In the Hebrew Bible, Nun was a man from the Tribe of Ephraim, Ammihud’s grandson, Elishama’s son, and Joshua’s father (1 Chronicles 7:26–27). He grew up in and may have lived his entire life in the Israelites’ Egyptian captivity, where the Egyptians “made life bitter for them with harsh labor at mortar and bricks and with all sorts of tasks in the field” (Exodus 1:14).
In Aramaic, “nun” means “fish.” Thus the Midrash says: “The son of him whose name was as the name of a fish would lead them [the Israelites] into the land” (Genesis Rabba 97:3). All we know about Nun comes from these few biblical references. However, his name has become significant in later Jewish tradition.
According to Rashi, an 11th-century rabbinical scholar, Nun was one of the ten spies sent by Moses to explore the Land of Canaan (Numbers 13:9). Rashi interprets Nun’s name to mean “fish,” indicating that he was a silent man who avoided getting involved in arguments. This interpretation likely arose because Nun’s character resembles the Hebrew word for fish. In any case, the nun symbolizes meekness and obedience in Jewish tradition.
What Does Meekness Mean?
Meekness or humility is not a weakness. It is the quality of being gentle and mild in spirit and demeanor. This means it’s the opposite of anger, rage, harshness, or self-assertiveness. The meek are not spineless wimps who allow themselves to be abused, walked on, and taken advantage of. They also know their place before God. They realize they depend entirely on Him for everything and trust His goodness, mercy, and power to care for them. As a result, they are not easily offended or angered by the actions of others.
A humble view of oneself also characterizes meekness. These people didn’t think of themselves as better than others or entitled to special treatment. They are content to let God exalt them in His own time and way. In today’s society, meekness is not a popular virtue anymore. This is because we live in a culture that values self-promotion, assertiveness, and success at any cost.
However, the Bible gives us a different standard to live by. God says, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5). This means that those who are meek, gentle, mild-spirited, and humble will ultimately be the ones who receive all that God has to offer. They will inherit His promises, power, and blessings. So, if you want to experience everything God has for you, start by being meek.
How Can We Manifest Obedience to God in Our Daily Lives?
Obeying God might not always be easy, as we live in a world full of temptation and distractions. But one way we can manifest obedience to God daily is by setting a time to pray and read His word. This will allow you to reflect on His goodness and faithfulness and ask for His guidance and strength. When we spend time with God, we are more likely guided by sound decisions. Another way is by serving others. When we put the needs of others above our own interests, we love our neighbor as ourselves. This can be done in small ways, such as smiling at someone or volunteering in your community.
How Can We Lead Righteous Lives in Today’s World?
It is challenging to lead a righteous life in today’s world. We are bombarded with messages that tell us we need to be perfect. We see images of celebrities and influencers who seem to have it all together and compare ourselves to them. We think, “If they can do it, why can’t I?” But the truth is, we can’t lead perfect lives. We are human beings, and we are imperfect.
But that doesn’t mean we should give up on trying to live righteous lives. The Bible tells us that it is possible to live righteously, even in a world full of wickedness and challenges. Here are a few suggestions you can follow:
1. Pray
Prayer reminds us that we are not alone in this world. Spending time talking to God daily, telling Him your worries and concerns, and asking for His help to live a righteous life are effective ways to nurture your relationship with Him. This will further develop your trust in Him and faith in His teachings, which will eventually help you follow them and live a moral life.
2. Read the Bible
The Bible is full of wisdom that can help us live righteously. It tells us about God’s character and His laws. It also tells stories of people who lived righteously, even under challenging circumstances. This can give us hope that we can do it too.
3. Surround Yourself with Righteous People
It is easier to live righteously when we are surrounded by people who also want to live righteously. Find a circle of friends or a church community to support you in your journey and encourage you to do good and spread the gospel of God. This can be a great help if you struggle to do it independently.
What Are the Rewards of Being Meek, Obedient, and Righteous?
The Bible tells us that there are great rewards for meek, obedient, and righteous people. One of the most significant rewards we can get from God is eternal life. This means that we will live forever in heaven with God. Therefore, we must all strive to meet those qualities to receive those rewards. So, let us all ask God for help to achieve this goal.
Bottom Line
Although Nun is not a well-known figure in the Bible, he is integral to God’s plan for Israel. Nun was a faithful servant who helped lead Israelites out of slavery and into the Promised Land. He is an example of obedience and faithfulness that we can all learn from. Nun was also a meek and obedient servant of God. These traits helped him to stand firm in the face of adversity and to lead people through any difficulties they may encounter.
