FEB 14
Genesis 11:10-32
Memorise Joshua 24:15
“Terah begat Abram, Nahor, and Haran; and Haran begat Lot”

In the rest of Genesis 11, we see yet another listing of names and numbers. Some of the names were already mentioned in Genesis 10:22-29, where we had a look at the descendants of Shem. Here, the focus of this genealogy is on the messianic line through Shem, from which the Lord Jesus Christ would descend from. This is important, for this record is vital to show that the lineage of Jesus was indeed a direct one that can be traced back through Abraham, to Shem, to Adam. It is the same list that we see being quoted by Luke’s gospel, in Luke 3:34-38, as it traces the genealogy of Jesus all the way back to Adam. This genealogy also gives us an important bridge from the time of Noah’s flood to the birth of Abraham – an era that spans almost 300 years. It is interesting to note that both Noah and Shem would have lived to see the birth of Abraham (see Genesis 9:28, 11:11), and that Abraham himself would have had the opportunity to meet with them in the early years of his life.

From Genesis 11:27 onwards, we see a pause in the record, as the narrative zooms in on the family of Terah. This is significant, for it is from the sons of Terah that the nation of Israel would come forth. Some details are thus given about the family background of Abram, of his brothers and their families, and also the land that they came from – Ur of the Chaldees. This was a great ancient city in the Mesopotamian region whose remains have been extensively studied by archaeologists. It was known as an advanced city for its time, but also very idolatrous. The family of Terah was heavily influenced by idolatry as well (Joshua 24:2, Genesis 31:19, 34), and it is likely that Abram was raised in such an environment. Yet having received the call from God, Abram would have been the one to influence his family to move out of Ur and head towards Canaan. However, for some reason or other, Terah stopped at Haran (possibly a city established by his son), and stayed there till his death. Perhaps he was attracted by the comforts of Haran, and was not willing to risk the uncertainty of the hostile land of Canaan. As a result of that, Abram had to wait there until Terah’s death, before he could continue on to the land where God wanted him to go. Yet despite this interruption, and his family’s idolatrous background, God’s plan was never thwarted. God was still able to take this son from a family of idol worshippers, and raise him up to become the father of faith!

Thought: God could use Abram, He can use me too!

Prayer: Lord, may I always be ready to answer Your call!