During his father Terah's lifetime, Haran died in his native land, in Ur of the Chaldeans. Haran diedThe phrase "Haran died" introduces a significant event in the genealogy of Terah's family. The Hebrew root for "died" is "mûth," which conveys the finality and separation that death brings. In the ancient Near Eastern context, death was often seen as a transition to another realm, but it also marked a profound loss for the family and community. Haran's death is particularly poignant as it occurs before his father, Terah, which was considered a tragedy in ancient times. This sets the stage for the unfolding narrative of Terah's family, highlighting the fragility of life and the unexpected turns in God's providential plan. in the presence of his father Terah
The phrase "in the presence of his father Terah" underscores the personal and familial impact of Haran's death. The Hebrew word for "presence" is "paniym," which can also mean "face" or "before." This suggests that Haran's death was not only a private sorrow but a public event witnessed by his family. In the patriarchal society of the time, the father's role was central, and the death of a son in his presence would have been a source of deep grief and perhaps even shame. This detail emphasizes the human element in the biblical narrative, reminding readers of the real emotions and relationships involved in God's unfolding story. in his native land, in Ur of the Chaldeans
The mention of "in his native land, in Ur of the Chaldeans" provides a geographical and cultural context for the narrative. Ur was a prominent city in ancient Mesopotamia, known for its advanced civilization and idolatrous practices. The Chaldeans were a Semitic people who inhabited the region. The Hebrew term for "native land" is "moledeth," which conveys a sense of origin and belonging. This detail highlights the cultural and religious background from which Abram (later Abraham) would be called by God. It serves as a reminder of the divine call to leave behind familiar surroundings and step into the unknown, trusting in God's promises. The reference to Ur also situates the narrative within a historical framework, providing a tangible connection to the ancient world. Persons / Places / Events 1. HaranThe son of Terah and brother of Abram (later Abraham) and Nahor. Haran is the father of Lot, Milcah, and Iscah. His premature death is significant in the account of Abram's family. 2. TerahThe father of Abram, Nahor, and Haran. He is a patriarchal figure whose family plays a crucial role in the unfolding of God's plan for Israel. 3. Ur of the ChaldeansAn ancient city located in southern Mesopotamia, known for its advanced culture and idolatry. It is the birthplace of Abram and his family, setting the stage for God's call to Abram to leave his homeland. 4. Death of HaranThis event marks a turning point for Terah's family, leading to their eventual migration towards Canaan. Haran's death in Ur emphasizes the transient nature of life and the importance of God's promises. Teaching Points The Sovereignty of God in Family CircumstancesHaran's death, though tragic, is part of God's larger plan for Abram's family. We can trust God's sovereignty in our own family situations, knowing He works all things for good. The Call to Leave IdolatryUr was a center of idol worship. Abram's call to leave Ur symbolizes a call to leave behind idolatry and follow the one true God. We are similarly called to forsake anything that takes God's rightful place in our lives. The Importance of LegacyHaran's death reminds us of the brevity of life and the importance of the legacy we leave. As Christians, we are called to leave a legacy of faith for future generations. God's Faithfulness Amidst LossEven in the face of loss, such as Haran's death, God remains faithful to His promises. We can find comfort in God's unchanging nature and His promises to us. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the death of Haran in Ur of the Chaldeans set the stage for God's call to Abram? Reflect on how God might use difficult circumstances in your life for His purposes. 2. Considering the idolatrous background of Ur, what idols might God be calling you to leave behind in your own life? 3. How does the account of Haran's death and Abram's subsequent journey encourage you to trust in God's sovereignty over your family and personal circumstances? 4. In what ways can you ensure that you are leaving a legacy of faith for those who come after you? 5. How can the faithfulness of God, as seen in the account of Abram's family, provide comfort and assurance in times of personal loss or uncertainty? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 12:1-3God's call to Abram to leave his country, kindred, and father's house, which follows the backdrop of Haran's death and the family's departure from Ur. Acts 7:2-4Stephen's speech provides additional context about Abram's call and the family's journey from Ur, highlighting God's sovereign plan. Joshua 24:2Joshua recounts the idolatrous background of Terah's family in Ur, contrasting it with God's call to Abram to serve Him alone. People Abram, Arphaxad, Eber, Haran, Iscah, Lot, Milcah, Nahor, Peleg, Reu, Salah, Sarai, Serug, Shelah, Shem, TerahPlaces Babel, Canaan, Haran, Mesha, Shinar, UrTopics Alive, Birth, Chaldeans, Chalde'ans, Chaldees, Death, Died, Dieth, Face, Haran, Nativity, Presence, Terah, UrDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 11:10-32 1655 hundreds and thousands
7230 genealogies Genesis 11:27-28 5730 orphans 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 BunyanMeditations 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 Links Genesis 11:28 NIVGenesis 11:28 NLTGenesis 11:28 ESVGenesis 11:28 NASBGenesis 11:28 KJV
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