Topical Bible: Haran: Also Called Charran: Jacob Flees To

◄ Haran: Also Called Charran: Jacob Flees To ►

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Haran in Biblical Context

Haran, also known as Charran in the New Testament, is a significant location in the biblical narrative, particularly in the lives of the patriarchs. It is situated in the region of Paddan Aram, which is in modern-day southeastern Turkey. Haran is first mentioned in the context of Terah, the father of Abraham, who settled there with his family after leaving Ur of the Chaldeans (Genesis 11:31). It is in Haran that God called Abraham to leave his country and go to the land that He would show him (Genesis 12:1).

Jacob's Flight to Haran

The narrative of Jacob fleeing to Haran is a pivotal moment in the Genesis account. Jacob, the son of Isaac and Rebekah, fled to Haran to escape the wrath of his brother Esau, whom he had deceived to obtain the blessing of the firstborn. Rebekah, aware of Esau's intent to kill Jacob, advised him to flee to her brother Laban in Haran (Genesis 27:42-45).

In Genesis 28:10-15, Jacob's journey to Haran is marked by a significant encounter with God at Bethel, where he dreams of a ladder reaching to heaven and receives God's promise of protection and blessing. The Berean Standard Bible records this encounter: "I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you now lie" (Genesis 28:13).

Upon arriving in Haran, Jacob meets Rachel, Laban's daughter, at a well, and subsequently stays with Laban, working for him in exchange for the right to marry his daughters, Leah and Rachel (Genesis 29:1-30). Jacob's time in Haran is marked by both personal and spiritual growth, as well as the birth of his children, who would become the progenitors of the twelve tribes of Israel.

Haran in the New Testament

Haran is referred to as Charran in the New Testament, specifically in the book of Acts. Stephen, in his speech before the Sanhedrin, recounts the history of the Jewish people and mentions Haran as the place where Abraham lived after leaving Ur (Acts 7:2-4).

Significance of Haran

Haran serves as a backdrop for key events in the lives of the patriarchs, particularly Jacob. It is a place of refuge, transformation, and divine encounter. Jacob's experiences in Haran, including his marriages and the birth of his children, are foundational to the formation of the nation of Israel. Haran's mention in both the Old and New Testaments underscores its importance in the biblical narrative and God's unfolding plan for His people.

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Genesis 27:43
Now therefore, my son, obey my voice; arise, flee you to Laban my brother to Haran;
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Genesis 28:7
And that Jacob obeyed his father and his mother, and was gone to Padanaram;
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Genesis 29:1
Then Jacob went on his journey, and came into the land of the people of the east.
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Library

The Book of Jubilees
... set fire to the temple by night; and Haran, his brother ... day forward not only the
first-fruits, but also the second ... Abram was called by an angel to the Land of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the book of jubilees.htm