“And it came to pass after these things, that it was told Abraham, saying, Behold, Milcah, she hath also born children unto thy brother Nahor.”
Context: To better understand Genesis 22:20, it is essential to consider the context of the verse. In the preceding verses, we find the account of Abraham’s willingness to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice in obedience to God’s command (Genesis 22:1-19). This passage demonstrates Abraham’s faith and trust in God. After this profound test of faith, we come to Genesis 22:20.
After These Things: The verse begins with the phrase “And it came to pass after these things.” This phrase indicates that the events mentioned took place following the events described earlier. In this case, it refers to the events surrounding Abraham’s willingness to offer Isaac.
The Message to Abraham: The verse states that “it was told Abraham.” This suggests that someone brought news or a message to Abraham. The identity of the messenger is not mentioned explicitly.
Milcah and Nahor: The verse continues by saying, “Behold, Milcah, she hath also born children unto thy brother Nahor.” Milcah was the daughter of Haran and the wife of Nahor, who was Abraham’s brother (Genesis 11:29). Here, it is mentioned that Milcah had given birth to children, indicating the continuation of Abraham’s family lineage through his brother Nahor.
Family Lineage: The mention of Milcah’s children is significant in the broader context of the Bible as it establishes the continuity of the family line. This lineage plays a crucial role in the unfolding narrative of God’s plan to bless all nations through Abraham’s descendants, leading ultimately to the birth of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:1-17).
Lessons and Applications: While Genesis 22:20 may seem relatively straightforward, it serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness to fulfill His promises. Despite the challenging events Abraham had just experienced, God continued to work through his family, ensuring the preservation of the chosen lineage. This verse highlights the providence of God and His commitment to His covenant.
Faith and Obedience: The events leading up to Genesis 22:20 demonstrate Abraham’s unwavering faith and obedience to God. This verse, in contrast, reflects the ordinary aspects of life—family and the continuation of generations. It illustrates that our walk of faith includes both extraordinary moments of sacrifice and obedience, as well as the everyday aspects of life.
Overall, Genesis 22:20 serves as a transition from the extraordinary test of faith to the ordinary family events, reminding us of God’s faithfulness and His sovereign plan unfolding through generations.
