1 Chronicles 1:32
The sons born to Keturah, Abraham's concubine: Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. The sons of Jokshan: Sheba and Dedan.
The sons born to Keturah, Abraham’s concubine
This phrase introduces Keturah, who is described as Abraham's concubine. The Hebrew word for "concubine" is "pilegesh," which indicates a woman who, while not a wife, holds a recognized position in the household. Keturah's role as a concubine suggests a secondary status compared to Sarah, Abraham's wife, yet she is honored as the mother of several of Abraham's children. This highlights the patriarchal structure of ancient Israelite society, where lineage and inheritance were significant. Keturah's children are part of Abraham's broader legacy, emphasizing God's promise to make Abraham a father of many nations (Genesis 17:4).

Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah
These names represent the sons of Keturah and Abraham. Each name carries its own historical and cultural significance. For instance, "Midian" is particularly notable, as the Midianites play a significant role in later biblical narratives, including the account of Moses. The mention of these sons underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding his descendants. The genealogical record serves as a testament to God's faithfulness and the unfolding of His divine plan through history.

The sons of Jokshan Sheba and Dedan
This phrase continues the genealogical record, listing the descendants of Jokshan, one of Keturah's sons. "Sheba" and "Dedan" are names that appear elsewhere in the Bible, often associated with trade and wealth (e.g., Ezekiel 27:22). These names suggest a connection to regions known for commerce and prosperity, indicating the spread and influence of Abraham's descendants. The inclusion of these names in the genealogy highlights the expansive reach of Abraham's lineage and the fulfillment of God's promise to bless all nations through him (Genesis 12:3).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Keturah
She is referred to as Abraham's concubine in this verse. Keturah bore Abraham six sons after the death of Sarah, and her role is significant in the lineage of Abraham.

2. Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah
These are the sons of Keturah and Abraham. Each of these names represents a lineage that would become tribes or nations.

3. Jokshan
One of Keturah's sons, who fathered Sheba and Dedan. These names are associated with regions and peoples in the Arabian Peninsula.

4. Sheba and Dedan
Sons of Jokshan, their names are often associated with trade and wealth in the biblical account, particularly in the context of the Arabian Peninsula.

5. Abraham
The patriarch of the Israelites, whose descendants through Keturah are listed here, showing the breadth of his influence and the fulfillment of God's promise to make him a father of many nations.
Teaching Points
God's Faithfulness to His Promises
The genealogy of Keturah's sons demonstrates God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promise to Abraham to make him a father of many nations.

The Importance of Genealogies
Genealogies in the Bible are not just historical records but are significant in understanding God's unfolding plan and the interconnectedness of His people.

Diversity in God's Plan
The inclusion of Keturah's descendants shows the diversity within God's plan, emphasizing that His blessings extend beyond the immediate line of Isaac.

Legacy and Influence
Abraham's legacy is seen not only through Isaac but also through the nations that arose from Keturah's sons, reminding us of the far-reaching impact of our faithfulness.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the inclusion of Keturah's sons in the genealogy of 1 Chronicles 1:32 reflect God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 17:4-6?

2. In what ways do the genealogies in the Bible, such as this one, help us understand the broader account of God's plan for humanity?

3. What can we learn from the fact that Keturah's descendants became significant tribes and nations, and how does this apply to our understanding of God's work in diverse peoples today?

4. How does the mention of Sheba and Dedan in other parts of the Bible (e.g., Isaiah 60:6) enhance our understanding of their significance in biblical history?

5. Reflect on the legacy of Abraham as seen through his descendants. How can we apply the concept of leaving a godly legacy in our own lives today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 25:1-4
This passage provides a parallel account of Keturah and her sons, offering additional context to the genealogical record in 1 Chronicles.

Genesis 17:4-6
God's promise to Abraham that he would be the father of many nations is reflected in the genealogies of his descendants, including those through Keturah.

Isaiah 60:6
This verse mentions Sheba, highlighting the wealth and trade associated with the descendants of Keturah.
GenealogiesF. Whitfield 1 Chronicles 1:1-54
Genealogies as Symbols of the Solidarity of Our RaceW. H. Bennett, M. A.1 Chronicles 1:1-54
Genealogies in Relation to ChristF. Whitfield 1 Chronicles 1:1-54
Genealogies in Relation to the Church and the WorldF. Whitfield 1 Chronicles 1:1-54
Israelite DescentW. H. Bennett, M. A.1 Chronicles 1:1-54
NamesW. H. Bennett, M. A.1 Chronicles 1:1-54
The Antiquity and Unity of ManJ. Parker, D. D.1 Chronicles 1:1-54
The Genealogies and HeredityW. H. Bennett, M. A.1 Chronicles 1:1-54
The Genealogies Indicative of Universal BrotherhoodW. H. Bennett, M. A.1 Chronicles 1:1-54
The Genealogies: What We Owe to the PastW. H. Bennett, M. A.1 Chronicles 1:1-54
On the Genealogical TablesR. Glover 1 Chronicles 1-6
GenealogiesJ.R. Thomson 1 Chronicles 1-9
People
Abida, Abimael, Abram, Achbor, Adam, Adbeel, Aholibamah, Aiah, Ajah, Akan, Aliah, Alian, Almodad, Alvah, Alvan, Amalek, Amorites, Amram, Anah, Anamim, Anamites, Aram, Aran, Arkite, Arkites, Arphaxad, Arvadite, Arvadites, Ashchenaz, Ashkenaz, Baalhanan, Bedad, Bela, Beor, Bilhan, Cainan, Caphthorim, Caphtorim, Caphtorites, Casluhim, Casluhites, Cheran, Dedan, Diklah, Dishan, Dishon, Dodanim, Dumah, Eber, Elah, Elam, Eldaah, Eliphaz, Elisha, Elishah, Enoch, Enosh, Ephah, Epher, Esau, Eshban, Ezar, Ezer, Gatam, Gether, Girgashite, Girgashites, Gomer, Hadad, Hadoram, Ham, Hamathite, Hamathites, Hanan, Hanoch, Havilah, Hazarmaveth, Hemdan, Henoch, Heth, Hittites, Hivite, Hivites, Homam, Hori, Hul, Husham, Iram, Isaac, Ishbak, Ishmael, Israelites, Ithran, Jaalam, Jakan, Japheth, Jared, Javan, Jebusites, Jerah, Jered, Jetheth, Jetur, Jeush, Jobab, Jokshan, Joktan, Kedar, Kedemah, Kenan, Kenaz, Keturah, Kittim, Korah, Lamech, Lehabim, Lehabites, Lotan, Lud, Ludim, Ludites, Madai, Magdiel, Magog, Mahalaleel, Manahath, Massa, Matred, Medan, Mehetabel, Meshech, Methuselah, Mezahab, Mibsam, Mibzar, Mishma, Mizraim, Mizzah, Nahath, Nahor, Naphish, Naphtuhim, Naphtuhites, Nebaioth, Nimrod, Noah, Omar, Onam, Ophir, Pathrusim, Peleg, Phut, Pinon, Reu, Reuel, Riphath, Sabta, Sabtecha, Samlah, Saul, Seba, Seir, Serug, Seth, Shammah, Shaul, Shelah, Sheleph, Shem, Shephi, Shepho, Sheth, Shobal, Shuah, Sinite, Sinites, Tarshish, Tema, Teman, Temanites, Terah, Timna, Timnah, Tiras, Togarmah, Tubal, Uzal, Zaavan, Zavan, Zemarite, Zemarites, Zephi, Zepho, Zerah, Zibeon, Zidon, Zimran
Places
Avith, Babylon, Bozrah, Dinhabah, Edom, Euphrates River, Masrekah, Midian, Moab, Pai, Rehoboth
Topics
Abraham's, Bare, Bore, Born, Concubine, Dedan, Ishbak, Jokshan, Keturah, Ketu'rah, Medan, Midian, Mid'ian, Servant-wife, Sheba, Shuah, Shu'ah, Sons, Zimran
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 1:32

     5672   concubines

1 Chronicles 1:24-34

     5076   Abraham, life of

Library
Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
1 Chronicles 1:32 NIV
1 Chronicles 1:32 NLT
1 Chronicles 1:32 ESV
1 Chronicles 1:32 NASB
1 Chronicles 1:32 KJV

1 Chronicles 1:32 Commentaries

Bible Hub
1 Chronicles 1:31
Top of Page
Top of Page