Interesting Facts

• Maseq was the father of Abram’s handmaid, who was also the mother of Eliezer of Damascus.
• Eliezer, the son of Maseq and Abram’s handmaid, was considered by Abram to be his heir since he was childless.
• Maseq is associated with Eliezer, who is described as “the Dammasek Eliezer”.

Genealogy

• Maseq was the father of Abram’s handmaid. The sources do not provide the name of Abram’s handmaid.
• His grandson was Eliezer of Damascus. The sources do not mention any further details about Maseq’s ancestry, birth, marital connections, or other offspring.

Historical Context

The reference to Maseq occurs within the context of Abram’s concern about not having an heir. This was a significant cultural concern in ancient Near Eastern societies, where lineage and inheritance were paramount. Abram expresses his concern to the Lord, indicating that in the absence of his own offspring, his heir would be Eliezer of Damascus, who is identified as the son of Maseq through Abram’s handmaid. This reveals the social practice of adopting or considering a trusted servant as an heir in the absence of direct descendants. The mention of “Dammasek Eliezer” suggests a connection to Damascus, possibly indicating the origin or dwelling place of Maseq or his descendants.

Narrative

Maseq himself does not appear as an active character in the narrative provided in these sources. His significance arises solely through his connection to Eliezer, Abram’s servant, whom Abram considered his heir due to his lack of children. When Abram questions the Lord about what he will receive given his childlessness, he mentions that “the son of Maseq, the son of my handmaid, is the Dammasek Eliezer: he will be my heir”. This single statement highlights Maseq’s indirect role in Abram’s story, as his lineage provides the immediate candidate for Abram’s inheritance before the Lord promises Abram his own offspring. The narrative then shifts to the divine promise of a biological heir for Abram, diminishing the significance of Eliezer and, consequently, Maseq in the unfolding story of Abram’s lineage. Therefore, Maseq’s presence in the narrative is limited to establishing the background of the individual Abram initially viewed as his successor according to the customs of the time.