Do Our Names Matter?

Names are powerful and an integral part of our personal, social, and spiritual identity and uniqueness. They serve as a window through which others view us and the historical, cultural, faith, and family connections that define us. Our names have a deep and profound impact on our sense of self, purpose, and place in the world. They provide us with a sense of belonging in the communities we are a part of, and they help us understand the values that guide us. Our names are a reflection of our past, present, and future, and they hold a significant meaning in our lives. They lay out who we are, where we come from, where we should be going, and sometimes who we belong to (e.g., Eliyahu (Elijah), meaning “YAH is my El“).

…𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 has called Me from the womb; From the body of My mother He has named Me.

Isaiah 10:3 (AMP)

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In this and all Food for Thoughts I recommend you read the Scripture(s) provided and the entire chapter they are from to obtain more insight.

Scientists Study the Power of a Person’s Name

According to a 2006 study(1), researchers study the brain activity of individuals to see their response to hearing their names. The participants were placed in an fMRI machine and repeatedly played four names, including their own, in random patterns. Upon hearing their names, a particular area in their brains known as the prefrontal cortex became activated.. This region of the brain is responsible for regulating our thoughts, emotions, and actions in an intelligent manner. In other words, hearing your name triggers your brain to respond as if you are engaging in cognitive activities, emotional reactions, or physical behaviors.

In fact, this reaction is so powerful that similar brain activities and reactions were seen in both coma(2) and persistent vegetative state (PVS)(3,4) patients. Coma patients are in a deep state of prolonged unconsciousness in which no amount of external stimuli can prompt the brain to become awake or alert. On the other hand, PVS patients are in a minimal or vegetative state of consciousness in which they have lost higher brain functions, self-awareness, and awareness of their environment. Regardless, both health conditions share similar illnesses, such as the inability to move, speak, or recognize others. Despite these illnesses, both group’s brains still involuntarily responded to the sound of their own name, which is a powerful response. (Research Study 1,2,3,4)

But now so says 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 who formed you, O Jacob; and He who made you, O Yahshar’el: Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I called you by your name; you are Mine. 

Isaish 43:1 (HRB)

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In this and all Food for Thoughts I recommend you read the Scripture(s) provided and the entire chapter they are from to obtain more insight.

Our Names Do Matter

The power and importance of our names is undeniable. They serve as a conduit that activates functional and nonfunctioning brains and connects us to our culture, faith, and family. Our names are deeply rooted in the core of our identity and hold a significant place in shaping who we are. Therefore, it is crucial to acknowledge that OUR NAMES MATTER and are entwined with us.

So, what would happen if we were forced to adopt a new name through a brutal renaming process or brainwashing? To understand the potential effects, we will delve into the Bible, the Transatlantic Slave Trade, and religion. By examining these contexts, we can gain a deeper understanding of how the act of renaming can impact an individual’s sense of self and identity. Part 1, will cover some of the Biblical viewpoints.

And 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 said to Moses, This thing which you have spoken I will do. For you have found favor in My eyes, and I know you by name. 

Exodus 33:17 (HRB)

The one overcoming, this one shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not at all blot his name out of the Book of Life; and I will acknowledge his name before My Father, and before His cherubs.

Revelation 3:5 (HRB)

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In this and all Food for Thoughts I recommend you read the Scripture(s) provided and the entire chapter they are from to obtain more insight.

Through the lens of the Bible

The 3 Hebrew Men and Daniel

In the first chapter of Daniel, we learn that Babel besieged Yerushalayim (Jerusalem) and 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 (YAHUAH or YAHWEH) allowed the Yahshar’elites (Israelites) to be captured and taken into captivity. Upon reading this historical account, we can quickly discern King Nebukadnetser’s plan to manipulate and alter the minds, hearts, and souls of the Yahshar’elites. Daniel 1:4-7 reveals and outlines a three-part strategy inflicted upon the children of the Most High.

Three-Part Strategy Outlined in the Scripture Below

1. Reeducate them in the ways of the Chaldeans as well as writing and speech (Daniel 1:4)
2. Change their diets to foods that would defile them (Daniel 1:5)
3. Change their names (Daniel 1:6-7)

4. …teach them the writing and the language of the Chaldeans. 

5. And the king set to them the portion of a day in its day, from the king’s food, and the wine of his drinking, even to rear them three years, so that at their end they may stand before the king. 

6. And there were among them of the sons of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 

7. to whom the chief of the eunuchs gave names. For he called Daniel, Belteshazzar; and Hananiah, Shadrach; and Mishael, Meshach; and Azariah, Abednego.

Daniel 1:4-7 (HRB)

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In this and all Food for Thoughts I recommend you read the Scripture(s) provided and the entire chapter they are from to obtain more insight.

Three-Part Strategy Enacted (Reeducated, Diet, and Renamed)

There is much knowledge to unpack and understand from these three devastating oppressive cultural changes. Before we move forward, it is crucial to realize that the experiences and trials of the three Hebrew men and Daniel were not isolated but instead representative of what all the Yahshar’el captives were going through. The only difference between these men and the other captives was that they were possibly given resources and privileges with their enslavement and oppression.

Definition of Oppressive:

• Cruel, harsh, or tyrannical, unreasonably burdensome or severe, overwhelming or depressing to the spirit or senses

Definition of Oppression:

• Prolonged cruel or unjust treatment or control
• The state of being subject to unjust treatment or control
• Mental pressure or distress

Reeducated

The first thing the Babylonians forced on the men was reeducation. The Hebrews were pressed and forced for about 70 years to rid themselves of their Hebrew beliefs, traditions, laws, commandments, and language. The people were subjected to intense pressure, so much so that their language shifted from Hebrew to Aramaic. The oppression was so severe and mind-altering that it had a lasting effect on their language. This is evident as the Books of Daniel and Ezra were written in Aramaic. Additionally, the Aramaic language continued to be spoken and written after captivity and even during Yahshua’s time, about five hundred or more years later.

Diet

Secondly, the Hebrews were forced to change their diets. Food is more than just sustenance – like our names, it connects us to our heritage and history. For the Hebrews, food was also a way to connect with 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 and follow His commandments. 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 laid out specific guidelines for what they could and could not eat, what was clean and what was unclean (Genesis 7:2, Leviticus 11, Deuteronomy 14:1-21). Fortunately, Daniel took a firm stand with conviction and loyalty to 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 and refused to defile himself. He negotiated with the chief eunuch and persuaded the eunuch and King Cyrus to allow him and the other Hebrews in the palace to follow a 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 approved diet (Daniel 1:8-21). It’s worth noting that this agreement only applied to Daniel and his companions, not the other Yahshar’elites in captivity.

Renamed

Lastly, and the most life-altering of the three, was the forced name change of the Hebrews. The power of names cannot be overstated, especially for people who have been enslaved and oppressed. For enslaved individuals, their names are often the only thing they have left that connects them to their heritage and sense of self. It symbolizes their identity and reminds them of their culture and everything that makes them who they are.

This act of renaming was a brutal practice that caused immense pain and trauma. It was a deliberate attempt to sever their connection to their past and strip them of their identity. It was also a way to weaken the slave’s spirit and to remind them of their inferior position in society. However, for many Hebrews, renaming goes further. Many of them had the name of 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 (YAH or ‘El or “Al) integrated into their name. Thus, indicating who they belonged to and who they were as a people. The Babylonians not only sought to give the Hebrews a new identity, but they also wanted to change their Elohim (Romans 1:25). View the name changes below of Daniel and the Hebrew men in the palace:

• Dani’el or Dani’al new identity was Belteshazzar or Ba’altesha’tstsar
  • Daniel means “The Elohim is my judge” (Elohim being 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄).
  • Ba’altesha’tstsar means “Bel protect the king.”
• KananYAH or ChananYAH new identity was Shadrak
  • ChananYAH means “YAH is Gracious.”
  • Shadrak means “command of Aku” Aku is a Babylonian moon god.
• Mish’al or Misha’el new identity was Meshach
  • Mishael means “who is like the Elohim” (Elohim being 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄).
  • Meshach “who is what Aku is” Aku is a Babylonian moon god.
• AzarYAH new identity was Abednego
  • AzarYAH means “YAH has Helped.”
  • Abednego means “servant of Nebo” Nebo is the Babylonian god of wisdom.

Occupation

As I studied the book of Daniel and contemplated this Food for Thought, the Book of Maccabees kept replaying in my mind. I couldn’t help but recall the unbearable oppression that King  Antiochus Epiphanes imposed on the Yahshar’elites. It dawned on me that the kings of Babylon and King Antiochus Epiphanes were driven by the same wicked ambition – to gradually erase the people’s sense of identity, connection with the creator 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄, and the principles of His commandments. Take a moment and read 1 Maccabees 1:41-50 to see the parallel.

41. Then the king wrote to his whole kingdom that all should be one people,

42. and that each should give up his customs.

43. All the Gentiles accepted the command of the king. Many even from Israel gladly adopted his religion; they sacrificed to idols and profaned the sabbath.

44. And the king sent letters by messengers to Jerusalem and the cities of Judah; he directed them to follow customs strange to the land,

45. to forbid burnt offerings and sacrifices and drink offerings in the sanctuary, to profane sabbaths and feasts,

46. to defile the sanctuary and the priests,

47. to build altars and sacred precincts and shrines for idols, to sacrifice swine and unclean animals,

48. and to leave their sons uncircumcised. They were to make themselves abominable by everything unclean and profane,

49. so that they should forget the law and change all the ordinances.

50. “And whoever does not obey the command of the king shall die.”

1 Maccabees 1:41-50

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In this and all Food for Thoughts I recommend you read the Scripture(s) provided and the entire chapter they are from to obtain more insight.

Conclusion

Next week 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 willing we will continue with part two and go further into this study with a focus on the Transatlantic Slave Trade and religion.

By: David Edwards – HalleluYAH – Praise YAH – Praise 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄