◄ Genesis 11:26 ►
When Terah was 70 years old, he became the father of Abram, Nahor, and Haran.
Study Bible
When Terah was 70 years old
The name "Terah" in Hebrew is תֶּרַח (Terach), which can mean "delay" or "station." This name may reflect the period of waiting or transition in Terah's life before the birth of his sons. The age of 70 is significant in biblical numerology, often symbolizing completeness or fulfillment. Terah's age at this point marks a pivotal moment in biblical history, as it sets the stage for the birth of Abram, who would later become Abraham, the father of many nations. This period in Terah's life can be seen as a time of preparation for the unfolding of God's covenantal promises.

he became the father of
The phrase "became the father of" in Hebrew is יָלַד (yalad), which means to beget or bring forth. This term is used throughout the genealogies in Genesis to denote the continuation of a family line. In the context of Genesis, it emphasizes the importance of lineage and heritage, particularly in the fulfillment of God's promises. The act of fathering these sons is not just a biological event but a significant step in the divine plan for humanity, as it leads to the birth of Abram, a key figure in the biblical narrative.

Abram
The name "Abram" in Hebrew is אַבְרָם (Avram), meaning "exalted father." This name is prophetic, as Abram would become the patriarch of the Israelites and many other nations. Abram's life is a testament to faith and obedience to God, and his journey begins here with his birth to Terah. The mention of Abram in this verse foreshadows the significant role he will play in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. Abram's account is one of transformation, as he later becomes Abraham, the father of a multitude, highlighting the theme of divine promise and fulfillment.

Nahor
Nahor, in Hebrew נָחוֹר (Nachor), means "snorting" or "snorer," which may seem mundane but reflects the common practice of naming children after everyday experiences or characteristics. Nahor is an important figure in the genealogy of the patriarchs, as he is the grandfather of Rebekah, who becomes the wife of Isaac, Abram's son. This connection underscores the intricate web of relationships that God uses to fulfill His promises. Nahor's inclusion in this verse reminds us of the interconnectedness of God's people and the unfolding of His divine plan through generations.

and Haran
The name "Haran" in Hebrew is הָרָן (Haran), which can mean "mountaineer" or "mountainous." Haran is significant as the father of Lot, who plays a crucial role in the narrative of Abram's life. The mention of Haran also introduces a subplot of loss and separation, as Haran dies before his father Terah, leading to Lot's close association with Abram. This familial relationship sets the stage for future events, including Lot's rescue from Sodom. Haran's life and death serve as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of family ties in the biblical narrative.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Terah
The father of Abram, Nahor, and Haran. Terah is a significant figure as the patriarch of a family that would become central to the biblical account. His name in Hebrew can mean "delay" or "station," which may reflect his life journey.

2. Abram
Later known as Abraham, he is a central figure in the Bible, known for his faith and obedience to God. Abram's journey begins here, and he is promised to be the father of many nations.

3. Nahor
Abram's brother, who would later become the grandfather of Rebekah, Isaac's wife. Nahor's lineage is significant in the continuation of the Abrahamic line.

4. Haran
The third son of Terah, who died in Ur of the Chaldeans. Haran is the father of Lot, who plays a crucial role in the account of Abram.

5. Ur of the Chaldeans
The place where Terah's family originated. It was a significant city in ancient Mesopotamia, known for its advanced culture and idolatry, which sets the stage for Abram's call to monotheism.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Beginnings
Genesis 11:26 marks the beginning of Abram's account, reminding us that God often uses humble beginnings to accomplish His purposes. Reflect on how God might be using your current circumstances as a starting point for His plans.

Family and Legacy
Terah's family, though initially steeped in idolatry, becomes the foundation for God's chosen people. Consider the legacy you are building and how your faith can impact future generations.

God's Sovereignty in History
The genealogy in Genesis 11:26 shows God's hand in history, orchestrating events and people for His purposes. Trust in God's sovereignty over your life and history.

Faith and Obedience
Abram's account, which begins here, is one of faith and obedience. Reflect on areas in your life where God is calling you to step out in faith.

Leaving the Past Behind
Just as Abram was called to leave Ur, we are often called to leave behind past sins or comforts to follow God's call. Identify what you might need to leave behind to pursue God's will.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the introduction of Terah's family in Genesis 11:26 set the stage for the rest of the biblical account?

2. In what ways does the account of Abram's family challenge or encourage you in your own family dynamics and legacy?

3. How does understanding the cultural and religious background of Ur of the Chaldeans enhance your appreciation of Abram's call to faith?

4. What parallels can you draw between Abram's journey of faith and your own spiritual journey?

5. How can the account of Terah and his sons inspire you to trust in God's plan, even when the future seems uncertain?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 12:1-3
This passage details God's call to Abram to leave his country and promises to make him a great nation. It connects to Genesis 11:26 by showing the beginning of Abram's journey and God's covenant with him.

Joshua 24:2
Joshua recounts the history of Israel, mentioning that Terah and his family served other gods in Ur. This highlights the transformative journey from idolatry to faith in the one true God.

Hebrews 11:8-10
This New Testament passage commends Abram's faith, connecting back to his origins and the promise God made to him, which began in Genesis 11:26.
Sermons
LessonsG. Hughes, B. D.Genesis 11:10-26
Post-Diluvial GenealogyG. Hughes, B. D.Genesis 11:10-26
Race of ManMerle D'Aubigne.Genesis 11:10-26
The Generations of ShemT. H. Leale.Genesis 11:10-26
The Order of Grace is -W. Roberts Genesis 11:10-26
Divine TraditionsR.A. Redford Genesis 11:10-32
People
Abram, Arphaxad, Eber, Haran, Iscah, Lot, Milcah, Nahor, Peleg, Reu, Salah, Sarai, Serug, Shelah, Shem, Terah
Places
Babel, Canaan, Haran, Mesha, Shinar, Ur
Topics
70, Begat, Begetteth, Begot, Haran, Nahor, Seventy, Terah
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Genesis 11:10-32

     1655   hundreds and thousands
     7230   genealogies

Library
The Church.
FROM THE PREFACE TO THE "HOLY CITY." UPON a certain First-day, I being together with my brethren in our prison-chamber, they expected that, according to our custom, something should be spoken out of the word for our mutual edification; but at that time I felt myself--it being my turn to speak--so empty, spiritless, and barren, that I thought I should not have been able to speak among them so much as five words of truth, with life and evidence: but at last it so fell out that providentially I cast …
John Bunyan—The Riches of Bunyan

Meditations to Stir us up to Morning Prayer.
1. If, when thou art about to pray, Satan shall suggest that thy prayers are too long, and that therefore it were better either to omit prayers, or else to cut them shorter, meditate that prayer is thy spiritual sacrifice, wherewith God is well pleased (Heb. xiii. 15, 16;) and therefore it is so displeasing to the devil, and so irksome to the flesh. Bend therefore thy affections (will they, nill they) to so holy an exercise; assuring thyself, that it doth by so much the more please God, by how much …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

He Does Battle for the Faith; He Restores Peace among those who were at Variance; He Takes in Hand to Build a Stone Church.
57. (32). There was a certain clerk in Lismore whose life, as it is said, was good, but his faith not so. He was a man of some knowledge in his own eyes, and dared to say that in the Eucharist there is only a sacrament and not the fact[718] of the sacrament, that is, mere sanctification and not the truth of the Body. On this subject he was often addressed by Malachy in secret, but in vain; and finally he was called before a public assembly, the laity however being excluded, in order that if it were …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
Syria: the part played by it in the ancient world--Babylon and the first Chaldaean empire--The dominion of the Hyksos: Ahmosis. Some countries seem destined from their origin to become the battle-fields of the contending nations which environ them. Into such regions, and to their cost, neighbouring peoples come from century to century to settle their quarrels and bring to an issue the questions of supremacy which disturb their little corner of the world. The nations around are eager for the possession …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 4

The Promise to the Patriarchs.
A great epoch is, in Genesis, ushered in with the history of the time of the Patriarchs. Luther says: "This is the third period in which Holy Scripture begins the history of the Church with a new family." In a befitting manner, the representation is opened in Gen. xii. 1-3 by an account of the first revelation of God, given to Abraham at Haran, in which the way is opened up for all that follows, and in which the dispensations of God are brought before us in a rapid survey. Abraham is to forsake …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

The Book of the First Generations of Man, and the Glory of the Cainites.
I. THE BOOK OF THE FIRST GENERATIONS OF MAN, AND THE GLORY OF THE CAINITES. A. THE BOOK OF THE FIRST GENERATIONS OF MAN. 1. The reasons why Moses records the generations of Adam 1. 2. Why he so particularly gives the years, and in the case of each patriarch adds "and he died" 1-2. 3. Why Enoch is placed in the records of the dead 3-4. * Was Enoch a sinner, and do sinners have hope of eternal life 4. * Of death. a. How we are to comfort ourselves against death 5. b. How reason views death, and how …
Martin Luther—Commentary on Genesis, Vol. II

Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes
ONLY those who have made study of it can have any idea how large, and sometimes bewildering, is the literature on the subject of Jewish Proselytes and their Baptism. Our present remarks will be confined to the Baptism of Proselytes. 1. Generally, as regards proselytes (Gerim) we have to distinguish between the Ger ha-Shaar (proselyte of the gate) and Ger Toshabh (sojourner,' settled among Israel), and again the Ger hatstsedeq (proselyte of righteousness) and Ger habberith (proselyte of the covenant). …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Cain Murders his Brother; Called to Account.
IV. CAIN MURDERS HIS BROTHER; CALLED TO ACCOUNT. A. HOW CAIN MURDERED HIS BROTHER. 1. What moved Cain to commit murder 107. 2. Cain's hypocritical actions in concealing his anger that he might the more easily commit the murder 108-109. * Cain the picture of all hypocrites 110-129. * The attitude of hypocrites to their neighbors. Also, how we are to view the efforts of the pope and bishops in behalf of peace and unity 111-112. * Against what people we should most guard 112. 3. How Cain listened to …
Martin Luther—Commentary on Genesis, Vol. II

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of the Eleventh
An unfinished commentary on the Bible, found among the author's papers after his death, in his own handwriting; and published in 1691, by Charles Doe, in a folio volume of the works of John Bunyan. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR Being in company with an enlightened society of Protestant dissenters of the Baptist denomination, I observed to a doctor of divinity, who was advancing towards his seventieth year, that my time had been delightfully engaged with John Bunyan's commentary on Genesis. "What," …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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