I Need Your Help to Name A Character!
My current WIP (work in process), Love’s Saving Light, tells the story of 2 Kings 11 and 2 Chronicles 21-22, when the Queen Athaliah threatened to extinguish the light of God’s covenant with David. The wicked Queen Mother, upon hearing of her son’s death, killed all David’s descendants–the legal heirs to Judah’s throne–except a baby prince that was hidden away in Yahweh’s temple for six years. Baby Joash had been rescued by two brave women, the high priest’s wife and the baby’s nurse. One woman’s name is given in Scripture. One name isn’t… That means WE get to name the nameless one!
Jehosheba – The High Priest’s Wife
Jehosheba is named in 2 Chronicles 22:11 as the high priest, Jehoiada’s wife. But she was also King Jehoram’s daughter, which would have made her King Ahaziah’s sister and Baby Joash’s aunt. I know it’s confusing, but just go with me here…
The Nurse’s Name Isn’t Given In Scripture!
THAT’S where you come in! I’ve chosen three names and given their Hebrew meanings. I’d like for you to vote and tell me which name you want me to use in my story. Here’s a little background information on this woman to help you choose her name:
Baby Joash’s nursemaid will have been chosen to nurse the king’s son because her husband was killed in a senseless battle led by the king, and her own baby was killed in a recent raid on Jerusalem. Her breasts can still nourish a child, and though she’s grieving her personal losses, she’s comforted to feel the warmth of a baby in her arms–even if it’s not her own. She has no other family, is completely alone in the world, so when her life is threatened, she has nothing to lose. She is both a mother hen and mama bear.
Here Are The Three Names To Choose From:
- Gadara – Meaning: Reward
- Hobah – Meaning: Hiding Place
- Keilah – Meaning: Fortress, Citadel
Vote By Leaving Your Name Choice In the Comment Box!
And you can tell me why you chose the name if you like! It’s always fun to hear the reasons!
If you’ve never left a comment before, it may take a day or so for your comment to appear (all first-time commenters must be moderated.) I’ll announce the winning name next week!
Comments 25
I like Hobah, both the meaning and the sound. It is a comforting sound; reminiscent of ‘Momma’ since it shares the vowels. And I think ‘hiding place’ is a perfect meaning for the situation.
Thanks for letting us vote! Can’t wait for the next book, Mesu!
Hobah
Hiding place speaks volumes!
I agree with other comments as it really does sound comforting and endearing!
Keilah! Mainly because I like the way it sounds, though I also think it would fit well with your character who shows great strength and bravery, risking it all for a child. She is, in a way, the fortress between the baby and harm. So my vote is definitely for Keilah! 🙂
I agree with Kimberly that Hobah has a very comforting sound and the meaning of the name gives that peaceful feeling. However, I prefer Keilah for the strength of the name. The name rolls off the tongue to beautifully and sounds comforting, but behind the name the meaning of this woman’s existence is to be a citadel for Baby Joash. She is a mighty fortress for him as our God is a mighty fortress for His beloved. No matter which name you choose, I look forward to reading it! May the Lord continue to pour His message and His blessings into your heart!
I really like all the names and the meanings that go with them but Keilah is my favorite. Emily’s right, it flows beautifully and I like the idea that she’s a fortress against harm for baby Joash.
Author
Ooooh, so far it’s Keilah! I love the reasons y’all are giving me. So fun! You’re so right about Hobah sounding soft and gentle like Momma though. No one for Gadara yet, huh? 😉
Author
BTW, I’ll keep taking votes until next Thursday (Oct. 11th). I’ll announce the winner next week here and on the “What’s New” tab on my Homepage!
I’m with several of the others – I like the meaning of Hobah, but prefer the sound of Keilah. Hard to choose between the two.
Oh my!It was a toss up between Hobah and Keilah because I like the meaning of both of those names.And I consider the meaning an essential part of a character even in real life. I think I prefer Keilah because it sounds musical.Keilah sounds like someone who is has womanly strength and beauty. She would fight for her charges but not sacrifice her feminity.
Author
Oooooh, you guys are awesome! Love these personality traits you’re giving her!
I guess I’m the only one so far who has pick Gadara. I choose that name because God does bring reward after we have been through tribulation. Can you imagine longing for a child you have lost and then given the opportunity to nurse the future king, but not only just nurse him, but love him as if he were your own. I know what that feels like and it is definitely a reward.
Author
I LOVE your perspective, Deborah! To think of baby Joash as Gadara’s reward after such a devastating loss…amazing. Thanks for sharing a little bit of your heart. That’s how an author makes a character come alive–taking some personal experience and making it real through the character. Thanks for your comment. 😉
I like Hobah because God is our hiding place. He alone is all we need.
Author
Hiding Place is one of my favorite Names for the Lord when I praise Him. He is truly all we need, isn’t He?
Mesu, I love Hobah. She was chosen to be this babies hiding place, it’s safety and protector. God chose her for this purpose, also He is providing her a hiding place, safety for her in His arms. LOVE it. And I cannot wait to read this book! Love ya!
Author
I love the concept that both the nurse and the Lord are a hiding place, Keri! Very fun thought. Blessings, sweet thing!
I vote for Keilah (Fortress, Citadel). When I think of a nursemaid, I think of someone who is a fortress or citadel to a child. A child needs to that those that care for them are dependable; someone they can count on in their young lives.
Correction: A child needs to know that those…
Author
Yep, sweet Sis, a child–our own and we as God’s children–need to know we can count on those who have been placed in charge of our care. Stability, security–these are such important concepts for little ones…even 48 year-old kids of the King! 😉
Hello Mesu,
It is with sheer joy to be asked to serve beside you in naming a character for your new book. I have chosen the name Keilah, Keilah was a city in the lowlands of Judah. David rescued it from the attack of the Philistines.( Which you probably already knew!) And the meaning of the name Keilah is citadel, fortress to me meaning no one will ever harm her or anyone she is caring for again.
Author
I’m so glad you stopped by to help with the naming process, Annette! And, no…I didn’t know about David rescuing Keilah from the Philistines! Awesome research, woman! Great job! It’s actually a Philistine raid on Jerusalem that killed the nurse’s baby, so we’ll see how that figures in if Keilah wins the vote! Thanks so much for your insight! 😉
i vote for Keilah – thought it sounded good, then I saw the meaning. It sounds like she’s going to be a fortress of safety for the wee one.
Author
Looks like Keilah is definitely a favorite so far! Still one day left for voting. Thanks for stopping by, Kaylea!
It looks like I am in the minority but I like Gadara because I am sure that she will be rewarded for loving the boy even though he is not hers. I also like Keilah because it looks so pretty.
Author
Minority is good, Rebekah! I think we could make a good case for “Gadara.” Talk to a few friends and have them vote tomorrow! Maybe you can swing the vote in Gadara’s favor! ha! 😉