This is the account of Terah. Terah became the father of Abram, Nahor, and Haran. And Haran became the father of Lot. This is the account of TerahThe phrase "This is the account" is a translation of the Hebrew word "toledot," which means "generations" or "descendants." It serves as a structural marker in Genesis, introducing a new section or narrative. The use of "toledot" here signifies a transition from the broader narrative of humanity to a more focused account on Terah's family, which is pivotal in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. Terah's lineage is crucial as it leads to Abram, later known as Abraham, the patriarch of the Israelites. This phrase reminds us of God's sovereign orchestration of history, working through specific families to fulfill His promises. Terah became the father of Abram, Nahor, and Haran
The name "Terah" is of uncertain meaning, but it is significant as the patriarch of a family that would become central to biblical history. Terah's fatherhood of Abram, Nahor, and Haran marks the beginning of a lineage that would lead to the establishment of the Israelite nation. "Abram," later renamed Abraham by God, means "exalted father" or "father of many," reflecting his future role as the father of many nations. "Nahor" and "Haran" are less prominent but still important in the genealogical record. This phrase highlights the importance of family and lineage in God's plan, emphasizing that God often works through familial relationships to accomplish His purposes. And Haran became the father of Lot
"Haran" is noted here as the father of Lot, who plays a significant role in the narrative of Genesis. The mention of Lot introduces a subplot that will have implications for Abram's journey and the unfolding of God's covenant promises. Lot's relationship with Abram is complex, involving both kinship and conflict, and serves as a narrative device to explore themes of faith, obedience, and divine providence. The inclusion of Lot in this genealogy underscores the interconnectedness of biblical characters and the intricate tapestry of God's redemptive history. It reminds us that even seemingly secondary characters have a place in God's overarching plan, and their accounts contribute to the larger narrative of salvation. Persons / Places / Events 1. TerahThe father of Abram, Nahor, and Haran. Terah is a significant figure as the patriarch of a family that would become central to God's redemptive plan. 2. AbramLater known as Abraham, he is a key figure in the Bible, called by God to leave his homeland and become the father of many nations. 3. NahorAbram's brother, who plays a less prominent role in the biblical account but is part of the family lineage. 4. HaranAnother brother of Abram, who dies early in the account. He is the father of Lot. 5. LotThe son of Haran, who later travels with Abram and plays a significant role in the events surrounding Sodom and Gomorrah. Teaching Points The Importance of Family LineageUnderstanding the family lineage of Terah helps us see the unfolding of God's plan through generations. It reminds us of the importance of our own family heritage and the potential impact of our faith on future generations. God's Sovereign ChoiceGod's choice of Abram from Terah's family illustrates His sovereign will and purpose. It encourages us to trust in God's plan for our lives, even when we do not fully understand it. Faith and ObedienceAbram's account, beginning with his mention here, is a testament to faith and obedience. We are called to step out in faith, trusting God's promises and direction. The Role of Extended FamilyLot's inclusion in the account shows the influence and responsibility we have towards our extended family. It challenges us to consider how we can support and guide our relatives in their spiritual journeys. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding Terah's family background enhance our comprehension of Abram's call and journey of faith? 2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in the selection of Abram from Terah's family? 3. How does the account of Lot, as introduced here, serve as a warning or lesson for us in our own decision-making and relationships? 4. What can we learn from the fact that Terah's family originally served other gods, and how does this relate to our own spiritual transformations? 5. How can we apply the lessons of faith and obedience from Abram's life to our current life situations and challenges? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 12The call of Abram by God to leave his country and go to a land that God would show him. This marks the beginning of God's covenant with Abram. Genesis 19The account of Lot and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, highlighting Lot's role and the consequences of his choices. Joshua 24:2Provides context about Terah, indicating that he and his family originally served other gods, showing the transformative journey of faith that begins with Abram. People Abram, Arphaxad, Eber, Haran, Iscah, Lot, Milcah, Nahor, Peleg, Reu, Salah, Sarai, Serug, Shelah, Shem, TerahPlaces Babel, Canaan, Haran, Mesha, Shinar, UrTopics Abram, Begat, Begot, Begotten, Births, Descendants, Generations, Haran, History, Lot, Nahor, Records, TerahDictionary 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 11:27 NIVGenesis 11:27 NLTGenesis 11:27 ESVGenesis 11:27 NASBGenesis 11:27 KJV
Genesis 11:27 Commentaries
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