What does the Bible Says about Names?: MCGI Topic Review

Why are some characters in the Bible named while others are not? In fact, there is curiosity about who some of these biblical figures were; still, should we bother? This lesson from brother Eli Soriano will enable us address it more elaborately.

The Bible is not a book of name first and foremost. At first sight, this may appear paradoxical because of the many genealogies and named characters that populate its pages. But on closer examination, many significant individuals remain anonymous. The purpose of this selectivity is not just for historical records alone.

For instance, do you know the wife of Apostle Peter or even his mother-in-law? These women who most likely played key roles in the life of one Jesus’ closest disciples have been mentioned in Scripture but without names. More staggering still, none of Adam’s daughters were identified in Holy Scripture whilst their sons were called Cain, Abel and Seth.

Other notable figures are also subject to this trend of selective naming. The daughter of the Pharaoh who saved Moses as a baby and brought him up as her own child was not named (Exodus 2:5). It is worth noting that such omissions are intended to underscore the message God rather than identify humans.

Differentiating between biblical accounts and popular media depictions of them is very important. The Ten Commandments movie for example, which is a landmark in cinema history, diverges from the biblical narrative. In the movie, Pharaoh survives while his army drowns during the crossing of the Red Sea which contrasts with what the Bible says.

In Psalm 106:9-11 it says:

He rebuked the Red sea also, and it was dried up: so he led them through the depths, as through a wilderness. And he saved them from the hand of him that hated them, and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy. The waters covered their enemies: there was not one of them left.”

According to Psalm 136:15:

“But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red Sea: for his mercy endureth forever.”

It becomes clear that all of Pharaoh’s army drowned when they were overthrown in the Red Sea contrary to what is portrayed in this film. It reminds us that movies and other forms of entertainment can entertain or even educate, but they should not be relied on as accurate representation of the Bible truth.

What lesson can we learn from this? This should remind us that Bible’s main aim is to depict the character of God, His plan of salvation for mankind and our relationship with Him. Moreover when we focus too much on names or minor details, we might miss the broader implications and profound messages that these scriptures seek to convey.

For instance, let’s look at Exodus 32:1:

“And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.”

The nameless nature of those who approached Aaron suggests their individual personalities were not as important as their overall action and its consequences. Consequently, faithfulness and patience are more significant here than who instigated the creation of a golden calf.

To conclude our study of this reflection, let us shift our focus from looking for every name and detail to understanding the bigger messages and lessons it carries. The selective use of names in the Bible is not a defect or an oversight but a method that guides attention towards God’s character, promises and His instructions that will enable us live life so as to honor Him.

When approaching Scriptures we must be open – minded and let our hearts be receptive so as faith may grow. Instead of wasting time on names and events recorded in history; let’s try to find out those eternal truths and principles that can transform lives which have been kept by God as per his Word. At any rate, who is named in the Bible does not really matter but rather who is this God and whom are we called to be in relation with him?