Although the name Aidan is documented as one of Irish and Scottish origin, it was originally penned in its root form, Adin, in the Bible in the Old Testament book of Ezra. Its precise location within the Holy Writ is found in Ezra 2:15, which reads only, “The children of Adin, four hundred fifty and four.” Although this verse is simplistic and does not relay an actual event or setting, it joins with the all of the other verses of Ezra 1 & 2 to tell a great story of faith, strength and unfailing devotion.
The story told in the book of Ezra narrates the rebuilding of the temple of Jerusalem during the first year of the reign of King Cyrus of Persia. King Cyrus was moved on by God and issued a kingdom-wide proclamation stating that, in fulfillment of the prophecy of Jeremiah, the Holy Temple of Jerusalem would be rebuilt. Following their deliverance from years of Babylonian captivity, the children of Israel returned to their homeland to rebuild the Lord’s temple. They came as one people with one purpose numbering 42,330 people including women and children.
King Cyrus contributed great wealth including gold, silver and many precious things to the rebuilding of the temple of Jerusalem. He even ordered that the golden vessels removed from the former temple by Nebuchadnezzar, be returned. The first chapter sets the scene and tells us of the return of the children of Israel to Jerusalem. In the second chapter, we are given the list of all of the children of Israel and their fathers who returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the Holy Temple. In verse 15, we see that the 454 ancestors of Adin were among those faithful who returned to their homeland.
Although this biblical reference to the modern-day rendition of “Adin” is neither great nor monumental in the scriptures, it is a comfort to know that the line of Adin in the Days of Old were among those who committed themselves to God and vowed to serve Him. I will strive with everything inside of me to insure that Aidan Kennedy Paxton grows up to love and serve God, as well.
-- Jonathan C. Paxton |
