Terah

Role: father of Abraham · First appears: The Wicked Generations

Nahor named his son Terah because ravens and other birds were devouring people’s seed. Terah married Emtelai, and they became parents of Abraham. When Abraham was born, Terah named him Abram. A high official at Nimrod’s court, Terah reported what had happened with his wife and son; Nimrod then ordered him to take Abraham away and return to his city.

Terah concealed Abraham, Emtelai, and the child’s nurse in a cave, bringing them provisions each month. He also gave Nimrod a child born to his handmaid, whom the king killed, believing the child was Abraham. Terah made and worshipped idols, and when Abraham denounced them, Terah grew angry, though he later called him back. After Abraham declared that the creator was the true God, Terah brought his actions before Nimrod, admitted he had deceived the king, and falsely accused Haran of advising him to do so.

When Abraham was twenty, Terah fell ill. He asked Abraham and Haran to sell his idols, and Haran carried out his wish. Terah eventually consented to leave his country and departed for Haran with Abraham and Lot. Abraham later left him there and journeyed to Canaan. Terah lived until Isaac was thirty-five, then died and entered Paradise. In his old age, Terah married Pelilah, and they had a son, Zoba.