Interesting Facts

• ‘Ijaska was the wife of Nahor, son of Serug.
• ‘Ijaska was the daughter of Nestag of the Chaldees.
• ‘Ijaska was the mother of Terah.

Genealogy

• ‘Ijaska’s father was Nestag of the Chaldees.
• ‘Ijaska married Nahor, who was the son of Serug and Melka, and a descendant of Shem and Noah [54, see previous analysis].
• ‘Ijaska was the mother of Terah.

Historical Context

‘Ijaska’s life was situated in Ur of the Chaldees, a region increasingly associated with idolatry and the practices of divination and augury. This was a time following the dispersion from Babel and the establishment of distinct cultural and linguistic groups. The influence of Chaldean society, with its unique customs and religious inclinations, would have significantly shaped her environment and likely her upbringing, given that her father, Nestag, was also of the Chaldees. Furthermore, the reign of Nimrod and the establishment of his kingdom in Shinar marked a period of growing human ambition and a departure from the ways of the Lord. Even natural phenomena, such as the ravens and birds sent by Mastêmâ to devour the seeds and fruits, impacted the lives of people during the time of her son Terah, suggesting a period of hardship and divine testing. ‘Ijaska thus lived in a world characterized by cultural diversification, the rise of new forms of governance, and spiritual and material challenges.

Narrative

The narrative concerning ‘Ijaska is primarily defined by her marriage to Nahor and her role as the mother of Terah. As the daughter of Nestag of the Chaldees, her union with Nahor, who had been instructed in Chaldean divinatory arts by his father, suggests an alignment with the prevailing culture of Ur. While the texts do not provide any direct actions or pronouncements by ‘Ijaska, her lineage and marriage are significant as they place Terah, her son, within this specific cultural and familial context. Terah would later become a figure of prominence, serving as the prince of Nimrod’s host. The difficulties faced during Terah’s early life, such as the destruction of crops by birds, are noted in the naming of Terah, implying that ‘Ijaska experienced these hardships alongside her husband and son. Thus, ‘Ijaska’s importance in the narrative lies in her contribution to the lineage leading towards Abraham, and her connection to the Chaldean environment that profoundly influenced her family.