Charles Ellicott Commentary Genesis 22:20

"And it came to pass after these things, that it was told Abraham, saying, Behold, Milcah, she also hath borne children unto they brother Nahor." — Genesis 22:20 (ASV)

NAHOR’S POSTERITY.

Thy brother Nahor. — Dwelling so far apart, news would seldom reach Abraham of those whom he had left at Haran.

But besides the domestic interest, the knowledge thus conveyed to him was probably the cause of Abraham’s determination to seek a wife for his son from among his own kindred.

It has been noticed that Nahor has twelve sons: eight by his lawful wife and four by his concubine. So Jacob has twelve sons: eight by his two lawful wives and four by two concubines. Lastly, Ishmael has twelve sons.

These coincidences are curious but afford no ground for the assertion that therefore these narratives are mythical, for coincidences quite as strange are to be found in every history and in daily life.