Genesis 22:24
And his concubine, whose name was Reumah, she bare also Tebah, and Gaham, and Thahash, and Maachah.
Genesis 22:24
This verse continues the genealogical note, listing Rebekah’s birth from Nahor—Abram’s brother—and his concubine. The inclusion of concubines in genealogies reflects ancient Near Eastern kinship networks, where lineage could extend through multiple wives or partners. The naming of Rebekah as part of Nahor’s children shows that she is part of the same broad lineage that becomes central to the Abrahamic covenant’s future generations. Although genealogies can feel purely administrative, they anchor the story in a real, living family web. Readers are reminded that God’s purposes move through actual people and households, with names, relationships, and histories that matter to him.
This verse emphasizes the breadth of God’s chosen family. The covenant promises are not limited to one line but pass through various branches and spouses, illustrating God’s sovereignty in weaving complex human genealogies toward his redemptive ends. It also underscores God’s faithfulness in blessing even those outside the immediate promise circle, hinting at the wider inclusion of the nations that will ultimately be brought near in the Messiah.
- Recognize that God may work through extended family and diverse relational networks to advance his purposes.
- When you encounter relatives or in-laws who are not yet part of your faith community, model grace, hospitality, and integrity as a pathway for future connection to God’s story.
- In your own life, be open to how your family’s history can be a witness to God’s faithfulness.
Cross-References: Genesis 25:1-4; Genesis 28:5; Romans 9:8-13