Genesis 11:29 - Patriarchs' marital foundations revealed

Verse Context and Overview

The verse (Bereshit 11:29) describes the marriages of Avram (later Avraham) and his brother Nachor. Avram marries Sarai, while Nachor marries Milka, the daughter of their deceased brother Haran. The verse also mentions that Haran was the father of Yiska, another daughter. This passage sets the stage for the unfolding narrative of Avraham’s lineage and the future of Bnei Yisrael.

Rashi’s Commentary

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) provides several insights on this verse:

• Sarai’s Identity: Rashi notes that Sarai is the same person as Yiska, mentioned at the end of the verse. He explains that she was called "Yiska" because she was "seen" (sakata) through ruach hakodesh (divine inspiration), or because all gazed (sakin) at her beauty (Bereshit Rabbah 38:14).
• Milka’s Lineage: Rashi clarifies that Milka was the daughter of Haran, Avram’s brother, making her Avram’s niece. This establishes the familial ties that later become significant in the marriage of Yitzchak to Rivka (Milka’s granddaughter).

Midrashic Interpretations

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 38:14) elaborates on the names and relationships:

• Yiska as Sarai: The Midrash supports Rashi’s view that Yiska was another name for Sarai, emphasizing her prophetic stature and beauty. It also suggests that "Yiska" derives from nesichut (nobility), indicating her elevated status.
• Haran’s Children: The mention of Haran as the father of both Milka and Yiska underscores the interconnectedness of Avraham’s family, which later plays a role in the continuity of the covenant through Rivka.

Rambam’s Perspective

While Rambam (Maimonides) does not directly comment on this verse, his principles about marriage and lineage in Hilchos Issurei Biah (Laws of Forbidden Relationships) can be applied. The Torah later prohibits marriages between close relatives, but at this early stage, such unions were permitted to ensure the purity of Avraham’s lineage.

Significance in the Narrative

This verse is foundational for understanding:

• The Matriarchs: Sarai (later Sarah) is the first of the Imahos (Matriarchs), and her marriage to Avram begins the line leading to Yitzchak and Yaakov.
• Future Marriages: Milka’s descendants (through her son Betuel) include Rivka, who marries Yitzchak, continuing the covenant. This highlights Divine Providence in shaping the lineage of Klal Yisrael.