Bible Figure
Bethuel
biblical character
Bethuel was a son of Nahor and Milcah, father of Rebekah and Laban, and a relative of Abraham's family in Mesopotamia.
Biography
Genesis 22 names Bethuel among the sons born to Abraham's brother Nahor and Milcah and identifies him as father of Rebekah. In Genesis 24, Abraham's servant comes to Bethuel's family seeking a wife for Isaac. Bethuel and Laban recognize the providential circumstances and agree that Rebekah may go. Bethuel's son Laban later becomes central in Jacob's story.
Biblical Significance
Bethuel links Abraham's extended family to both Isaac and Jacob through Rebekah and Laban. His importance is principally genealogical within the patriarchal narratives.