Topical Encyclopedia Introduction:Abraham, originally named Abram, is a central figure in the Bible, known as the patriarch of the Israelites, Ishmaelites, Edomites, and Midianites. His kindred, or family and relatives, play significant roles in the biblical narrative, influencing the unfolding of God's covenant and the history of the nations. Terah: Terah is Abraham's father, who lived in Ur of the Chaldeans. Terah had three sons: Abram (later Abraham), Nahor, and Haran. The family initially set out from Ur to go to Canaan but settled in Haran instead. "Terah took his son Abram, his grandson Lot (son of Haran), and his daughter-in-law Sarai, the wife of his son Abram, and together they set out from Ur of the Chaldeans to go to Canaan. But when they came to Haran, they settled there" (Genesis 11:31). Nahor: Nahor, Abraham's brother, remained in Haran. He married Milcah, the daughter of Haran, and had several children, including Bethuel, who became the father of Rebekah. Rebekah later became the wife of Isaac, Abraham's son. Nahor's descendants are significant in the lineage of the Israelites. Haran: Haran, another brother of Abraham, died in Ur of the Chaldeans before the family moved to Haran. He was the father of Lot, Milcah, and Iscah. Lot, his son, traveled with Abraham to Canaan and played a crucial role in the events surrounding Sodom and Gomorrah. Lot: Lot, Abraham's nephew, accompanied him on his journey to Canaan. He eventually settled in the city of Sodom. The narrative of Lot includes the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and the subsequent birth of Moab and Ben-Ammi, ancestors of the Moabites and Ammonites, respectively. "So both of Lot’s daughters became pregnant by their father. The older daughter gave birth to a son and named him Moab. He is the father of the Moabites of today. The younger daughter also gave birth to a son and named him Ben-Ammi. He is the father of the Ammonites of today" (Genesis 19:36-38). Sarai/Sarah: Sarai, later named Sarah, was Abraham's wife and half-sister, sharing the same father, Terah. She bore Isaac, the child of promise, in her old age. Sarah's role is pivotal in the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham to make him a great nation. Ishmael: Ishmael was Abraham's first son, born to Hagar, Sarah's Egyptian maidservant. Although not the child of promise, Ishmael became the ancestor of a great nation. "And as for Ishmael, I have heard you; behold, I will bless him and make him fruitful and multiply him exceedingly. He will become the father of twelve rulers, and I will make him into a great nation" (Genesis 17:20). Isaac: Isaac, the son of Abraham and Sarah, is the child of promise through whom God's covenant with Abraham would continue. Isaac married Rebekah, and they had two sons, Esau and Jacob. Jacob, later named Israel, became the father of the twelve tribes of Israel. Keturah: After Sarah's death, Abraham married Keturah, who bore him six sons: Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. These sons became the ancestors of various tribes and nations. "Abraham took another wife, whose name was Keturah. She bore him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah" (Genesis 25:1-2). Conclusion: The kindred of Abraham, through his immediate family and descendants, played a crucial role in the biblical narrative, shaping the history and development of several nations and peoples. The promises made to Abraham and his descendants are central to the unfolding account of the Bible. Subtopics Abraham is Blessed by Melchizedek Abraham: Age of, at Different Periods Abraham: Ancestors of, Idolatrous Abraham: Deferring to Lot, Chooses Hebron Abraham: He Purchases a Place for Her Burial, and Buries Her in a Cave Abraham: His Questions About the Destruction of the Righteous and Wicked in Sodom Abraham: How Regarded by his Descendants Abraham: Independence of, in Character Abraham: Lives in Gerar; Deceives Abimelech Concerning Sarah, his Wife Abraham: Lives in Ur, But Removes to Haran Abraham: Provides a Wife for Isaac Abraham: Sarah, his Wife, Dies Abraham: Sends Hagar and Ishmael Away Abraham: Trial of his Faith in the offering of Isaac Abraham: Witnesses the Destruction of Sodom Miscegenation: Forbidden by Abraham Related Terms |