(The Lord speaking is red text)
And Bethuel begat Rebekah: these eight Milcah did bear to Nahor, Abraham's brother.
B'tu'el fathered Rivkah. These eight Milkah bore to Nachor Avraham's brother.
And Bethuel became the father of Rebekah. Milcah bore these eight sons to Abraham’s brother Nahor.
And Bethuel begat Rebekah: these eight did Milcah bear to Nahor, Abraham’s brother.
And Bethuel{H1328} begat{H3205} Rebekah{H7259}: these eight{H8083} Milcah{H4435} did bear{H3205} to Nahor{H5152}, Abraham's{H85} brother{H251}.
Genesis 22:23 is a part of the narrative concerning the family of Abraham, specifically detailing the lineage of his brother Nahor. The verse lists the children born to Nahor by his wife Milcah, with Rebekah being one of the most significant figures mentioned due to her future role as Isaac's wife.
**Themes:**
1. **Divine Providence and Lineage:** The genealogy presented in this verse underscores the theme of God's providential guidance over the patriarchal lineage, ensuring the continuity of the covenantal family through which God's promises will be fulfilled.
2. **Family and Relationships:** The verse highlights the importance of familial relationships and intermarriage within the clan, setting the stage for the union of Isaac and Rebekah, which will perpetuate the line of Abraham.
3. **Covenant and Promise:** By tracing the descendants of Nahor, the narrative reinforces the idea that God's covenant with Abraham extends to his extended family, and it is through these carefully documented lineages that the covenant promises will unfold.
**Historical Context:**
- **Patriarchal Era:** Genesis 22:23 is set in the era of the patriarchs, a time when the family of Abraham was establishing itself in the land of Canaan, as described in the Book of Genesis.
- **Nahor's Family in Haran:** Nahor, Abraham's brother, settled in Haran after the family's initial migration from Ur. Haran becomes an important location for the family, as it is also where Abraham's servant will later find Rebekah to become Isaac's wife (Genesis 24).
- **Cultural Context:** The listing of children, especially daughters, was not common in ancient Near Eastern genealogies unless they held significant roles. Rebekah's mention here foreshadows her importance in the biblical narrative.
In summary, Genesis 22:23 provides a snapshot of the family line of Nahor, Abraham's brother, emphasizing the significance of Rebekah within the broader context of God's covenantal promises and the establishment of the chosen lineage that will lead to the nation of Israel.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)