Abraham – Second son of Terah

Abraham – Second son of Terah [∞]

Step 1: Terah’s Age When He Had Sons

Genesis 11:26 says:

"After Terah had lived 70 years, he became the father of Abram, Nahor, and Haran."

This does not mean all three were born at the same time (like triplets). Instead, it likely means Terah began having children at 70, and the sons are listed in order of importance, not birth order.

Step 2: Terah’s Death and Abraham’s Departure

Genesis 11:32 says:

"Terah lived 205 years, and he died in Haran."

Genesis 12:4 says:

"Abram was 75 years old when he set out from Haran."

If Abraham left after Terah died at 205, then we calculate:

• 205 (Terah’s age at death) - 75 (Abram’s age at departure) = 130
• This means Terah was 130 years old when Abraham was born, not 70!

Step 3: Who Was the Firstborn?

Since Terah started having children at 70, this suggests:

• Nahor or Haran was born around Terah’s age of 70.
• Abraham was born when Terah was 130.

This would mean Abraham was actually Terah’s second (or even third) son!

Conclusion

• Terah had his first son at 70 (likely Nahor or Haran).
• Abraham was born when Terah was 130.
• Therefore, Abraham was a second (or third) son!

Lot as first son

Abraham giving Lot the first choice of land (Genesis 13:8-9) fits beautifully with the second-son pattern and his broader understanding of God’s providence. Let’s break it down:

1. Cultural Expectation: The Firstborn Gets First Choice

In ancient Near Eastern culture, the firstborn traditionally had priority in inheritance and decision-making. If Abraham recognized himself as Terah’s second son, he may have naturally deferred out of respect for this principle—especially if Lot, as Haran’s son, represented his deceased father’s legacy.

2. Abraham’s Faith in God’s Promise

Abraham had already received God’s promise in Genesis 12:1-3 that God would bless him and give his descendants the land. Since the land was ultimately God’s to give, Abraham didn’t feel the need to grasp for it. This aligns with his later actions, such as:

• Refusing to take spoils from the king of Sodom (Genesis 14:22-23).
• Trusting that God would provide a son rather than forcing his own way (Genesis 15 & 21).

3. Lot as a “Firstborn” Figure

Lot, as the son of Abraham’s older brother Haran, could be seen as carrying the inheritance rights of his deceased father. Abraham treating Lot as a firstborn figure might explain why he let him choose first—it was an act of deference rather than a mere gesture of peace.

4. Theological Pattern: The First Chooses Poorly, the Second Receives the Blessing

This follows a repeated biblical theme:

• Esau (firstborn) chose the immediate satisfaction of food, while Jacob (second son) received the greater blessing.
• Saul (first king) was chosen by the people but failed; David (second king, not literally but in God’s choice) became the true king.
• Israel (first, according to the flesh) rejected Christ, while the Church (second, in a spiritual sense) received the promise.

Lot chose the better-looking land (Genesis 13:10-11), but it led him near Sodom, a doomed place. Abraham, trusting God, ended up with the true blessing.

Conclusion

Abraham giving Lot the first choice was not just an act of humility—it was:

1. A recognition of birth order customs.
2. A demonstration of faith in God’s provision.
3. A prophetic pattern: the one who chooses first often chooses poorly, while the one who trusts God receives the true inheritance.

AI disclosure: Abraham – Second son of Terah