TRV
“Nahor’s Descendants”· Genesis 22:20–24
Translation
King James Version
¶ 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;
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:
World English Bible Messianic
After these things, it was told Abraham, saying, “Behold, Milcah, she also has borne children to your brother Nahor:
Geneva Bible (1599)
And after these things one tolde Abraham, saying, Beholde Milcah, she hath also borne children vnto thy brother Nahor:
Young's Literal Translation
And it cometh to pass after these things that it is declared to Abraham, saying, `Lo, Milcah hath borne, even she, sons to Nahor thy brother:
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Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Genesis 22:20–24.
Passage under commentGenesis 22:20–24
20¶ 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;
21Huz his firstborn, and Buz his brother, and Kemuel the father of Aram,
22And Chesed, and Hazo, and Pildash, and Jidlaph, and Bethuel.
23And Bethuel begat Rebekah: these eight Milcah did bear to Nahor, Abraham's brother.
24And his concubine, whose name was Reumah, she bare also Tebah, and Gaham, and Thahash, and Maachah.
This is recorded here, 1. To show that though Abraham saw his own family highly dignified with peculiar privileges, admitted into covenant, and blessed with the entail of the promise, yet he did not look with contempt and disdain upon his relations, but was glad to hear of the increase and prosperity of their families. 2. To make way for the following story of the marriage of Isaac to Rebekah, a daughter of this family.
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Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
(Verse 20) And they reported to Abraham, saying: Behold, Milcah has also borne children to your brother Nahor: Uz his firstborn, and Buz his brother, and Camuel the father of the Syrians, and Chesed. Uz was the firstborn of Nahor, brother of Abraham, by his wife Milcah, the daughter of Haran. From his descendants came Job, as it is written at the beginning of his book: There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job. Therefore, some wrongly assume that Job is of the lineage of Esau, since that which is written at the end of his book, Because it was translated from the Syrian language, and he is the fourth generation from Esau, and the rest of what is contained there, is not found in the Hebrew volumes. Secundus was born to Melcha Buz, whom the Seventy wanted to translate as Bauz. And from this lineage comes Balaam the diviner (Numbers 24:3 et seq.; Joshua 13:22), as the Hebrews report, who is called Eliu in the book of Job: at first a holy man and prophet of God, but later, through disobedience and desire for gifts, while wanting to curse Israel, is called by the divine name. And it is said in the same book: And Eliu, the son of Barachiel the Buzite, was angry (Job 32:2), descending from this very Buzi lineage. Camuel is indeed the father of Damascus. For it is called Aran, which is written here for Syria: and it is read by the same name in Isaiah. Chased is also the fourth, from whom the Chaldeans, that is, the Chaldeans, were later called.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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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, 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, 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). 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, 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 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
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. It subtly connects the climax of one narrative with the beginning of the next crucial phase in God's plan.
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.
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). 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 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, 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.
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
FAQ
Why does the Bible include seemingly minor family details like this?
The inclusion of seemingly minor family details like the news of Nahor's children in Genesis 22:20 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. 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 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, 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 and Luke 3:23-38). 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).