Daily Devotional

“Then she named the child Ichabod, saying, ‘The glory has departed from Israel!’ because the ark of God had been captured and because of her father-in-law and her husband” (1 Samuel 4:21). 

Did you know that research suggests that your name can greatly influence your life? For example, your name can tend to affect what line of work you choose and even your chances of being hired. Additionally, kids with unpopular names might be more likely to become delinquents. Often, others treat them differently, causing difficulty in making friends. And being displeased with their name can result in poor behavior. 

So how would you like to be named “Inglorious” or “No glory”? It would be a rough start for anyone to be named Ichabod by a dying mother. 

The nameless mother of Ichabod was the wife of Phinehas, the priest Eli’s son. She had just received the news that her husband had died in battle and that her father-in-law had also died. But worse than these deaths was the news that the ark of God had been lost in the battle, for she was a God-fearing woman in spite of her husband’s godlessness. 

She immediately went into labour, and the trauma of the bad news took her life. But before her last breath, she named her son Ichabod and said in explanation, “The glory has departed from Israel, for the ark of God has been captured” (1 Samuel 4:22). 

Although Ichabod’s father chose to do evil, his mother was faithful to God. We don’t know whether or not this child grew up to overcome his name by reflecting the glory of God. But we do know that every person has that choice. Though in a sense we are all—in our fallen nature—born as Ichabods, we can choose to let the Lord lead us in every aspect of life. Regardless of your environment, your inherited tendencies, or your name, you can choose to reflect Jesus’ glory by allowing Him to reign in your heart every day. 

Dear Lord, I look forward to that day when You will give me a new name that will reflect Your glory for eternity.