What is the meaning of Genesis 11:20? When Reu “Reu lived thirty-two years…” (Genesis 11:20). • Reu is a real, historical descendant of Shem, listed after Peleg (Genesis 11:18-19). • His presence anchors the post-Flood line that God is guiding toward Abram and, ultimately, Christ (Luke 3:35-36). • Each name in this genealogy underscores God’s faithfulness to preserve a righteous line despite widespread rebellion (cf. Genesis 6:9; 1 Chronicles 1:25). was 32 years old “…and became the father…” (Genesis 11:20). • The age highlights a noticeable drop in longevity and child-bearing ages since the Flood, fulfilling God’s word that human days would shorten (Genesis 6:3). • Compare earlier generations: Peleg fathered Reu at 30 (Genesis 11:16), Nahor fathered Terah at 29 (Genesis 11:24). We see a progressive pattern that prepares humanity for Psalm 90:10’s eighty-year average. • These precise numbers remind us that God records history with care; His Word is trustworthy in every detail (Proverbs 30:5). he became the father of Serug “…of Serug.” (Genesis 11:20). • Serug marks the midpoint between Noah and Abram, keeping the messianic promise alive (Genesis 11:21-26; Galatians 3:16). • From Serug comes Nahor, then Terah, then Abram—each link proving God’s unbroken plan of redemption (Romans 9:4-5). • Fatherhood here is more than biological; it is covenantal. God is weaving a family through which all nations will be blessed (Genesis 12:3). • Even though Joshua 24:2 notes that Terah’s household later lapsed into idolatry, God’s sovereign choice of this line remains firm (2 Timothy 2:13). summary Genesis 11:20 is a concise yet weighty affirmation that God oversees every generation. Reu’s life, his age at fatherhood, and the birth of Serug together display the precision of Scripture, the shortening of lifespans after the Flood, and the steady march toward the covenant with Abram and the Messiah who fulfills it. |
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