◄ Genesis 11:31 ►
And Terah took his son Abram, his grandson Lot son of Haran, and his daughter-in-law Sarai the wife of Abram, and they set out from Ur of the Chaldeans for the land of Canaan. But when they arrived in Haran, they settled there.
Study Bible
And Terah took
The name "Terah" in Hebrew is תֶּרַח (Terach), which can mean "delay" or "wanderer." This name may symbolize the transitional nature of Terah's journey. Terah's action of taking his family signifies a patriarchal leadership role, common in ancient Near Eastern cultures, where the father or elder would lead the family in major decisions and migrations.

his son Abram
"Abram" in Hebrew is אַבְרָם, meaning "exalted father." This name is significant as it foreshadows Abram's future as Abraham, the father of many nations. Abram's inclusion in this journey marks the beginning of a pivotal narrative in biblical history, where God’s covenant with Abram will unfold.

his grandson Lot (son of Haran)
"Lot" in Hebrew is לוֹט, meaning "veil" or "covering." Lot's presence in the narrative introduces a character who will play a crucial role in future events, particularly in the account of Sodom and Gomorrah. The mention of "son of Haran" connects Lot to his deceased father, highlighting the familial bonds and responsibilities that were important in ancient cultures.

and his daughter-in-law Sarai
"Sarai" in Hebrew is שָׂרַי, meaning "my princess." Her name reflects her noble status and foreshadows her future role as Sarah, the mother of nations. The inclusion of Sarai emphasizes the importance of women in the biblical narrative and their roles in God's plan.

the wife of his son Abram
This phrase underscores the marital relationship between Abram and Sarai, which is central to the unfolding of God's promises. In the cultural context, marriage was a covenantal relationship that carried significant social and spiritual implications.

and together they set out
The phrase indicates a collective decision and unity in purpose. The act of setting out signifies a step of faith and obedience, leaving behind the familiar for the unknown. This journey is emblematic of the spiritual journey of faith that believers are called to undertake.

from Ur of the Chaldeans
"Ur" was an ancient city in southern Mesopotamia, known for its advanced culture and idolatry. The "Chaldeans" were a Semitic people known for their wisdom and astrology. Leaving Ur symbolizes a departure from a life of idolatry and worldliness, moving towards a life directed by God.

to go to Canaan
"Canaan" in Hebrew is כְּנַעַן, a land promised by God to Abram and his descendants. This destination represents the fulfillment of God's promises and the hope of a new beginning. Canaan is symbolic of the spiritual inheritance and blessings that God has in store for His people.

But when they came to Haran
"Haran" in Hebrew is חָרָן, meaning "parched" or "barren." This place serves as a temporary stop in the journey, representing times of delay or waiting in the believer's life. Haran is a place of transition, where God’s timing and purposes are further revealed.

they settled there
The decision to settle in Haran indicates a pause in the journey. This settling can be seen as a period of preparation and growth, where God works in the lives of His people before moving them to the next stage of His plan. It serves as a reminder of the importance of patience and trust in God's timing.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Terah
The father of Abram, Nahor, and Haran. He initiates the journey from Ur to Canaan but stops in Haran.

2. Abram
Later known as Abraham, he is a central figure in the Bible, called by God to leave his homeland and go to a land God would show him.

3. Lot
The son of Haran, Abram's nephew, who travels with Terah and Abram.

4. Sarai
Abram's wife, later known as Sarah, who accompanies her husband on the journey.

5. Ur of the Chaldeans
The starting point of Terah's journey, an ancient city in Mesopotamia.

6. Haran
The place where Terah and his family settle temporarily, located in the region of Paddan Aram.

7. Canaan
The intended destination of Terah's journey, a land promised by God to Abram and his descendants.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Obedience
Terah's journey reminds us of the importance of following God's call, even when the destination is unknown. Abram's later obedience serves as a model for us.

The Role of Family
The passage highlights the influence of family in spiritual journeys. Terah's leadership initially guides Abram, Sarai, and Lot.

The Significance of Canaan
Canaan represents God's promise and purpose. Our spiritual journeys often involve moving towards God's promises, even if the path is unclear.

Temporary Settlements
Haran symbolizes places where we might pause in our spiritual journey. It's crucial to discern when to move forward in faith.

Legacy and Influence
Terah's decision to leave Ur sets the stage for Abram's significant role in biblical history. Our actions can have lasting impacts on future generations.
Bible Study Questions
1. What might have motivated Terah to leave Ur, and how can we discern God's calling in our own lives?

2. How does Abram's journey from Haran to Canaan illustrate the concept of faith in action, and how can we apply this in our daily walk with God?

3. In what ways can family influence our spiritual journey, both positively and negatively, as seen in Terah's leadership?

4. What are some "Haran" moments in your life where you have settled temporarily, and how can you seek God's guidance to move forward?

5. How does the promise of Canaan relate to the promises God has for us today, and how can we remain faithful in pursuing them?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 12:1-5
This passage continues the account, where God calls Abram to leave Haran and go to Canaan, fulfilling the journey Terah began.

Acts 7:2-4
Stephen's speech provides insight into Abram's call by God, emphasizing the divine initiative in Abram's journey.

Hebrews 11:8-10
Highlights Abram's faith in obeying God's call to go to a place he would later receive as an inheritance.
Sermons
Divine TraditionsR.A. Redford Genesis 11:10-32
Children Dying Before Their ParentsHomilistGenesis 11:27-32
Death in the Prime of LifeThe Homiletic ReviewGenesis 11:27-32
Death in the Prime of LifeThe Homiletic ReviewGenesis 11:27-32
LessonsG. Hughes, B. D.Genesis 11:27-32
Sarai's BarrennessG. Hughes, B. D.Genesis 11:27-32
Setting Out, But Stopping Short of the Promised LandH. Gray, D. D.Genesis 11:27-32
Stopping ShortS. H. Tyng, D. D.Genesis 11:27-32
The Dawn of Abram's HistoryT. H. Leale.Genesis 11:27-32
Third Age -- Patriarchal EraJ. M. Gibson, D. D.Genesis 11:27-32
People
Abram, Arphaxad, Eber, Haran, Iscah, Lot, Milcah, Nahor, Peleg, Reu, Salah, Sarai, Serug, Shelah, Shem, Terah
Places
Babel, Canaan, Haran, Mesha, Shinar, Ur
Topics
Abram, Abram's, Canaan, Chaldeans, Chalde'ans, Chaldees, Charan, Daughter, Daughter-in-law, Dwell, Dwelt, Enter, Forth, Grandson, Haran, Law, Lot, Order, Sarai, Sar'ai, Settled, Son's, Taketh, Terah, Towards, Ur, Wife
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Genesis 11:31

     5696   grandchildren

Genesis 11:10-32

     1655   hundreds and thousands
     7230   genealogies

Library
The Church.
FROM THE PREFACE TO THE "HOLY CITY." UPON a certain First-day, I being together with my brethren in our prison-chamber, they expected that, according to our custom, something should be spoken out of the word for our mutual edification; but at that time I felt myself--it being my turn to speak--so empty, spiritless, and barren, that I thought I should not have been able to speak among them so much as five words of truth, with life and evidence: but at last it so fell out that providentially I cast …
John Bunyan—The Riches of Bunyan

Meditations to Stir us up to Morning Prayer.
1. If, when thou art about to pray, Satan shall suggest that thy prayers are too long, and that therefore it were better either to omit prayers, or else to cut them shorter, meditate that prayer is thy spiritual sacrifice, wherewith God is well pleased (Heb. xiii. 15, 16;) and therefore it is so displeasing to the devil, and so irksome to the flesh. Bend therefore thy affections (will they, nill they) to so holy an exercise; assuring thyself, that it doth by so much the more please God, by how much …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

He Does Battle for the Faith; He Restores Peace among those who were at Variance; He Takes in Hand to Build a Stone Church.
57. (32). There was a certain clerk in Lismore whose life, as it is said, was good, but his faith not so. He was a man of some knowledge in his own eyes, and dared to say that in the Eucharist there is only a sacrament and not the fact[718] of the sacrament, that is, mere sanctification and not the truth of the Body. On this subject he was often addressed by Malachy in secret, but in vain; and finally he was called before a public assembly, the laity however being excluded, in order that if it were …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
Syria: the part played by it in the ancient world--Babylon and the first Chaldaean empire--The dominion of the Hyksos: Ahmosis. Some countries seem destined from their origin to become the battle-fields of the contending nations which environ them. Into such regions, and to their cost, neighbouring peoples come from century to century to settle their quarrels and bring to an issue the questions of supremacy which disturb their little corner of the world. The nations around are eager for the possession …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 4

The Promise to the Patriarchs.
A great epoch is, in Genesis, ushered in with the history of the time of the Patriarchs. Luther says: "This is the third period in which Holy Scripture begins the history of the Church with a new family." In a befitting manner, the representation is opened in Gen. xii. 1-3 by an account of the first revelation of God, given to Abraham at Haran, in which the way is opened up for all that follows, and in which the dispensations of God are brought before us in a rapid survey. Abraham is to forsake …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

The Book of the First Generations of Man, and the Glory of the Cainites.
I. THE BOOK OF THE FIRST GENERATIONS OF MAN, AND THE GLORY OF THE CAINITES. A. THE BOOK OF THE FIRST GENERATIONS OF MAN. 1. The reasons why Moses records the generations of Adam 1. 2. Why he so particularly gives the years, and in the case of each patriarch adds "and he died" 1-2. 3. Why Enoch is placed in the records of the dead 3-4. * Was Enoch a sinner, and do sinners have hope of eternal life 4. * Of death. a. How we are to comfort ourselves against death 5. b. How reason views death, and how …
Martin Luther—Commentary on Genesis, Vol. II

Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes
ONLY those who have made study of it can have any idea how large, and sometimes bewildering, is the literature on the subject of Jewish Proselytes and their Baptism. Our present remarks will be confined to the Baptism of Proselytes. 1. Generally, as regards proselytes (Gerim) we have to distinguish between the Ger ha-Shaar (proselyte of the gate) and Ger Toshabh (sojourner,' settled among Israel), and again the Ger hatstsedeq (proselyte of righteousness) and Ger habberith (proselyte of the covenant). …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Cain Murders his Brother; Called to Account.
IV. CAIN MURDERS HIS BROTHER; CALLED TO ACCOUNT. A. HOW CAIN MURDERED HIS BROTHER. 1. What moved Cain to commit murder 107. 2. Cain's hypocritical actions in concealing his anger that he might the more easily commit the murder 108-109. * Cain the picture of all hypocrites 110-129. * The attitude of hypocrites to their neighbors. Also, how we are to view the efforts of the pope and bishops in behalf of peace and unity 111-112. * Against what people we should most guard 112. 3. How Cain listened to …
Martin Luther—Commentary on Genesis, Vol. II

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of the Eleventh
An unfinished commentary on the Bible, found among the author's papers after his death, in his own handwriting; and published in 1691, by Charles Doe, in a folio volume of the works of John Bunyan. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR Being in company with an enlightened society of Protestant dissenters of the Baptist denomination, I observed to a doctor of divinity, who was advancing towards his seventieth year, that my time had been delightfully engaged with John Bunyan's commentary on Genesis. "What," …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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