Ragau, also known as Reu in some biblical translations, is a significant figure in the genealogical records of the Bible, particularly noted for his place in the lineage leading to Jesus Christ. He is mentioned in the genealogies that trace the ancestry of Jesus, highlighting the fulfillment of God's promises through generations.

Biblical References

Ragau is first introduced in the genealogical account found in the Book of Genesis. In Genesis 11:18-21 , it is recorded: "When Peleg had lived 30 years, he became the father of Reu. And after he became the father of Reu, Peleg lived 209 years and had other sons and daughters. When Reu had lived 32 years, he became the father of Serug. And after he became the father of Serug, Reu lived 207 years and had other sons and daughters."

Ragau is also mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus Christ in the Gospel of Luke. Luke 3:35-36 states: "the son of Serug, the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber, the son of Shelah."

Genealogical Significance

Ragau's inclusion in the genealogical records underscores the continuity of God's covenantal promises through the line of Shem, one of Noah's sons. As the son of Peleg, Ragau is part of the post-flood generations that repopulated the earth and carried forward the lineage that would eventually lead to the birth of Jesus Christ, the Messiah. This lineage is crucial for understanding the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the coming of a Savior from the line of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Historical Context

Ragau lived during a period of significant development and dispersion in human history, often associated with the division of languages at the Tower of Babel. His life and times reflect the early post-diluvian world, where humanity began to spread across the earth, forming distinct nations and cultures. This era is marked by the gradual establishment of civilizations and the continuation of God's redemptive plan through specific family lines.

Theological Implications

The mention of Ragau in the genealogy of Jesus serves as a reminder of God's sovereign orchestration of history. Each name in the genealogy represents a link in the chain of God's unfolding plan of salvation. Ragau's place in this lineage highlights the faithfulness of God in preserving a remnant through whom the promise of a Redeemer would be realized. It also emphasizes the importance of family and heritage in the biblical narrative, showcasing how God works through ordinary people to accomplish His extraordinary purposes.

Conclusion

Ragau, as a son of Peleg and an ancestor of Jesus, holds a vital role in the biblical genealogies. His life, though not extensively detailed in Scripture, is a testament to the enduring faithfulness of God in bringing about His redemptive plan through successive generations.Genesis 11:18-21
And Peleg lived thirty years, and begat Reu:
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1 Chronicles 1:25
Eber, Peleg, Reu,
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Luke 3:35
Which was the son of Saruch, which was the son of Ragau, which was the son of Phalec, which was the son of Heber, which was the son of Sala,
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