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Genesis 22:20 - Nachor's descendants revealed

Genesis 22:20 - בראשית 22:20

Hebrew Text

וַיְהִי אַחֲרֵי הַדְּבָרִים הָאֵלֶּה וַיֻּגַּד לְאַבְרָהָם לֵאמֹר הִנֵּה יָלְדָה מִלְכָּה גַם־הִוא בָּנִים לְנָחוֹר אָחִיךָ׃

English Translation

And it came to pass after these things, that it was told Avraham, saying, Behold Milka, she also has born children to thy brother Naĥor;

Transliteration

Vayehi acharei hadevarim ha'eleh vayugad le'Avraham lemor hine yaldah Milkah gam hi banim le'Nachor achicha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְהִ֗י אַחֲרֵי֙ הַדְּבָרִ֣ים הָאֵ֔לֶּה וַיֻּגַּ֥ד לְאַבְרָהָ֖ם לֵאמֹ֑ר הִ֠נֵּ֠ה יָלְדָ֨ה מִלְכָּ֥ה גַם־הִ֛וא בָּנִ֖ים לְנָח֥וֹר אָחִֽיךָ׃
וַיְהִ֗י אַחֲרֵי֙ הַדְּבָרִ֣ים הָאֵ֔לֶּה וַיֻּגַּ֥ד לְאַבְרָהָ֖ם לֵאמֹ֑ר הִ֠נֵּ֠ה יָלְדָ֨ה מִלְכָּ֥ה גַם־הִ֛וא בָּנִ֖ים לְנָח֥וֹר אָחִֽיךָ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context and Significance of the Verse

The verse (Bereishit 22:20) follows the narrative of the Akeidah (Binding of Isaac) and introduces a genealogical report about Avraham's brother, Nachor. Rashi explains that this news was given to Avraham to console him after the great trial of the Akeidah, as it informed him that Rivka (Rebecca)—his future daughter-in-law and the matriarch of the Jewish people—had been born into Nachor's family. This sets the stage for the subsequent marriage of Yitzchak (Isaac) to Rivka.

Milka's Children and Their Role in Jewish History

Milka, Nachor's wife, bore children who would play a role in the lineage of the Jewish people. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 57:3) notes that the phrase "גם היא" ("she also") hints that just as Sarah bore Yitzchak, Milka bore Rivka, indicating divine providence in ensuring the continuity of Avraham's spiritual legacy.

The Timing of the News

The Ramban (Nachmanides) observes that the phrase "ויהי אחרי הדברים האלה" ("And it came to pass after these things") connects this announcement to the Akeidah, suggesting that Avraham's unwavering faith was rewarded with tidings of future generations. The Sforno adds that this was a reassurance that Avraham’s descendants would indeed become a great nation, as promised by Hashem.

Nachor’s Family and Their Spiritual Status

The Talmud (Bava Batra 91a) discusses Nachor’s descendants, noting that while some remained idolaters, Rivka emerged as a righteous woman. This underscores the idea that even within a family of mixed spiritual legacies, individuals can rise to greatness through their own merits.

  • Rashi: Emphasizes the consolation to Avraham after the Akeidah and the significance of Rivka’s birth.
  • Ramban: Highlights the divine reward for Avraham’s faithfulness.
  • Midrash: Draws parallels between Sarah and Milka, showing divine orchestration in Jewish lineage.
  • Talmud: Contrasts the spiritual paths of Nachor’s descendants, focusing on Rivka’s righteousness.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of Genesis 22:20 mentioning Milka and Nachor?
A: Genesis 22:20 informs Avraham that his brother Nachor had children with Milka. This is significant because it sets the stage for the future marriage of Yitzchak (Isaac) to Rivka (Rebecca), who is mentioned later as Nachor's granddaughter (Genesis 24:15). The Torah highlights family connections to show Divine providence in shaping Jewish history.
Q: Why does the Torah mention Nachor's children after the Akeidah (Binding of Isaac)?
A: Rashi explains that this news follows the Akeidah to contrast Avraham's faithfulness with his family's idolatrous background. Despite coming from the same lineage, Avraham chose monotheism, while Nachor's descendants remained steeped in idol worship. This teaches that spiritual greatness depends on personal choices, not just ancestry.
Q: How does Genesis 22:20 connect to the larger Torah narrative?
A: This verse introduces the family line that will produce Rivka (Rebecca), Yitzchak's future wife. The Midrash notes that Hashem orchestrated these events to ensure the continuity of the Jewish people through righteous matriarchs. It shows how Divine planning works behind the scenes to fulfill promises to Avraham.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Milka bearing children to Nachor?
A: The Rambam teaches that this verse reminds us that building a family is part of humanity's purpose. Even though Nachor didn't share Avraham's spiritual level, his offspring still played a role in Jewish history. This teaches that every person has potential significance in Hashem's plan.
Q: Why does the Torah use the phrase 'after these things' in this verse?
A: Sforno explains that 'after these things' refers to the spiritual elevation Avraham attained through the Akeidah. Now, the Torah contrasts this with mundane family news to show that even after great spiritual moments, we must remain engaged with the physical world and family responsibilities.