Nursemaid’s Winning Name is Keilah!

A Character for My Current WIP

Thanks to those who offered your insights in naming the nursemaid “Keilah” for Love’s Saving Light (release March 2014)!  The story depicts Jezebel’s daughter, the wicked Queen Athaliah of Judah, and her murderous rampage against the princes of Judah. Two brave women save a single prince–the lone descendant of King David, baby Joash–and hide him in the Temple for six years. 

Jehosheba and An Un-named Nursemaid

2 Kings 11 and 2 Chronicles 22:10-12 tells the story of the women who saved baby Joash, naming Jehosheba as the daughter of King Jehoram and wife of Jehoiada, the high priest. The nursemaid, however, remains nameless in all historic records.

“Keilah” Gets the Vote!

I offered three biblical, Hebrew names last week, and y’all chose “Keilah” for the nursemaid in Love’s Saving Light! Here’s a little more information on the name from the website I use for Hebrew names:

• Keilah means: fortress or citadel.
• Keilah is pronounced keh-ee-law’.
• Keilah is the name of a place and a man mentioned in the Bible.
  • a city in the lowlands of Judah that David rescued it from the Philistines.
  • Keilah (the Garmite) is a descendant of Caleb, the tribe of Judah.
• Biblical references: Joshua 15:44; 1 Samuel 23:1-18; 1 Chronicles 4:9

Congratulations!

You’ve just named a character in a book! As many of you pointed out in your vote, the meaning “fortress or citadel” was crucial because this woman became baby Joash’s fortress–his protection.

May the Lord Be Our Keilah

I’ve been feeling a little battle weary recently, and I could use a Fortress. How about you? We don’t have many nursemaids running around these days, and it’s just as well–because we’ve got Someone MUCH better!

“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”

Psalm 18:2 NIV

Thanks for naming baby Joash’s nursemaid Keilah!

Please pray with me that the Lord will speak through His Word and through Love’s Saving Light to encourage all those who need the Fortress of our mighty, saving God!