S) "18 It came about as her soul was departing (for she died), that she named him Ben-oni; but his father called him Benjamin."
Genesis 35:18 (NASB)
O) This is the death of Rachel, who passed away while giving birth to the youngest of Israel's sons. The footnote about these two names, reveal that Ben-oni means, "the son of my sorrow," while Benjamin means, "the son of the right hand." Obviously, these two definitions carry vastly different connotations. Having the name Ben-oni would be a constant reminder that he had died while his mother gave birth to him. On the flipside, having the name Benjamin would be a great honor. While we learn that Joseph was the favorite of his father (see Genesis 37), he also held Benjamin close (see Genesis 42), as these were the only two children from the woman he loved most.
A) Names don't carry the same weight that they used to. So often, the definitions of our names today (at least in English, in America) are mostly trivial. It is uncommon, I think, for us to know the roots, origins, or etymology of names other than our own (and we only know that because of novelty gifts, usually). With my oldest daughter, my wife and I named her Ella (because it was nearly the last name we each liked) Renee (to share Kristin's middle name). Our son was named Caleb (after the friend of Joshua son of Nun) Ryan (to share my middle name). Our youngest, we named Kaia Noelle, with purpose in each name. While we may have gotten a little more purposeful with the names of each child, what I've come to realize is that their names are not so important as what I call them. While I sometimes regret not being more purposeful about naming all of my kids, the most important thing is that I am purposeful in what I call them, how I describe them, and what they hear me say about them.
P) Father, You have been so good to me, and it amazes me to think about the grace You have when You see me. I wonder what You might call me, if You were to rename me, but I am comforted by the promise I have, that You see me in Christ Jesus, the Son in which You are well pleased. Help me to consistently see my children with the same kind of grace, Father God. Remind me to be very purposeful, thoughtful, and even prayerful about what I call my children. I want to build them up, not tear them down, and I know that the way I talk about them and to them, goes a long, long way in that goal. Please let Your grace prevail in my parenting, that my children will grow up with a love for You that exceeds my own. Let Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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