Project Genesis




Jewish History

Biblical History

Rachel and the Teraphim

Question: Why did Rachel take her father’s Teraphim, his idols?

Answer: According to the Midrash, Rachel took them because she objected to her father’s use of them for idolatrous purposes. Laban wasn’t a Jew; the Jews are descended from Abraham, whereas Laban was descended from Abraham’s brother Nachor. Abraham’s father Terach was an idolator, and evidently Abraham’s brothers didn’t join him in breaking away from idolatry. But idolatry is forbidden even to non-Jews; this is one of the commandments given to Adam and Noah.

All the Best,
Rabbi Azriel Schreiber

No Follow-ups »

No published follow-up questions.

We respond to every follow-up question submitted, but only publish selected ones. In order to be considered for publication, questions must be on-topic, polite, and address ideas rather than personalities.

SUBMIT A FOLLOW-UP QUESTION


Powered by WordPress