The Genealogy That Prepares the Way

Genesis 22:20–24 (NASB95) 

20Now it came about after these things, that it was told Abraham, saying, “Behold, Milcah also has borne children to your brother Nahor: 21Uz his firstborn and Buz his brother and Kemuel the father of Aram 22and Chesed and Hazo and Pildash and Jidlaph and Bethuel.” 23Bethuel became the father of Rebekah; these eight Milcah bore to Nahor, Abraham’s brother. 24His concubine, whose name was Reumah, also bore Tebah and Gaham and Tahash and Maacah. 

These next verses may be some of those where you ask yourself why they really matter to us. Because the writer is preparing you for the events that make the next step in God’s redemptive plan possible. 

After Abraham’s test on Mount Moriah, the story shifts to a list of Nahor’s descendants. Nahor, Abraham’s brother, has twelve sons—eight by his wife Milcah and four by his concubine Reumah. This genealogy is not just a record of names. It serves as a bridge between Abraham’s story and the next generation.  

One name stands out. Rebecca, the daughter of Bethuel, is the only woman mentioned. Her inclusion is not an accident. Rebecca will become Isaac’s wife. Through her, the promise to Abraham continues. God prepares Rebecca’s place in the story before Isaac even knows he needs a wife. This shows God’s providence. He works ahead of His people, arranging the details that will fulfill His promises. Rebecca’s mention signals the next step in God’s plan. She will be the mother of Jacob, who will carry the covenant forward. 

Trust that God prepares the way for us. He knows our needs and supplies them, often before we're even aware. God’s faithfulness in the details encourages us to trust Him with our future. We should value the community of faith and pursue relationships that strengthen our walk with God. Like Rebecca, we may not see our part in God’s plan until the right moment. But we can be confident that He always keeps His promises.