THEOSISPhilaret of Moscow (Drosdow)
A concubine, known as פלגש (hence the terms παλλακις and pellex), is defined by the Rabbis as a female slave in a marital relationship without formal marriage or betrothal, and her offspring receive gifts but not an inheritance. Among the Jewish people, both prior to and under the law, the practice of keeping concubines was common. Examples can be seen in the lives of figures such as Manasseh (1 Chron. 7:14), Caleb (1 Chron. 2:46, 48), Gideon (Judg. 8:31), David (2 Sam. 5:13), and Solomon (3 Sam. 11:3). This tradition may have stemmed from the patriarchs Abraham (Genesis 25:1, 6) and Jacob (Genesis 35:22), whose practices may have set a precedent.
Read more (66 words)
It is noteworthy that these patriarchs in part adhered to the customs of their predecessors while also giving in to the desire for descendants, which was especially highlighted through the impatience of their wives (Genesis 16:2, Genesis 30:3). Thus, we should be cautious in our judgment of Nahor, who also took a concubine. Nahor fathered twelve sons, mirroring the number of sons of Ishmael and Jacob.