ELTB CC 22-23
Ferrets are cute. They make all kinds of noises: whimpering, whining, screeching, screaming, barking, snoring. Perhaps Adam heard one sound like he was groaning and named him that. The whole earth groaned until Jesus came for us. [1] Or maybe he saw the ferret as an innocent child always wanting attention and named it 'innocent yearning'.
Innocence is not a bad thing. It is where we begin to learn. But if we never learn and are always ignorant, then it is a bad thing. God wants us to continue to learn about him. People will tell you that God is so great that there is a lot we could know, but if you ask them, they can't tell you very much. Perhaps the ferret represents them.
Perhaps you could start a list of things you know about God, and add to it as you learn new things. All the books in the world could not contain all that there is to know about God.
- ferret ‘anaqah אנקה - groaning, 'yearning א()ה of innocence נק'
When we think of chameleons we think of them hiding by changing their colors. But when they are bothered, they will puff up making themselves look bigger. They have a strong bite and sharp teeth. Adam named them 'mighty force'.
People do this too. When they get angry or scared they may jump to their feet, or raise their arms to make themselves look big. They may put their elbows out to make them look wider. Sometimes they open their mouth to look mean and snarly. And often they can just raise their voice, making it loud and deep.
With 'biting teeth' a symbol of legalism, they use condemnation to make you feel small.
Strength and force, are not the ways of God. Bullies act in the flesh, not in the spirit. God is patient, and kind. He calls to us, entices us and encourages us. He doesn't force us. [2].
- chameleon koach כח - might, force
