Genesis 11:31 Terah took his son Abram, his grandson Lot son of Haran, and his daughter-in-law Sarai, the wife of his son Abram, and together they set out from Ur of the Chaldeans to go to Canaan. But when they came to Harran, they settled there.
This is the beginning of the story of Abraham (at this point he is still named Abram), Father of Three Major religions. To quickly cover this story: Abraham left Ur to go to a land that would be given to him and his offspring. However, Abraham had to wait until he was extremely old before he had a legitimate heir.
This scripture makes me wonder, was the reason that Abraham’s destiny took so long to fulfill because of the events of this passage. Terah took his family out of Ur. However, Terah is not the Father of many nations. Abraham is. Remember, in the Bible, God is referred to as the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Terah is not included. Is it because he chose to stay in Harran?
Let me hypothesize, suppose God chose Terah to take his family to Canaan and Terah did not. Since God doesn’t change His mind, then Abraham wouldn’t be given the mission until Terah was unable to complete it. Jumping ahead, in Stephen’s message in the Book of Acts, he says that Abraham waited until Terah died before he left Harran.
But wait! There’s more. One of the meanings for the Hebrew word “Terah” is to delay.
By not continuing to Canaan, Terah delayed the fulfillment of God’s promises… basically holding up the advancement of the Kingdom of God… not to mention missing out on blessings of his own.
I wonder is procrastination on our part holding up the blessings of God,,, and maybe even delaying the advancement of God’s Kingdom in some way… it’s just something to consider.
“One of the meanings for the Hebrew word “Terah” is to delay.”
I am curious as to your source for this definition? I have not been able to find even one solid scholarly resource that shows this definition – all I am finding are commentaries which likewise do not give their sources. Not trying to discredit your main point – just want to find out where this definition is coming from.
Thank you for you query?
Abarim publications state this:
“The etymology and original meaning of the name Terah is unclear. Jones’ Dictionary of Old Testament Proper Names suggests a verb that does not occur in Scriptures: tarah (treated neither by HAW Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament nor BDB Theological Dictionary), meaning delay, turn, wander. Hence Jones’ Dictionary of Old Testament Proper Names renders Delay and NOBSE Study Bible Name List renders Wanderer. BDB Theological Dictionary mentions cognates denoting a white mountain goat (ibex; a goat antelope).”
From Strong’s
08646 // xrt // Terach // teh’-rakh //
of uncertain derivation, Greek 2291 // yara // ;
AV – Terah 11, Tarah 1, Tahath 1; 13
Terah = “station”
1) the father of Abraham
Tarah = “delay”
AV – Terah 11, Tarah 1, Tahath 1; 13
Terah = “station”
Again in Strong’s referencing New Testament usage to Terah in Greek: Terah is defined as loiterer or wanderer.
I’m not trying to be authoritative here, just throwing this out to bring forth possibilities and discussion. In my own life, I certainly have missed out on blessings because I delayed. I believe the meanings of the word in question, shed some light on this area.