Genesis 22:20

KJV

¶ And it came to pass after these things, that it was told Abraham, saying, Behold, Milcah, she hath also born children unto thy brother Nahor;

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass after {H310} these things {H1697}, that it was told {H5046} Abraham {H85}, saying {H559}, Behold, Milcah {H4435}, she hath also born {H3205} children {H1121} unto thy brother {H251} Nahor {H5152};

Complete Jewish Bible

Afterwards, Avraham was told, "Milkah too has borne children, to your brother Nachor -

Berean Standard Bible

Some time later, Abraham was told, “Milcah has also borne sons to your brother Nahor:

American Standard Version

And it came to pass after these things, that it was told Abraham, saying, Behold, Milcah, she also hath borne children unto thy brother Nahor:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 22:20 serves as a crucial narrative transition, immediately following Abraham's ultimate test of faith on Mount Moriah. This verse shifts the focus from Abraham's immediate family to his extended kin in Mesopotamia, specifically delivering news about his brother Nahor's children, including Milcah, whose lineage will play a pivotal role in the continuation of the covenant promises through Isaac.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The phrase "And it came to pass after these things" directly links this verse to the profound, climactic events of [the binding of Isaac in Genesis 22:1-19](/genesis/22-1-19 "Genesis 22:1-19 - The Binding of Isaac"), often referred to as the Akedah. In that preceding narrative, Abraham demonstrated unparalleled obedience by offering Isaac as a sacrifice, and God responded by reaffirming His covenant promises with an oath. Following this momentous display of faith and divine faithfulness, the narrative broadens its scope. This verse introduces news from Abraham's ancestral homeland concerning his brother Nahor's burgeoning family, strategically setting the stage for the crucial search for a wife for Isaac in [Genesis chapter 24](/genesis/24 "Genesis 24 - Isaac's Marriage to Rebekah"), thereby ensuring the continuation of the promised lineage. The placement of this genealogical update immediately after such a significant theological event highlights God's meticulous providence, connecting the miraculous with the seemingly mundane details of family history to advance His redemptive plan.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, lineage and family connections were paramount, especially for establishing identity, inheritance, and alliances. The patriarchal narratives, including this one, consistently emphasize the importance of maintaining a pure and distinct lineage for the covenant people. Abraham, as a nomadic patriarch, would have maintained some ties with his extended family in Haran, from where he originally migrated at God's command (see [Genesis 12:1-4](/genesis/12-1-4 "Genesis 12:1-4 - God's Call to Abram")). The news arriving from a distant land underscores the network of communication that existed, likely through traveling merchants or messengers. The mention of Milcah, Nahor's wife, is significant because intermarriage within close family circles was a common practice to preserve tribal identity and property, and it was particularly important for Abraham to find a wife for Isaac from among his own kin, rather than the Canaanites, to maintain the purity of the promised seed.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several major theological and narrative themes prevalent in Genesis. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Providence and Sovereignty**, showcasing God's meticulous oversight in orchestrating seemingly ordinary family developments and distant connections to fulfill His greater redemptive plan. God works not only through the miraculous, as seen in [the birth of Isaac](/genesis/21-1-7 "Genesis 21:1-7 - The Birth of Isaac"), but also through the mundane course of human events. Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness**, as God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with Abraham is evident in His active preparation for the continuation of the promised seed, even before Abraham sends his servant to find Isaac a wife. Thirdly, the verse highlights the **Importance of Lineage in Redemptive History**. The careful tracing of family lines throughout Genesis, from [Adam](/genesis/5 "Genesis 5 - Adam's Descendants") to the patriarchs, underscores the biblical emphasis on the chosen lineage through which God's promises would be realized, culminating in the Messiah.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **after (Hebrew, _ʼachar'_):** From the root אָחַר, meaning "the hind part." Generally used as an adverb or conjunction, it signifies sequence in time or position. Here, it functions as a temporal marker, indicating that the events of this verse occur subsequent to the profound test of Abraham's faith in [Genesis 22:1-19](/genesis/22-1-19 "Genesis 22:1-19 - The Binding of Isaac"). It subtly connects the climax of one narrative with the beginning of the next crucial phase in God's plan.
* **things (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From the root דָבַר, meaning "a word." By implication, it refers to a matter (as spoken of) or a thing; adverbially, a cause. In this context, "these things" refers comprehensively to the significant events that have just transpired, particularly Abraham's offering of Isaac and God's renewed covenant promises. It encompasses the entirety of the preceding narrative's profound spiritual and theological weight.
* **born (Hebrew, _yâlad'_):** A primitive root meaning "to bear young" or "to beget." This verb emphasizes the act of procreation and the continuation of lineage. In the context of the patriarchal narratives, the ability to "bear children" is directly linked to God's covenant promise of numerous descendants (e.g., [Genesis 15:5](/genesis/15-5 "Genesis 15:5 - God's Promise of Descendants")). The news that Milcah "hath also born children" highlights the fertility and expansion of Abraham's broader family, which is crucial for the future selection of Isaac's wife.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And it came to pass after these things,"**: This opening phrase serves as a common transitional formula in the Hebrew Bible, signaling a new phase or development following a significant event. Here, it subtly indicates that the momentous test of Abraham's faith (the Akedah) has concluded, and the divine narrative is moving on to the next critical step in God's unfolding plan for Abraham and his descendants, connecting disparate events into a cohesive, divinely guided timeline.
* **"that it was told Abraham, saying,"**: This clause indicates the manner in which the information reached Abraham—through a report or messenger. The passive voice ("it was told") suggests a divinely orchestrated communication, ensuring that Abraham received the necessary intelligence at the opportune moment. The subsequent "saying" introduces the content of the message.
* **"Behold, Milcah, she hath also born children unto thy brother Nahor;"**: This is the core message delivered to Abraham. It reveals that his brother Nahor, who remained in Mesopotamia, has a burgeoning family through his wife, Milcah. The seemingly mundane family update carries profound significance: it strategically introduces the lineage that will produce Rebekah, Isaac's future wife, thereby setting the stage for the continuation and purity of the promised seed. The use of "Behold" (Hebrew: *hinneh*) draws attention to the importance of this news.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [Genesis 22:20](/genesis/22-20 "Genesis 22:20 - News of Nahor's Family") is **Narrative Transition**. The phrase "And it came to pass after these things" is a classic Hebrew literary marker (*vayhi aḥar ha-d'varim ha-elleh*) used to bridge significant events and advance the plot. It signals a shift in focus from the intense personal trial of Abraham to the broader, unfolding plan for the covenant family. This transition is not merely chronological but also thematic, moving from the confirmation of Isaac's role as the heir to the preparation for his marriage. Furthermore, the verse employs **Foreshadowing**, albeit subtly. The seemingly simple genealogical update about Nahor's family, particularly Milcah, sets the stage for the pivotal events of [Genesis chapter 24](/genesis/24 "Genesis 24 - Isaac's Marriage"), where Rebekah, Milcah's granddaughter, is introduced as Isaac's destined bride. This demonstrates the Bible's intricate narrative design, where seemingly minor details serve as crucial building blocks for future developments in redemptive history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 22:20 powerfully illustrates God's meticulous and sovereign providence. Immediately following the ultimate test of Abraham's faith and the reaffirmation of the covenant, God orchestrates the delivery of seemingly ordinary family news that is, in fact, critical to the next stage of His plan. This demonstrates that God's work of salvation is not solely dependent on miraculous interventions but also unfolds through the ordinary course of human relationships and events, all guided by His unseen hand. The timing of this news, precisely when Isaac's heirship is confirmed, highlights God's perfect timing and His active preparation for the continuation of the promised seed.

* [Genesis 24:1-4](/genesis/24-1-4 "Genesis 24:1-4 - Abraham Sends His Servant"): Abraham sends his servant to his homeland to find a wife for Isaac from his own family, directly connecting to the news received in Genesis 22:20.
* [Genesis 24:15](/genesis/24-15 "Genesis 24:15 - Rebekah's Introduction"): Rebekah is introduced as "the daughter of Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham's brother," explicitly linking her to the family mentioned in this verse.
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works for Good"): This New Testament verse affirms God's overarching providence, where "all things work together for good to them that love God," a principle beautifully illustrated by the seemingly mundane news in Genesis 22:20 setting the stage for major covenant fulfillment.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 22:20 reminds believers that God's plans are intricate and often involve details and connections we might not immediately recognize as significant. It encourages us to trust in God's timing, understanding that even seemingly mundane news or distant relationships can be part of His perfect plan for our lives or for the fulfillment of His promises. This verse underscores God's sovereignty, demonstrating that He is at work not just in the miraculous, but also in the ordinary course of family life and human events, orchestrating circumstances to achieve His purposes. Furthermore, it highlights the biblical importance of understanding and appreciating our extended family and heritage within God's broader redemptive story, recognizing that every person and every seemingly small event can play a part in His grand design. It challenges us to look beyond the immediate and consider how God might be preparing future blessings or connections through seemingly unrelated circumstances.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge my perception of God's involvement in the "ordinary" details of life?**
* **Can I identify times in my own life where seemingly insignificant events or connections later proved to be part of God's larger plan?**
* **What does the careful tracing of lineage in Genesis teach me about the importance of family and heritage in God's redemptive story?**

### FAQ
**Why does the Bible include seemingly minor family details like this?**

Answer: The inclusion of seemingly minor family details like the news of Nahor's children in [Genesis 22:20](/genesis/22-20 "Genesis 22:20 - News of Nahor's Family") is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it demonstrates God's meticulous providence and sovereignty, showing how He orchestrates even distant family connections to fulfill His covenant promises. These details are not random but are integral to the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, specifically setting the stage for Isaac's marriage to Rebekah in [Genesis chapter 24](/genesis/24 "Genesis 24 - Isaac's Marriage to Rebekah"). Secondly, it underscores the biblical emphasis on lineage and the purity of the promised seed, through whom the Messiah would eventually come. Every detail, no matter how small, contributes to the grand narrative of God's faithfulness and His preparation for the advent of Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Genesis 22:20](/genesis/22-20 "Genesis 22:20 - News of Nahor's Family") appears to be a simple genealogical update, it serves a vital role in the unfolding redemptive narrative that culminates in Christ. By providing news of Nahor's family, specifically the lineage that would produce [Rebekah](/genesis/24-15 "Genesis 24:15 - Rebekah's Introduction"), this verse directly contributes to the preservation and continuation of the promised seed through Isaac. God's meticulous care in preparing Isaac's bride from within Abraham's broader family foreshadows His precise and sovereign plan for the advent of the ultimate "seed" – Jesus Christ. Just as God ensured the purity and continuity of Abraham's lineage to bring forth the patriarchs, He meticulously guided the entire history of Israel, orchestrating every detail, including seemingly minor family connections, to prepare the way for the Incarnation of His Son. This divine orchestration culminates in the New Testament, where the genealogy of Jesus is carefully traced through Abraham's line (e.g., [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")). Every seemingly small detail in the Old Testament, like the news in Genesis 22:20, points to God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises, which find their ultimate "Yes" and "Amen" in Christ Jesus ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are 'Yes' in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 11:29

And Abram and Nahor took them wives: the name of Abram's wife [was] Sarai; and the name of Nahor's wife, Milcah, the daughter of Haran, the father of Milcah, and the father of Iscah.

Genesis 24:24

And she said unto him, I [am] the daughter of Bethuel the son of Milcah, which she bare unto Nahor.

Genesis 24:10

¶ And the servant took ten camels of the camels of his master, and departed; for all the goods of his master [were] in his hand: and he arose, and went to Mesopotamia, unto the city of Nahor.

Genesis 24:15

And it came to pass, before he had done speaking, that, behold, Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham's brother, with her pitcher upon her shoulder.

Genesis 31:53

The God of Abraham, and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge betwixt us. And Jacob sware by the fear of his father Isaac.

Genesis 11:26

And Terah lived seventy years, and begat Abram, Nahor, and Haran.

Proverbs 25:25

¶ [As] cold waters to a thirsty soul, so [is] good news from a far country.