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Haran

Illustration of Haran

Serving as a pivotal location in the patriarchal accounts, Haran is where Terah settled with his household after leaving Ur, establishing a temporary home before his death. It was from this city that Abram heeded God's command to journey to Canaan, initiating the fulfillment of the promises to his descendants. Later, Jacob sought refuge there with Laban, experiencing God's provision and the growth of his family as part of the unfolding redemptive plan.

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Details

Region
Mesopotamia
Modern Location
Harran, Turkey
Strongest connections in Scripture

Key Passages

Terah Settles in Haran

Genesis 11:31-32

Terah took Abram and the family from Ur of the Chaldees and settled in Haran, where Terah died.

A31nd Terah took Abram his son, and Lot the son of Haran his sonโ€™s son, and Sarai his daughter in law, his son Abramโ€™s wife; and they went forth with them from Ur of the Chaldees, to go into the land of Canaan; and they came unto Haran, and dwelt there.

32 And the days of Terah were two hundred and five years: and Terah died in Haran.

Abram Leaves Haran

Genesis 12:4-5

Abram departed from Haran at age 75 in obedience to God's call, taking his household toward Canaan.

S4o Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran.

5 And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brotherโ€™s son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came.

Jacob Flees to Haran

Genesis 28:10

Jacob left Beersheba and journeyed toward Haran to escape Esau and stay with his uncle Laban.

A10nd Jacob went out from Beersheba, and went toward Haran.

Did You Know?

1

Abraham's family settled in Haran after leaving Ur, and Abraham stayed until his father died.

2

Jacob fled to Haran and worked 14 years for his uncle Laban to marry Rachel.

3

Haran sat at the crossroads of major trade routes between Mesopotamia and the Mediterranean.