Passage

Genesis 22:20-24

The Sons of Nahor

Berean Standard Bible

20 Some time later, Abraham was told, “Milcah has also borne sons to your brother Nahor: 21 Uz the firstborn, his brother Buz, Kemuel (the father of Aram), 22 Chesed, Hazo, Pildash, Jidlaph, and Bethuel.”
23 And Bethuel became the father of Rebekah. Milcah bore these eight sons to Abraham’s brother Nahor. 24 Moreover, Nahor’s concubine, whose name was Reumah, bore Tebah, Gaham, Tahash, and Maacah.

What is the context?

After the test on the mountain, Abraham receives news about his brother Nahor's family. Milcah has borne eight sons, and Nahor's concubine Reumah has borne four more children. These names move attention from Abraham's household in Canaan to the relatives from whom Isaac's wife will come.

One detail looks ahead: Bethuel is identified as Rebekah's father. She will become central in chapter 24. The list therefore prepares the next stage of the family story, even though most of the people named will not receive a separate account here. It gives no detailed account of their lives or the timing of Abraham's earlier contact with them.

How is this passage commonly understood?

A common reading is that this family list prepares for Isaac's marriage by introducing Rebekah's relatives. Wesley's note on Genesis 22:20 identifies that connection.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

Where can I study this further?

No deeper study linked yet.

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