified each time we consume His Word into our souls and allow it to set us apart with courage. And as we do this individually and corporately, we join Him in rebuilding the ancient ruins, the places long devastated in our culture. We construct new paradigms and programs, just laws and less-biased juries. We learn to love our neighbor as much as we love ourselves and bring His kingdom come into our spheres of influence. May we build today with confidence.

Binnui is not listed alone in our verse, but rather as one of the sons of Henadad. This name comes from chen (favor, grace, charm, gracious, pleasant, precious, well-favored) and Hadad (from hedad – shout, cheer, “shouting will not be shouts”).

“Pleasant cheering, charming shouts – which are not shouts.” Interesting meaning, no? I had a quick chat with a student today about her saying I was yelling at her. Turns out confrontation is important for her respect level, so I was being intense, but fortunately not shouting. We talked about a “teacher voice,” and thank the good goodness, she got it. She also complied.

I love that charming and gracious do not mean pushover. I’m also thankful being well-favored has much to do with dignity – what we give others and what we insist from others. And ultimately I’m glad that our God was not too precious to come among us, not shouting, but with all the roar of heaven behind Him.

It’s what makes Him our favorite.

“[The document was sealed with…the following priests:]

Maaziah, Bilgai and Shemaiah.

These were the priests.”

Nehemiah 10:8

Last time we saw how three priests’ names can remind us Yah is our Abba, and blessing and protection come from His right hand. Today we get to explore the final three priests.

First up is Maazyah whose name most likely comes from Yah and uz – to take or seek refuge, gather self, flee for safety, retire – in the sense of protection. How often is this you? Do you ever retire in order to protect yourself? Or head to the bathroom to gather your emotions before resuming time with others?

Yeah, me too. Don’t you then love that this name implies Yahweh being the One to gather us, offer refuge, be our safety net? He never makes me feel I have to do it on my own or “suck it up” when I bring my fears to Him. And His protection is always extended to His children – even when walking through fire.

The second priest today is Bilgai whose name comes from balag – to gleam, smile, cheerful, comfort, recover strength, desist from grief.

Have you ever known a season of deep grief? One in which it seems His protection is taken away and your worst fears have come true? When loss collides into loss and your mind intuitively looks for something to cling to?

These names seem to bleed into one another. We’re invited to let Him gather us and offer refuge in order to be comforted. Even when God was blasting the Israelites through the prophet Isaiah, it reaches the glorious chapter 40 beginning with,

“Comfort, comfort my people,”
    says your God.
“Speak tenderly to Jerusalem…”

As we receive His comfort, joy comes in the morning. He recovers our strength and our smile returns, this time with a lesson in the kind of joy which does not depend on circumstance. The joy of knowing Who God is in the midst of pain and grief.

Our final name in today’s verse is Shemayah which means “Yah hears” or “Yah has heard.” It is from Yah and shama – to listen with intent to obey, to pay heed, hear with attention; to cause to, to hear with an intent to cause action.

“Because He bends down to listen I will pray as long as I have breath!” Psalm 116:2

“I waited patiently for the Lord;
    he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
    out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
    and gave me a firm place to stand.
He put a new song in my mouth,
    a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear the Lord
    and put their trust in him.”

Psalm 40:1-3

Yes, our God hears our cries and intends to act. His unfailing love really won’t fail in our seasons of grief or pain. He only allows the evil of this world or the consequences of sin to do their job of refinement or growth in His children. Then He moves on our behalf that we may desist from grief.

Praise the One Who paid our debt and raised our lives up from the dead!

“[The document was sealed with…the following priests:]

Meshullam, Abijah, Mijamin…”

Nehemiah 10:7

Last time we saw how priests’ names can remind us He surrounds and defends, and we bow to bless. Today we will see what goodness three new priests have for us.

First we have Meshullam, whose name we have seen before in Nehemiah 3, listed among the priests who threw in to help rebuild the wall, and in 6:18 when describing political alliances. It also showed up in Nehemiah 8:4 as one of the men standing on a platform beside Ezra as he read the Law to the people. Because our current section is about priests who signed the covenant, it is most likely the first Meshullam – or a member of his family – that our verse today is about.

This name comes from shalam – to make amends, allied, to be complete or sound, make an end, finish, give again, make good, be safe, friendly, reciprocate, be at peace, make restitution, surely restore.

You may have noticed this word looks much like shalom – completeness, soundness, welfare, peace. Shalam seems to be what we as people can do to cooperate with God as He ushers in shalom: finish arguments, make amends; restore what was broken or stolen, and make restitution for injustice done – individually and corporately. To ally ourselves with those who also seek His kingdom come, giving again if necessary. To ask Him to help us find our worth in Him so these things are possible in our naturally self-protective tendencies.

Our next priest to sign his name to the covenant is Abijah whose name means, “Yah is my father” from ab (father) and Yah.

Indeed, there is nothing like knowing the Creator of the Universe is your Father. And I love how ab means father and Jesus called His Heavenly Father Abba, Daddy. Not just a formal title, but an endearing relationship. Not simply one who disciplines, but one who tickles and wrestles, cuddles and soothes. An affectionate, safe, and tender relationship. And we are invited into such a relationship because of what Jesus did.

Our final priest in today’s verse is Mijamin – a form of Minyamin “from the right hand.” Which, Biblically speaking, seems to be from where all these other blessings flow. The right hand speaks of authority and power.

When we are up against impossible odds, there is One Who can supply all that’s needed from His right hand. When we start to believe this world system or the enemy will prevail, we can remind ourselves He created it all in the first place and upholds us with His right hand as we take our stand within it. And when we aren’t sure the collective efforts of the worldwide Church will make a dent against evil, we can remind ourselves of the Savior Who unites us, the One sitting at the right hand of God Almighty.

Yah is our Father and we can be at peace.

“[The document was sealed with…the following priests:]

…Daniel, Ginnethon, Baruch…”

Nehemiah 10:6

Last time we stepped into the meanings of 3 priests who signed the covenant to obey Yahweh, remembering our bondage to Him is liberty. Today we check out the next three signers.

We begin with a famous name, Daniel, which means “God is my judge.” This one has personal significance to me as it is my hub’s name and son’s middle name. I love the implications of this definition: we all know we will one day stand before judgment. And this name implies, “Yes, I deserve judgment from people, but the Ultimate Judge has the final say.” The root word of the name is din, which means “to judge, administer, defend, execute judgment, govern, plead, strive, vindicate, sail direct, a straight course.”

Been reading about Solomon and his wisdom from God to govern the people. What a needed trait for those over others, anyone seeking to execute judgment, administer to people, and sail a direct course.

The good news is anyone can receive God’s wisdom.

Step 1: Fear Him

Step 2: Ask

Pretty great deal, huh? But the best deal of all is letting the One Who defends, vindicates, and governs in perfection take control. To ask for wisdom, govern our sphere of influence as He guides, then bow down to let Him do His thing. He’s faithful to do it. Did you read that? He is faithful to do it. Even when it seems like He’s far off. Especially when the problem is generations-long and there feels like little you can control. And most certainly when injustice is at hand and the Righteous King is about to take the side of the widow, orphan, the poor or mistreated, the socially powerless or the broken-hearted.

The next priest to sign is Ginnethon whose name comes from ganan – to cover, surround, defend, protect. I love this minister to God’s people is named by a word which so describes His character. He will cover us with His feathers and under His wings we will find refuge; His faithfulness will be our shield. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds His people both now and forevermore. His Name is a strong tower and He will protect us from every evil attack, bringing us safely home to His heavenly kingdom.

We need this. As individuals, walking in these fiery times, yes. But also as a Body, corporately seeking to worship and obey, seek justice in His Name, and His will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Thank goodness He is the embodiment of “ganan,” our Defender Who surrounds.

The final priest listed for today is Baruch which means “blessed.” Its root is barak – to kneel [and by implication] to bless, abundantly bless, bless those who bless, pronounce blessing, salute, thank, bless God and man…also to curse God or the king as treason.

I’ve been thinking about that first part of the definition “to kneel.” And how the latter part is informed by this. While it is unlikely we regularly show blessing and gratitude by physically kneeling to others, the yielding in our hearts shows an emotional or spiritual form of thankfulness.

We kneel to one another when we defer rather than insist on our own way. We pronounce blessing on each other every time we seek to serve rather than be served. And we salute our Commanding Officer when we fight for justice – on our knees and in our loving actions.

You know one other way we tend to kneel? Before small children. Each time we tend to wounds, seek to understand, show them we are not too mighty to come to their level, we abundantly bless them. Which is just like our Savior.

The final portion of our definition has puzzled me: “to kneel [and by implication]…curse God or the king as treason.” I suppose this would mean bowing in respect but not meaning it. Before God, but then refusing to surrender your own will and follow. Before a king, but with the intention of betraying him for a competing kingdom.

May we not bow in hollowness, giving the kingdom of self or this world our hearts. Let’s bow only to bless.

“[The document was sealed with…the following priests:]

Harim, Meremoth, Obadiah…”

Nehemiah 10:5

Last time we more deeply examined the names of three signing priests, remembering how Yah prospers spiritually and we all need counsel. Today we step into the meanings of the next three priests.

First up is Harim (Charim) whose name means “consecrated.” It comes from charam – cursed, ban, devote, exterminate, utterly destroy, forfeit, have a flat nose, snub-nosed, utterly slay, seclude by a ban, to devote to religious uses (especially destruction).

At first blush, the name seems only positive: consecrated, set apart. But its root word? To exterminate and utterly destroy? To seclude by a ban and curse? Well, that’s no good. And have we not seen this very thing done to Jews throughout the centuries? Do we not still see this hand played by those who seek power over others?

Any time a person or group of people is targeted for extermination or subject to a ban, we have a humanitarian problem on our hands. May we be diligent to uphold human dignity and worth on our watch.

In addition to its meaning, we have seen this family name in our study of Ezra and Nehemiah. It is listed in Ezra 2:32 & 39 as men of Bethlehem and descendants of Jeshua returning to Jerusalem with Ezra, as those guilty of intermarriage in Ezra 10:21 & 31, and in Nehemiah 3:11 as Malkijah’s father in rebuilding the wall.

Any time I see that name Jeshua, I am grateful for its meaning: He will save. While Harim is not a descendant of the high priest, his family name bears the same spectacular significance.

And any time we talk about being set apart for Him in this harsh world, it is a relief to be reminded where the power and salvation come from. Even as we battle principalities and uphold dignity, He is the One Who saves.

Next priest listed is Meremoth, whose name comes from mirmah – deceit, treachery, deception, dishonest, false, craft, feigned, guile, fraud; also plural from rum – to be high, exalted, rise, become proud, lofty.

Well, these do not seem to be particularly flattering name meanings. In fact, they all point to the father of lies. When deception is at hand, the enemy’s hand is all over it. When seeking to rise above others, be exalted and proud, we are not imitating the One Who bowed low in birth and service because He so loved the world.

May we discern the fingerprints of darkness in our day and refuse to cooperate. May our resistance be our service, our prayers what tear down every high thing which seeks to exalt itself above God.

Our final priest in today’s verse is Obadiah whose name means “servant of Yah,” from Yah and abad – to work, bondage, enslaved, labor, till, working, worship, bond service, compel.

Slavery is a demonic evil used all around the world, stripping image bearers of dignity. And the exact opposite is true as bondslaves to Yahweh. His powerful Spirit honors our dignity as we serve in His Kingdom.

May we bow low, exalt Him, and encourage one another as servants of Yah.

“[The document was sealed with…the following priests:]

Hattush, Shebaniah, Malluk…”

Nehemiah 10:4

Last time we looked at three priests’ names and their meanings, reminding ourselves Yah has promised both hard and help will increase. Today we dive into the next three priests.

First up is Hattush, a name of uncertain derivation. We have seen this family line listed in Ezra 8:2 among those returning to Jerusalem with Ezra, and Nehemiah 3:10 among those making repairs near their houses.

Ah, repairs near home. Each time a reference to this part of the rebuilding comes up, I am challenged again in faithfulness to the primary tasks set before me. Have I taken time for honesty before Him internally? Am I aware of our family’s needs, and those nearest to us? What in our physical neighborhood or spiritual community needs tending to? How about yours? While we are all called to a variety of tasks, may we prioritize any repairs needed near home.

Our next signing priest listed is Shebaniah whose name means “Yah has grown/prospered.” We have seen this name in Nehemiah 9:4-5 as one of the Levites ascending the stairs to join in corporate lament.

What do you think of when you read “Yah has prospered?” Perhaps it sounds about right to your stage in life. Or maybe it seems annoyingly absent in the monetary sense. Or possibly we feel prosperous in love and adequate provision but have a hard time thinking of those around the world who are living in poverty or under oppressive and corrupt governments or unjust systems.

But if it’s true Yah prospers, it must be true for anyone who follows Him. Which means it cannot simply be about money. Because those losing jobs or thrown in prison on account of their faith in Jesus often prosper in the spiritual realm in ways we who aren’t cannot understand.

Perhaps we should revisit the other word in that definition: grown. Has Yah grown you? Grown us? Are your roots more firmly and deeply planted in the life-giving soil of His Word, Spirit, and Community? Do things which used to throw you off course no longer steal your peace? Are our branches bearing spiritual fruit as we remain in the Vine? Showing ourselves to be His disciples?

Let’s ask that to be true of us, Believers. Yah has prospered.

Our final priest listed in the verse for today is Malluk which comes from melek (king, royal) and malak (consult; to take counsel; to become king or queen; to reign; ascend to the throne; induct into royalty). We have seen this name in Ezra 10:29 and 32 on the list of those married to women who worshipped other gods.

In this case it is a priest named Malluk, or someone from that family line, signing the covenant document to obey the Most High. I appreciate how one definition of the name is “consult or take counsel.”

How we need wise counsel from one another. How we must rely not only on our own understanding but trust in Him, His perfect way, with all our heart. And how often we should remind one another of the way that seems right to us but actually leads to death.

We all need counsel at some point. No one sails through with no hiccups or confusion on next steps. Nor does anyone reach adulthood with zero baggage and no need to sort through the weeds of wounds. Counsel is necessary for walking in humility, seeing ourselves accurately, and loving one another well. Fortunately we have a Counselor alive inside us.

Of course the royalty part of the definition is enthralling. There is something about kings and queens, princes and princesses that have the potential to enamor. I believe it is because – as wonderful as democracy is – our hearts long for a righteous and just king to rule. One Who has no deceit in Him, loves benevolently, and reigns in perfect justice.

It is coming, friends. The only Royal King Whose throne we will bow before, any crowns gained by running our race thrown at His scarred feet.

And perfect Shalom ushered in as He makes all things new.

“[The document was sealed with…the following priests:]

Pashhur, Amariah, Malkijah…”

Nehemiah 10:3

Last time we explored the names of the governor and his scribe who signed the document, along with the first three priests’ names. Today we dive into the meanings of the next three priests.

First up is Pashhur whose name comes from pashach – to tear in pieces; liberation. We have seen this name in Ezra 10:22 on the list of family names of priests who married wives that worshipped other gods.

Before we move on, let’s take a second to remind ourselves why this was a big deal, and the major issue which Ezra, our reforming priest, confronted.

As a people delivered from Egypt, led through the Promised Land, and defended by the God of Angel Armies, the Israelites were to represent Yahweh to the watching nations. This meant they must set themselves apart as sacred.

“He warned them not to adopt the practices and worship of the peoples around. Remember, not because He’s mean but for their own good and to show other nations His character. That they would see His worth and be drawn to Him.

Unfortunately, they did not listen. Many of the Israelites married foreign women and added the worship of their foreign gods to the worship of Yahweh. This does not work. It never will.

Our God is the Great I AM. There is no room for worship of any other.”

If you remember, our returned exiles repented and cut covenant with Ezra to divorce their wives. And we again remind ourselves this had to do with obedience to the Most High, not mean-spiritedness on God’s part. Ezra and Nehemiah were making the necessary, God-given moves to help the exiles form a community of worshippers. Pure worship in this way was necessary.

I find it heartwarming, then, that either this Pashhur in our verse, or someone from his family line, is among the first to sign the agreement to obey God. Sometimes it takes being torn to pieces to find the liberation of Yah. And learning from our missteps as we walk with Him is vital.

Our next priest listed is Amaryah whose name means “Yah has promised.” We have seen this name in Ezra 7:3 when listing Ezra’s descendants, and as a non-priest in 10:42 in those guilty of marrying pagan wives. Because we are now listing priests who are signing the covenant, this is not likely the latter person.

But let’s look again at the meaning of this signing priest’s name. Yah has promised. He has, hasn’t He?

This week I’ve been reading in Matthew and there are some not happy things Jesus tells His disciples. Because of mass shootings and brutality, inhumane language and tribal mindsets, this line struck me anew:

“Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold…”

While I do not understand all of what this verse means, I can most certainly relate to it recently. When wickedness increases it can be so easy for the fire hot heat of love for Jesus, this world, and others to cool some. Then more. Then one day we look up and our love has grown cold.

We must endure in our love, friends. We cannot let the increase of wickedness decrease the warmth of our hearts. I’m talking to myself.

So while we know things will continue to go downhill with those who refuse to allow Love to rule in their hearts, we can remind ourselves what else “Yah has promised.”

He has promised in this world we will have trouble, but He brings His peace. That we don’t need to worry about what to say, even if brought before rulers, because the Holy Spirit will give us words. That there will be people of every tribe, tongue, and nation before the throne in the New Earth. That nothing can separate us from His love, and He allows the hard to make us more like Jesus, working it all for our good.

There are many more, friends. When times are confusing cling to what He has promised.

We are at our final priest in today’s verse, Malkijah, whose name means, “My King is Yah.” This name is a familiar one in our study of Ezra and Nehemiah, as it is seen in Nehemiah 3:14 as repairer of the Dung Gate, and in Ezra 10:25 & 31 as people from different family lines guilty of marrying pagan wives.

So while none of the three mentioned previously in our text is likely this signing priest, we can again revel in the name of “My King is Yah.”

If you’re wondering if a certain person or political party is worthy of being crowned in your life, it isn’t. If you think maybe popularity or influence, perfection or finances make good kings, they don’t. And if you’re tempted to believe power or attractiveness or comfort should be royal to you, they shouldn’t.

The only One worthy of wearing a crown in your heart and bowing your life for is Yah. Nothing else can save and no one else satisfies.

We bow again today, O King.