Like many parents-to-be Isaias and I pored over baby names—wondering what our firstborn child should be called, what her verbal identity would be.
We browsed through countless lists, at one point focusing on those of Ancient Hebrew origin since it’s one of the original languages of God’s Word, the Bible.
Amariah popped up, and had a beautiful ring to our ears as we read it aloud, its meaning given on many websites as “promised by God.”
Though technically appearing in Old Testament genealogies for men, in our modern culture Amariah is deemed to have a more feminine sound. Either way, we tucked that precious title away, deciding its use once her gender reveal turned out pink.
We later learned that Amariah most literally translated means “God has said.” How simple, I thought. I then wondered why other sources had connected the name to the idea of promise.
After googling a little more and with further reflection, I realized that a marvelous characteristic of God was on display in those three simple words: “God has said.” God’s integrity. Because what God says always has a purpose and will always come to pass. How not simple after all!
When God speaks, it is like no one else. What God speaks is undoubtably genuine and from love. Whatever God declares has undeniable power. When God speaks, hope arises from obscurity into complete reality.
Just go back to the beginning. How was the earth made? By the Word of God.
God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. Genesis 1:3
The false notion that God created the world and orphaned it totally misses the mark. Since the start God has not been silent.
How was the world to be restored and saved after Adam and Eve’s sin? By God’s spoken plan of redemption. He made covenants—verbal promises—with the fallen couple, with Abraham, as well as over and over again throughout the Old Testament with the forefather’s descendants, the Israelites.
Every single one of His promises has been fulfilled; His words never fail. Each one of His proclamations have been and will be carried out by His actions. There are endless aspects of God’s speech that can be praised, with 5 reasons below.
God’s Word is eternal.
When our speeches have long been forgotten, when this earth has faded away, His work will reign beyond time in eternity. His words will not lose their worth.
The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever. Isaiah 40:8
God’s Word is living.
This is why reading the Bible is so often encouraged. The Scriptures are not merely another written story, they are to be studied as the Creator’s pure words. Words graciously recorded and illuminated by the Holy Spirit for the transformation of our souls.
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
God’s Word is flawless.
Unlike the empty promises or lies we so easily share, Scripture is to be trusted source of truth and strength.
This God—His way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; He is a shield for all those who take refuge in Him. Psalm 18:30
The words of the LORD are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times. 12:6
God’s Word is knowledge.
While many feel God’s commandments restrict our human freedom and condemn us, they are designed to free us from sin – to lead us in the way of wisdom, goodness, and peace.
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105
We could go on forever about the nature of our lovingly expressive God! However, there is one final point I would like to make.
God’s Word is salvation.
What do all of Lord’s promises, His words of prophecy, warning, encouragement, and comfort center around? The coming of a Savior.
The coming of Jesus Christ, who was to suffer on our behalf and open the way to a new heavenly kingdom filled with those who trust His word.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:1-5
God spoke of salvation to believers in the Old Testament, and then the forgiveness of sins was ultimately promised through the lips of Jesus Christ Himself.
As He said He would (Mark 8:31-38), Jesus laid down His perfect life for us all, knowing it would reconcile us with God the Father. As He foretold, Jesus overcame death and now sits in heaven as our Advocate and Redeemer.
But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, as He said. Come, see the place where He lay. Matthew 28:5-6
So when I think of Amariah, I no longer just smile because of its pretty sound. Rather I am reminded that God has spoken so much grace to those who are willing to listen.
His Scriptures so beautifully testify to His faithfulness, His trustworthiness, His love, His Son. I look forward to the days I will share this with my daughter, pointing her to the One voice that matters.
She and I can always take Him at His Word.
Diana says
I absolutely love your daughter’s name. Meaningful names have meaningful lives with God by our side. I gave my children Hebrew names and I pray each day that their names will be a testimony of God’s faithfulness in our lives to others.
Blessings,
Diana
Dani Munoz says
Thank you, Diana! I’m so glad the Lord led us to it in our search. And what a good thing to pray for, I will pray right along with you!
Jen Thompson says
Beautiful name, beautiful post, beautiful promise!
Dani Munoz says
Thanks for your kind words, Jen! God Bless!
Elaine says
This is such a great post-love Amariah as a name and never heard it and love it’s meaning and the thought of honoring God with her very name. Will be so wonderful when she learns to love God and understands her name. Lovely!
Dani Munoz says
Yes, I can’t wait to share with her all of these truths about our wonderful God! Thank you Elaine!
Nicole Kauffman says
Love this reminder 🙂 And what a beautiful name!
Dani Munoz says
Thank you for reading, Nicole! 🙂
Hanha says
I loved reading this, and couldn’t agree more with everything you said! I especially love when you say that God’s word is living. That is my favorite.
Dani Munoz says
The loving nature of Scripture is indeed incredible! Unlike any other written word, the Bible is used by the Holy Spirit to change the hearts of man.
Cassidy says
Loved this post! What great truth and encouragement. Thank you for sharing!
Dani Munoz says
Thank you for visiting Cassidy!
Sarah Robinson says
All true.
Your daughter is blessed to have you teaching her and living the freedom Christ gives.
Dani Munoz says
Praise God for His grace! I’m so thankful for His freeing salvation and the gift of my daughter. Thank you for reading Sarah!
Charlie | MississippiMom says
This is such a wonderful post, and I love how you chose your daughter’s name! The three children we had after our miscarriage all have names that reflect the fact that “God gives grace.” I love the fact that “God has said” definitely implies promise. If he says it, he will do it!
Catherine says
Wow, what a revelation. Amariah is beautiful. I love God’s Promises.
Donna. says
Shalom my beautiful precious family I am your sister Donna I have been saved for 30 something years. I am full of the holy spirit of Yash moshiach I am one with Yash moshiach and one with my beautiful precious husband James I am mother and grandmother I look forward to getting to my family members I pay that you are All well agape Amen