Bethuel
בְּתוּאֵל/beth-OO-el/
“Dweller in God”
Summary
The son of Nahor and father of Rebekah and Laban, through whom Abraham's servant found a wife for Isaac.
☩Abraham's Kin
Bethuel was the son of Nahor and Milcah, Abraham's nephew, and the father of Rebekah and Laban. In Genesis 28:5 he is surnamed 'the Syrian' (Aramean), placing his household in Paddan-aram.
Key verses:Genesis 22:22-23Genesis 25:20Genesis 28:2-5
☩Role in Rebekah's Betrothal
The only narrative in which Bethuel appears as a character is the betrothal of Rebekah to Isaac, and even here his son Laban stands out far more prominently—a fact explained by the ancient custom that recognized the brother's special interest in the welfare of a sister. Josephus states that Bethuel was already dead at this time, which would further account for Laban's leading role in the negotiations.
Key verses:Genesis 24:15-50