Nimrod

I love the name Nimrod. Although it typically means socially inadequate to most people who use it, the actual name means “skillful hunter” or “mighty hunter.” The Bible tells us that Nimrod was not only the great-grandson of Noah, but also a renowned hunter.  I personally became curious about the name Nimrod when I heard the name while researching my family genealogy which is connected to the Blue Eyes Six. Every once in a while, I’ll say Nimrod Spattenhoover. This is the name of another person who was punished by hanging in my local area.

The name Nimrod isn’t the first name usually mentioned when we consider someone from the Bible. Many people likely do not even remember Nimrod. Some possibly would say the name doesn’t appear in the Bible at all, because they skimmed over it or never heard it once in a sermon or Sunday School lesson. But Nimrod was renowned to some people. He lived a life and he left a mark. Some traditions even hold that Nimrod led in the building of the Tower of Babel, although I don’t think someone would want to brag about that attempt to live without God.

Nimrod may not be remembered, but he appears in Genesis along with so many other names you and I may not remember. Even so, everyone matters. Not everyone gets their names in lights. Not everyone gets to be the leaders. Not everyone gets the attention. In life, it is not about lifting yourself up or trying to be better than anyone else. Having the second position is okay. God will use you wherever He places you. Be satisfied with where He places you, and you will enjoy a great partnership with God, building His kingdom and serving His people. He will honor you for it and you will be blessed by it.

“Cush was also the ancestor of Nimrod, who was the first heroic warrior on earth. Since he was the greatest hunter in the world, his name became proverbial. People would say, ‘This man is like Nimrod, the greatest hunter in the world.’” – Genesis 10:8-9 [NLT]