Interesting Facts

• Chesed is listed as one of the sons of Nahor and Milcah.
• His name appears in the genealogical records alongside his brothers.
• The variation in spelling between “Chesed” and “Kesed” may reflect different transcriptions of the name in the ancient texts.

Genealogy

• Chesed was a son of Nahor, who was the brother of Abraham.
• His mother was Milcah, the daughter of Haran and the sister of Sarah.
• He had at least seven brothers: Huz, Buz, Kemuel (the father of Aram), Hazo/Chazo, Pildash, Jidlaph/Tidlaf, and Bethuel.
• The sources do not provide any information regarding Chesed’s marital connections or offspring.

Historical Context

The context of Chesed’s existence is embedded within the early narratives of Abraham’s family, specifically the branch that remained in the region of Haran while Abraham journeyed to Canaan. The listing of Chesed among Nahor’s sons signifies the growth and expansion of Abraham’s lineage through his brother. While Chesed is not directly involved in the major events concerning Abraham’s travels or covenant with the Lord, his place in the genealogy highlights the broader movements and familial ties of the patriarch’s kin in Mesopotamia. The birth of Chesed and his brothers occurred sometime before Abram was ninety-nine years old, the age at which his name was changed to Abraham and the covenant of circumcision was established.

Narrative

Chesed’s narrative presence in the provided sources is primarily genealogical. He appears in the lists detailing the sons born to Nahor by Milcah. These genealogical records serve to document the lineage and familial connections of Abraham’s extended family. While no specific actions or dialogues are attributed to Chesed himself, his inclusion in these lists underscores his role as a member of this significant family group. His existence contributes to the larger tapestry of the early ancestral narratives, illustrating the expansion of Abraham’s kin beyond the immediate lineage of promise. The fact that he is mentioned alongside Kemuel, the father of Aram, further connects him to the subsequent narratives of Aram’s migration and establishment. Thus, Chesed’s significance lies in his place within the ancestral records, linking different branches of Abraham’s family and providing a broader context for the unfolding narratives of his descendants.