Topical Encyclopedia Background and Location: Haran, also known as Charran in the New Testament, is a significant location in biblical history. It is situated in the region of Paddan-Aram, which is part of modern-day southeastern Turkey. Haran served as a major city in ancient Mesopotamia and was a center for trade and commerce due to its strategic location along caravan routes. Biblical Significance: Haran holds a prominent place in the narrative of the patriarch Abraham. It is the city where Terah, Abraham's father, settled with his family after leaving Ur of the Chaldeans. The city becomes a pivotal location in the account of Abraham's call by God. Abraham's Departure by Divine Command: The account of Abraham's departure from Haran is a foundational moment in biblical history, marking the beginning of God's covenant relationship with Abraham and his descendants. According to Genesis 12:1-4 , the LORD said to Abram: "Go forth from your country, your kindred, and your father's house, to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you." In obedience to God's command, Abraham departed from Haran at the age of seventy-five, taking with him his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, and all their possessions and people they had acquired in Haran. This act of faith and obedience is a testament to Abraham's trust in God's promises and marks the beginning of his journey to the land of Canaan, which God had promised to him and his descendants. Cultural and Religious Context: Haran was a city deeply entrenched in the worship of the moon god Sin, which was prevalent in Mesopotamian culture. The call of Abraham to leave Haran signifies a departure not only from his familial ties but also from the prevailing idolatrous practices of the region. This move underscores the distinctiveness of Abraham's faith in the one true God, setting the stage for the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through Abraham's lineage. New Testament Reference: In the New Testament, Haran is referred to as Charran in Acts 7:2-4 , where Stephen recounts the history of Israel before the Sanhedrin: "Brothers and fathers, listen to me! The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham while he was still in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran, and told him, 'Leave your country and your kindred and go to the land I will show you.' So he left the land of the Chaldeans and settled in Haran. After his father died, God had him move to this land where you are now living." This reference highlights the continuity of God's call and the faithfulness of Abraham in responding to it, serving as a reminder of the enduring nature of God's promises and the faith required to follow His leading. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 12:1-5Now the LORD had said to Abram, Get you out of your country, and from your kindred, and from your father's house, to a land that I will show you: Nave's Topical Index Library Chapter xi Hearken and Look; Or, Encouragement for Believers The Book of Jubilees Resources Who was Haran in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Lot in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was Jacob in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Haran: Also Called Charran: A Place in Mesopotamia to Which Terah and Abraham Migrated Haran: Also Called Charran: Abraham Leaves, by Divine Command Haran: Also Called Charran: Conquest of, King of Assyria Haran: Also Called Charran: Death of Terah At Haran: Also Called Charran: Idolatry In Haran: Also Called Charran: Jacob Flees To Haran: Also Called Charran: Merchants of Haran: Also Called Charran: Returns From, With Rachel and Leah Haran: Father of Lot and Brother of Abraham Related Terms |
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