I find watching the trends of society interesting. I watch the news and wonder, “Are we growing closer to God or farther away?” That’s why when I checked out the Social Security website, I found it encouraging to note that for the last 10 years the 5 most popular names for baby boys are biblical.

The name Jacob has taken first place for the past 7 years – 1999 through 2005 and 2nd place for the 2 years before that – 1997 and 1998 and then 3rd place in 1996.

Coming in second in popularity is the name Michael. It took 2nd place in the years 1999 through 2005, but was in first place in the years 1996 through 1998.

Joshua rolls in at third place in the years 2002 through 2005, fourth in the years 1999 through 2001 and fifth in 1996 through 1998.

Matthew is next on the list at 4th place in 2001 through 2005, 3rd place 1997 through 2000 and 2nd place in 1996.

Andrew is 5th on the list, bouncing around from 10th place in 1996 up to 5th place in 2003.

Ethan shares a portion of 5th place. It was #5 in 2005, 2004 and 2002 and 6th in 2003.

What do these statistics mean in the grand scheme of things? I can’t tell you that, but I hope that it means that more people are living in the Christian faith and plan to raise their child to know Biblical principles.

1. Jacob - Although his name means “He grasps the heel” or “deceiver,” Jacob, with God’s help, overcame his personality problems, was given a new name and became the father of the 12 tribes of Israel. Read about him in the book of Genesis in the Bible.



2. Michael - In Hebrew, Michael means, “who is like God?” This is the name given to an archangel. According to Daniel’s dream, it was the archangel Michael’s charge to protect Israel. Michael fought, and possibly still fights satanic forces on behalf of God’s people. He is found in Daniel 10:13 and 21 and 12:1. He is heard of again in Jude 9 and Revelation 12:7.



3. Joshua – Joshua means ‘Yahweh (the Lord) is salvation’ Joshua was a warrior and was named as Moses’ successor. He had the responsibility of leading the nation of Israel into the Promised Land. He has a book of the Bible named after him. You can read more about him there.



4. Matthew - The name Matthew is Aramaic for ‘gift of God.’ He was a tax-collector who became one of Jesus’ twelve disciples. He wrote the Gospel of Matthew in the Bible.



5. Andrew - His name comes from the Greek word for “manly.” Andrew was a fisherman and a follower of John the Baptist when he became the first of the 12 disciples called by Jesus. He brought his brother, Simon Peter to the Lord. Read about him in Matthew 4:18, Mark 1:16, Luke 6:14, John6:8 and John 12:22.



6. Ethan - Ethan the Ezrahite was renowned for his wisdom. He is also credited with being the author of Psalm 89.

Walking With Women of the Bible
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