God is my Camel?

You may know the Biblical person of Gamaliel. He was one of the most revered teachers of the law, a rabbi of rabbis, in the early first century. Gamaliel tutored a promising Pharisee named Saul (Paul the Apostle), and also rose to the defense of Peter and John with some wise advice to the council. (See Acts 5:34-39)

Hebrew etymology has been an interest of mine the last few years. “Gamal” (גמל) is the Hebrew word for camel. If you are thinking about the beast with a single large hump on its back traversing the desert, technically you are picturing a dromedary. Dromedaries live in large numbers in Africa and the Middle East. They are defined by one hump and short hair, to help them survive the desert heat. Camels have two humps and are native to Mongolia’s Gobi Desert. The camel grows a thick winter coat to see it through the harsh Central-Asian winter. The dromedary also has longer limbs than the camel. When I was about five years old I was visiting a zoo and admiring the large one humped wonders on display. A lady approached saying, “Look at the camel.” I set her straight right away with an excited, “That’s not a camel, it’s a dromedary!” I’m sure the lady was impressed with my zoological expertise.

“Gamal” also means “to be independent.” We find the usage of this word in a variety of contexts: “The child grew up, and was ‘weaned’ (vayigamal)” (Genesis 21:8); “and borne almonds” (vayigmol – i.e. ‘became independent of the stalk’; Numbers 17:23). It is believed to be the word for camel because of the animal’s ability to be independent from water for up to seven months.

Putting “i” behind a word in Hebrew makes the word possessive. So “Gamali” would mean “my independence” or possibly “my camel.” El is Hebrew for God. Of course it would not make much sense to say Gamaliel translates “God is my camel.” But it takes on significance as “God is my independence,” or another way to say it could be, “God is my freedom!” What a cool name this teacher had.

One of my favorite Far Side cartoons is the one pictured here. In one frame and a few words you can feel the hopelessness of the men who are going in the direction the camel (note the two humps) is coming from and in just as bad shape as they are. Have you ever felt like that. If you are bound by situations or strongholds in your life, it can make you feel just as hopeless. But you do not have to live bound and despondent. There is freedom and life abundant calling to you.

What is binding you? Let Jesus set you free. Claim the name Gamaliel for yourself today and live in true freedom.