What are the listed names in the genealogy of Abraham?

The genealogy of Abraham, a prominent figure in the Old Testament of the Bible, is documented in the book of Genesis. As the patriarch of the Israelite people and a key figure in biblical history, Abraham's lineage is of significant importance in understanding the narrative of the Hebrew Bible and the genealogical roots of the Israelite nation. The genealogy of Abraham is found in Genesis 11:10-26, and it traces his lineage through several generations, providing insight into his ancestral heritage.

The genealogy of Abraham begins with his forefather Shem, one of the sons of Noah, who is commonly regarded as the ancestor of the Semitic peoples. According to the biblical account, Shem fathered Arphaxad, who in turn fathered Shelah. The line of descent continues with Eber, whose name is associated with the term "Hebrew," and from whom the Hebrew people are believed to derive their name. Eber was the father of Peleg, whose name is linked to the biblical narrative of the division of the earth following the Tower of Babel. Peleg's descendants are documented, leading to the birth of Reu, Serug, Nahor, and finally Terah.

Terah, the father of Abraham, is a central figure in the genealogy, as he serves as the immediate ancestor from whom the lineage of Abraham originates. Terah is noted in the biblical narrative for his journey from Ur of the Chaldeans to the land of Canaan, accompanied by his son Abraham and their family. However, the journey is interrupted, and Terah settles in the city of Haran, where he eventually passes away.

The genealogy of Abraham, as detailed in Genesis, serves as a foundational component of the Israelite narrative, tracing the ancestral heritage of a significant biblical figure and the origins of the Hebrew people. It provides a line of descent that connects Abraham to the broader historical and genealogical context of the ancient Near East, linking him to key figures such as Shem and Eber, whose names are associated with the preservation and continuity of the Semitic lineage.

Beyond the immediate genealogy outlined in the book of Genesis, the biblical narrative further explores the significance of Abraham's descendants, spanning successive generations that ultimately lead to the formation of the twelve tribes of Israel. The genealogy of Abraham sets the stage for the unfolding of the covenantal relationship between God and the people of Israel, as well as the fulfillment of the promises and blessings attributed to the descendants of Abraham.