Genesis 25:3
Jokshan was the father of Sheba and Dedan. And the sons of Dedan were the Asshurites, the Letushites, and the Leummites.
Jokshan
Jokshan is a name that appears in the genealogies of the Bible, specifically as a son of Abraham through Keturah. The name Jokshan may derive from a root meaning "snarer" or "fowler," suggesting a person who is skilled in capturing or ensnaring. This could metaphorically imply a person of influence or one who gathers people. In the broader biblical narrative, Jokshan represents the extension of Abraham's lineage beyond Isaac and Ishmael, highlighting God's promise to make Abraham a father of many nations.

was the father of
This phrase indicates lineage and heritage, a central theme in the Bible. In Hebrew culture, genealogy was crucial for establishing identity, inheritance rights, and fulfilling God's promises. The phrase underscores the importance of family lines in the unfolding of God's plan, as each generation plays a role in the divine narrative.

Sheba and Dedan
Sheba and Dedan are significant names in biblical history. Sheba is often associated with wealth and trade, possibly linked to the famous Queen of Sheba who visited Solomon. Dedan is frequently mentioned in prophetic texts, often in the context of trade and commerce. These names suggest regions or tribes known for their economic influence, indicating that Jokshan's descendants were integral to the cultural and economic landscape of the ancient Near East.

The descendants of Dedan
This phrase introduces the progeny of Dedan, emphasizing the continuation of his line. In biblical terms, descendants are not just biological offspring but also carriers of cultural, spiritual, and covenantal legacies. The mention of Dedan's descendants highlights the spread and influence of Abraham's lineage across different regions and peoples.

were the Asshurim, the Letushim, and the Leummim
These names represent tribes or groups descended from Dedan. The Asshurim may be linked to Assyria, a powerful empire known for its military might and cultural achievements. The Letushim and Leummim are less well-documented, but their inclusion signifies the diversity and reach of Abraham's descendants. Each group contributes to the tapestry of nations that interact with Israel throughout biblical history, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham that his offspring would be numerous and influential.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jokshan
A son of Abraham and Keturah, mentioned in the genealogies of Genesis. His lineage is significant in understanding the spread of Abraham's descendants.

2. Sheba
A descendant of Jokshan, often associated with a region or people known for wealth and trade, possibly linked to the Queen of Sheba who visited Solomon.

3. Dedan
Another descendant of Jokshan, associated with a region or tribe known for trade and commerce, often mentioned in prophetic literature.

4. Asshurim, Letushim, and Leummim
Tribes or clans descending from Dedan, representing the spread and influence of Abraham's lineage through Keturah.
Teaching Points
God's Faithfulness to His Promises
The genealogies in Genesis 25 demonstrate God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promise to Abraham that he would be the father of many nations. This encourages believers to trust in God's promises in their own lives.

The Spread of Influence
The descendants of Jokshan, including Sheba and Dedan, show how Abraham's influence extended beyond the immediate family of Isaac. Believers are reminded of their potential to impact the world beyond their immediate circles.

The Importance of Genealogies
While often overlooked, genealogies in the Bible provide important historical and theological insights. They remind us of God's sovereignty in history and His plan for humanity.

Cultural and Economic Impact
The mention of Sheba and Dedan highlights the cultural and economic interactions in the ancient world. Christians are encouraged to engage with the world around them, using their resources and influence for God's glory.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the genealogy of Jokshan and his descendants reflect God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:2-3?

2. In what ways can the account of Sheba and Dedan inspire Christians to use their resources and influence for God's purposes today?

3. How do the genealogies in Genesis 25 help us understand the broader account of God's plan for humanity?

4. What lessons can we learn from the spread of Abraham's descendants about the importance of faithfulness and obedience in our own lives?

5. How can understanding the historical and cultural context of Sheba and Dedan enhance our reading of other biblical passages, such as those in 1 Kings and the prophetic books?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Kings 10
The visit of the Queen of Sheba to Solomon highlights the wealth and wisdom associated with Sheba, a descendant of Jokshan.

Isaiah 21 and Ezekiel 27
These passages mention Dedan in the context of trade and prophecy, illustrating the historical and prophetic significance of these descendants.

Genesis 10
The Table of Nations provides context for the spread of peoples and tribes, including those descended from Jokshan.
Educated by IllusionF. W. Robertson, M. A.Genesis 25:1-7
LessonsG. Hughes, B. D.Genesis 25:1-7
Life and Character of AbrahamT. H. Leale.Genesis 25:1-7
The Last Years of AbrahamT. H. Leale.Genesis 25:1-7
The Line of BlessingR.A. Redford Genesis 25:1-18
People
Abraham, Abida, Abidah, Adbeel, Aram, Asshurim, Asshurites, Bethuel, Dedan, Dumah, Eldaah, Enoch, Ephah, Epher, Ephron, Esau, Hadad, Hadar, Hagar, Hanoch, Havilah, Heth, Hittites, Isaac, Ishbak, Ishmael, Jacob, Jetur, Jokshan, Kedar, Kedemah, Keturah, Laban, Letushim, Letushites, Leummim, Leummites, Mamre, Massa, Medan, Mibsam, Mishma, Naphish, Nebaioth, Nebajoth, Rebekah, Sarah, Shuah, Tema, Zimran, Zoar, Zohar
Places
Assyria, Beer-lahai-roi, Egypt, Machpelah, Mamre, Paddan-aram, Shur Desert
Topics
Asshurim, Asshu'rim, Asshurites, Begat, Begot, Begotten, Dedan, Descendants, Jokshan, Letushim, Letu'shim, Letushites, Leummim, Le-um'mim, Leummites, Sheba, Sons
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Genesis 25:1-4

     5078   Abraham, significance

Library
Pottage Versus Birthright
Esau despised his birthright'--GENESIS xxv. 34. Broad lessons unmistakable, but points strange and difficult to throw oneself back to so different a set of ideas. So I. Deal with the narrative. Not to tell it over again, but bring out the following points:-- (a) Birthright.--What? None of them any notion of sacred, spiritual aspect of it. To all, merely material advantages: headship of the clan. All the loftier aspects gone from Isaac, who thought he could give it for venison, from Esau, and from
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Death of Abraham
'Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people.'--GENESIS xxv. 8. 'Full of years' does not seem to me to be a mere synonym for longevity. That would be an intolerable tautology, for we should then have the same thing said three times over--'an old man,' 'in a good old age,' 'full of years.' There must be some other idea than that in the words. If you notice that the expression is by no means a usual one, that it is only
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Jacob and Esau
(Second Sunday in Lent.) GENESIS xxv. 29-34. And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint: And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom. And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright. And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me? And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob. Then
Charles Kingsley—The Gospel of the Pentateuch

Jesus Heals Multitudes Beside the Sea of Galilee.
^A Matt. XII. 15-21; ^B Mark III. 7-12. ^a 15 And Jesus perceiving it withdrew ^b with his disciples ^a from thence: ^b to the sea [This was the first withdrawal of Jesus for the avowed purpose of self-preservation. After this we find Jesus constantly retiring to avoid the plots of his enemies. The Sea of Galilee, with its boats and its shores touching different jurisdictions, formed a convenient and fairly safe retreat]: ^a and many followed him; ^b and a great multitude from Galilee followed; and
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Every Believer's Birthright.
On every hand a lack of something is being felt and expressed by God's people. Their Christian experience is not what they expected it would be. Instead of expected victory, it is oft-recurring, dreaded defeat; instead of soul satisfaction, it is soul hunger; instead of deep, abiding heart rest, it is disquiet and discontent; instead of advancing, it is losing ground. Is this all Christ meant when He said, "Come unto Me"? Is this life of constant disappointment the normal life of the Bible Christian?
John MacNeil—The Spirit-Filled Life

Second Great Group of Parables.
(Probably in Peræa.) Subdivision D. Parable of the Lost Son. ^C Luke XV. 11-32. ^c 11 And he said, A certain man had two sons [These two sons represent the professedly religious (the elder) and the openly irreligious (the younger). They have special reference to the two parties found in the first two verses of this chapter --the Pharisees, the publicans and sinners]: 12 and the younger of them [the more childish and easily deceived] said to his father, Father, give me the portion of thy substance
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Conflict.
"Therefore let us also, seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the Author and Perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the Cross, despising shame, and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him that hath endured such gainsaying of sinners against themselves, that ye
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews

John the Baptist's Person and Preaching.
(in the Wilderness of Judæa, and on the Banks of the Jordan, Occupying Several Months, Probably a.d. 25 or 26.) ^A Matt. III. 1-12; ^B Mark I. 1-8; ^C Luke III. 1-18. ^b 1 The beginning of the gospel [John begins his Gospel from eternity, where the Word is found coexistent with God. Matthew begins with Jesus, the humanly generated son of Abraham and David, born in the days of Herod the king. Luke begins with the birth of John the Baptist, the Messiah's herald; and Mark begins with the ministry
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

But if Moreover any not Having Charity, which Pertaineth to the Unity of Spirit...
23. But if moreover any not having charity, which pertaineth to the unity of spirit and the bond of peace whereby the Catholic Church is gathered and knit together, being involved in any schism, doth, that he may not deny Christ, suffer tribulations, straits, hunger, nakedness, persecution, perils, prisons, bonds, torments, swords, or flames, or wild beasts, or the very cross, through fear of hell and everlasting fire; in nowise is all this to be blamed, nay rather this also is a patience meet to
St. Augustine—On Patience

Of the Effects of those Prerogatives.
From these prerogatives there will arise to the elect in heaven, five notable effects:-- 1. They shall know God with a perfect knowledge (1 Cor. i. 10), so far as creatures can possibly comprehend the Creator. For there we shall see the Word, the Creator; and in the Word, all creatures that by the Word were created; so that we shall not need to learn (of the things which were made) the knowledge of him by whom all things were made. The most excellent creatures in this life, are but as a dark veil
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Travelling in Palestine --Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House Officers, Taxation, Publicans
It was the very busiest road in Palestine, on which the publican Levi Matthew sat at the receipt of "custom," when our Lord called him to the fellowship of the Gospel, and he then made that great feast to which he invited his fellow-publicans, that they also might see and hear Him in Whom he had found life and peace (Luke 5:29). For, it was the only truly international road of all those which passed through Palestine; indeed, it formed one of the great highways of the world's commerce. At the time
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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