The names of persons in ancient times, and especially among the
people of God, were significant. When given by the parents, they
were expressive of what they, the parents, designed either to
symbolize or to commemorate. When given by God, they were a mode
of revelation. God's giving to the Son of the virgin the name
Immanuel was a revelation of the fact that God was to be with
us. In what sense is God said to be with his people, or with
man? Immanuel expresses the general sense of nearness. God is,
of course, everywhere, but he is said to be where he especially
manifests himself as present. He is not far from any one of us,
for in him we live and move and have our being. This kind of
nearness is common to all creatures, and especially to all
rational creatures. It expresses the general sense of favor and
assistance. When we say, "The Lord be with you," we pray that he
would aid and sustain those whom we address. The psalmist says
of the Lord, "He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved" (Ps.
16:8). This nam