Many times, a person’s name holds special meaning and mystery to unlocking blessings,problems, secrets, progress,light or darkness.
Children today might be named after family members to show respect or to honor their memory. After marriage, a woman usually changes her last name to signify the beginning of the next chapter.
In Biblical times, names were even more intentional, often saying something about that person’s character or their situation. For example, King David’s name means “beloved”, and he was known as the man after God’s own heart.
Abram had most everything he could want, except a child. His wife, Sarai, was barren. But God’s will has a way of proving itself .
Their names changed when God made a covenant concerning their future.
God spoke to Abram,
“You will be the father of many nations. No longer will you be called Abram,your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations. I will make you very fruitful; I will make nations of you, and kings will come from you” (Genesis 17:4-6).
“
‘As for Sarai your wife, you are no longer to call her Sarai; her name will be Sarah. I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her. I will bless her so that she will be the mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her” (Genesis 17:15-16).
In both cases, God changed their names to reflect his glory.
God changed jacob in
(Genesis 32:22-28).
Jacob wrestled all night and suddenly
The man asked him, “What is your name?”
“Jacob,” he answered.
Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome”
(John 1:42)
Jesus looked at him and said, ‘You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas’ (which, when translated, is Peter)” .