Ezekiel 7-11
Ever wonder why so few people name their baby boys “Ichabod?”
If you said, “It’s because of Ichabod Crane in Washington Irving tale, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, you’d only be partially right.
Actually, the name Ichabod dates back to the time of Samuel in in the Old Testament. Samuel’s mentor, the priest Eli, had a grandson. The day the boy was born, the Ark of the Covenant (the very presence of the Lord) was captured in battle. When Eli heard he fell dead. The mother of the boy said, “His name is Ichabod, because the glory as departed from Israel.” Ichabod means “no glory.” So, understandably, folks are careful about using the name.
Sadly, that was not the first or the worst instance of the glory departing from Israel. Ezekiel prophesies a far more serious instance, when the temple itself is destroyed, the holy furniture is destroyed or carted away, and many of the rest of the people are taken into exile. Remember, Ezekiel went with the first wave of 10,000, but there would be thousands more.
When reading these chapters, take special note of each reference to the “glory of the Lord.” Be patient, and you’ll see the glory depart. Then, all that’s left is Ichabod.
Your fellow pilgrim through the Prophets,
Pastor Gary
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