Genesis 11:20

Genesis 11:20 is a concise verse found within the vital genealogies of Genesis, specifically tracing the lineage from Shem, Noah's son, down to Terah, the father of Abraham. This verse states: "And Reu lived two and thirty years, and begat Serug:"

Context

Following the dramatic account of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11:1-9, which describes humanity's unified rebellion and subsequent dispersion, the narrative shifts back to a detailed genealogical record. This section, from Genesis 11:10 to 11:26, meticulously chronicles the descendants of Shem, demonstrating the continuity of God's divine plan despite human sin. Reu is presented as the son of Peleg, and his son Serug becomes the grandfather of Terah, who is the father of Abram (Abraham). These genealogies serve a crucial purpose in bridging the gap between Noah and the call of the patriarch Abraham.

Key Themes

• Divine Faithfulness Amidst Human Failure: Even after the significant act of rebellion at Babel, God continues to work through a chosen line, illustrating His unwavering commitment to His overarching plan for humanity's redemption. This verse, though brief, is a testament to God's patient preservation of a specific lineage.
• Historical Continuity and Lineage: The detailed "begat" formula, common in biblical genealogies (e.g., Genesis 5), underscores the historical accuracy and the importance of tracing descent in ancient cultures. It highlights the direct, unbroken line that would eventually lead to the promised deliverer.
• Preparation for God's Covenant: Each name in this list, including Reu and Serug, is a vital link in the chain leading to the pivotal figure of Abraham. Their existence and procreation are essential steps toward the establishment of God's covenant with Abraham, which forms the foundation of Israel's history and the broader biblical narrative (see Genesis 12:1-3).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "begat" is yalad (ילד), which simply means "to bear," "to bring forth," or "to beget." It consistently emphasizes direct parentage and the continuation of a family line. The names themselves, Reu (meaning "friend" or "shepherd") and Serug (meaning "branch" or "interwoven"), while interesting, are primarily significant for their role in the biblical chronology and the unbroken chain of descent rather than any deep symbolic meaning within this specific verse.

Practical Application

While seemingly just a list of names and ages, Genesis 11:20 reminds us that:

• Every Life Has a Place in God's Plan: Even individuals whose lives are summarized in a single verse played a necessary role in God's grand narrative. It suggests that seemingly ordinary lives contribute to extraordinary outcomes.
• God Works Through Generations: God's plans often unfold over long periods and through multiple generations. This encourages patience and faithfulness, understanding that our actions today contribute to a larger, future reality that God is orchestrating.
• The Importance of Lineage and Heritage: The Bible places value on understanding where we come from, both physically and spiritually. For believers, this lineage points to God's consistent work throughout history to bring about salvation through Christ, whose own genealogy includes figures like Serug (Luke 3:35).