“Unto Eber were born two sons: the name of one was Peleg; for in his days was the earth divided; and his brother’s name was Joktan” (Gen. 10:25).
Names carry greater importance than merely being a means of identification. During the 1930s, many Europeans thought the names “Hitler” and “Nazi” promised new power, wealth and revival of lost national pride. Yet, a few years later those same two names were despised, being synonymous with death, war, hatred, torture, suffering and defeat.
As head of creation, Adam named the animals, and later he named his companion (Gen. 2:23). Since then names have carried great significance meanings intended by the one giving the name (see Genesis 29:32, for example) or as often characterizing the habits or reputation of one who bears the name.
After the flood two sons were born to Eber. The meaning of their names is significant. Peleg means division, and Joktan, smallness. Just a few verses before, we also read of Nimrod (meaning rebellion), builder of the kingdom of Babel, which in Scripture is synonymous with religious pride and corruption.
When morally applied to the marriage union, these names are striking. Rebellion (Nimrod) and pride (the tower of Babel) results in division (Gen. 11:7-9), causing smallness and separation rather than growth, strength and unity.
Rebellion against God’s order in marriage (often resulting from pride) also brings division. Marital joy and strength are sapped while love between husband and wife weakens. Commitment to each other, contentment with each other and convictions held in fellowship between each other become divided. If left unjudged and unconfessed, such tendencies may very easily lead to the devastation of divorce.
How important to be “of one mind” in the Lord, for both partners to enjoy dwelling “together in unity” rather than allowing pride to divide hearts. Talking, walking and working together in love is the key to a happy, vibrant marriage relationship. But both husband and wife must willingly, actively be engaged in this effort. Half a team will not make a whole marriage! Happy marital unity requires humility as well as love on the part of both husband and wife. Individual pride and selfishness is as destructive to marriage as individual apathy.
Aquila and Priscilla present a beautiful example of love and service working together in happy unity in marriage. Aquila is mentioned first in their work as tentmakers (Acts 18:23). Later, when Paul goes to Jerusalem, Priscilla, because of her deep devotion to the Apostle, is mentioned first (vs. 18). But when expounding to Apollos more perfectly the truths learned from the Apostle, Aquila, in moral seemliness, takes the lead (vs. 26). When Paul sends affectionate greetings to them (Rom. 16:3), Priscilla is again mentioned first. What a lovely moral example of marital love, order and unity. May our marriages be marked by this same character! “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3).
Ed.