Question

How could Abraham's family be from Ur of the Chaldees, which is in Southern Iraq (Gen. 11:28) when in Genesis 29:4 it says his ancestors came from Haran, which in northern Iraq?

Answer

Genesis 11:28 While his father Terah was still alive, Haran died in Ur of the Chaldeans, in the land of his birth.

Genesis 29:4 Jacob asked the shepherds, "My brothers, where are you from?" "We"re from Haran," they replied.

Abraham's family originated in Ur. Later his family simply migrated to Haran when God called him (Gen. 11:31-12:1). The two statements supplement one another, telling us a more complete set of facts and do not conflict with one another.

Answer by Dr. Joseph R. Nally, Jr.

Dr. Joseph R. Nally, Jr., D.D., M.Div. is the Theological Editor at Third Millennium Ministries (Thirdmill).

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