During biblical time, as in many customs today, names represented much more than words that are; convenient, sounds good, honoring ancestors or some of the many other reasons used by some individuals for naming children. They represent; the character of the individual, purpose dedicated to, events at time of birth, or many other meaningful ideas, events or aspirations of the person giving the name. Jesus was named by God Himself, for the man Jesus is the Son of God who came to "save His people from their sins," St. Matthew 1:21.
The name assigned to each of the brotherhood groups identifies an individual who displays character traits admirable for brothers in the related age group. While the ultimate example of a person is Jesus Christ Himself, the individuals named below are men who demonstrated that we all can live godly lives.
Sons of Abraham
Character Traits: The Faithful
Age Range: 30 years and older, or married
Abraham is identified in scriptures as "the father of the faithful." In obedience to God, he faithfully led his family, often without knowing or seeing where it would take them. It is our prayer that heads of household everywhere would learn from the example given unto us by the life of Abraham. All married brothers and men of 30 years of age or older are placed in the group called the ‘Sons of Abraham’.
Sons of Joseph
Character Traits: The Righteous
Age Range: 18 - 29, single
Joseph, the eleventh son of the patriot Jacob displayed profound ‘righteousness’ as a young man from the time he was a teenager. As a teen he faced extreme cruelty and extraordinary trials that many would say, could justify unholy actions on his part. In a time of great temptation Joseph responded, "how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?" Genesis: 39:9. The ‘Sons of Joseph’ group is composed of unmarried young men ages 18 through 29.
Sons of David
Character Traits: The Courageous
Age Range: 13 - 17
David, the youngest son of Jessie, who became the second king of the combined nation of Israel, distinguished himself as a youth. Prior to facing Goliath, David single-handedly slew a lion and a bear, in defense of his father’s sheep while serving as a shepherd boy. His courage is founded in his faith in God as revealed by his words spoken to Goliath, "Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts,"
I Samuel 17:45. Our prayer is that young men everywhere will have the courage to say NO to drugs, sex, peer pressure, and all ungodly actions. Young men ages 13 to 17 form the ‘Sons of David’ group.
Sons of Samuel
Character Traits: The Dedicated
Age Range: 6 - 12
Parents should take note of Hannah’s devotion and unselfish giving unto the Lord. Her only child, the son for whom she prayed diligently, she dedicated him to the Lord, I Samuel 1:26-28. The child grew and in turn dedicated himself to the service of the Lord. Boys’ ages six through twelve are taught that as Samuel wasn’t, they are not too young to serve the Lord.
