Barack's Name In The Bible - Hebrews 11 - "Faith" & The Meaning & Significance of the Number 40

I heard these two older African-American gentlemen having a discussion about Barack last week. They were discussing Barack, the current state of affairs in the world, the Presidential Race, and the meaning of Barack's name.

The number 40 also came up as in 1968 to 2008 - 40 years later. Where we were yesterday. Where we are today, and what types of things can happen in and to a society over a 40 year time span.

At one point in the conversation the first older gentlemen said, "Did you know that the name Barack is in The Bible? It is in Hebrews Chapter 11. It discusses a man named Barak who was considered an underdog and yet and still, he rose to victory. He rose above, defeated and conquered his enemies."

Then the second older gentleman said, "Oh, yes. The name Barack is a very, very, old, ancient name. It goes way back. That name has a lot of history."

The conversation continued and it was very interesting.

Just in the five minutes in passing that I heard them talk, it intrigued me enough to remember "Hebrews Chapter 11" so I could check it out for myself when I got home.

Though the spelling is different (Barak - Barack) I did find it interesting that it indeed is in there.

Another definition I found of Baracks's name translated into "Faith". I found that interesting because of the themes and messages Barack has embraced from the beginning of his campaign; "Faith. Hope. Change." etc.

The actual verse that mentions Barack's name starts with verse 32:

32 "And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:

33 "Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions.

34 "Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens."

Here is the complete text of Chapter 11. A long read but I found it to be interesting per their conversation.

Hebrews 11: www.biblegateway.com
~LT