and she bore him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. She bore himThis phrase indicates the continuation of God's promise to Abraham regarding his descendants. The Hebrew root for "bore" is "yalad," which means to bring forth or to beget. This emphasizes the fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham, as his lineage continues to expand. The act of bearing children in the biblical context is often seen as a divine blessing and a sign of God's favor. Zimran
The name Zimran is believed to be derived from a root meaning "musical" or "song." This could suggest a cultural or familial significance, possibly indicating a lineage known for music or celebration. Historically, Zimran is considered one of the lesser-known sons of Abraham, and his descendants are not extensively detailed in the Bible, which leaves room for interpretation and exploration of his legacy. Jokshan
Jokshan's name may be linked to a root meaning "snarer" or "fowler," which could imply a role or characteristic of his descendants. In the broader biblical narrative, Jokshan is noted as the father of Sheba and Dedan, indicating the spread of Abraham's lineage into various tribes and regions, fulfilling God's promise of making Abraham a father of many nations. Medan
The name Medan is less clear in its etymology, but it is often associated with the idea of contention or strife. This could reflect the challenges and dynamics within Abraham's extended family and the broader narrative of the Israelites' interactions with surrounding peoples. Medan's descendants are not prominently featured in the biblical text, suggesting a more subtle influence in the unfolding account of God's people. Midian
Midian is a significant figure, as his descendants, the Midianites, play a notable role in the biblical narrative. The name Midian is thought to mean "strife" or "judgment," which is fitting given the complex relationship between the Israelites and the Midianites. The Midianites are involved in various biblical events, including interactions with Moses, highlighting the interconnectedness of Abraham's descendants with the unfolding history of Israel. Ishbak
Ishbak's name is believed to be derived from a root meaning "to leave" or "to abandon." This could symbolize a branch of Abraham's family that diverged or settled in different regions. The lack of detailed information about Ishbak's descendants in the Bible suggests a more peripheral role in the biblical narrative, yet still part of the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham. Shuah
Shuah's name may be related to a root meaning "wealth" or "opulence," indicating prosperity or abundance. In the biblical context, Shuah is noted as the ancestor of the Shuhites, one of whom, Bildad, is a friend of Job. This connection illustrates the broader influence of Abraham's descendants across different biblical accounts and regions, underscoring the expansive reach of his lineage. Persons / Places / Events 1. KeturahThe wife of Abraham after Sarah's death. Her role is significant as she bore Abraham six sons, contributing to the fulfillment of God's promise to make Abraham a father of many nations. 2. ZimranOne of the sons of Abraham and Keturah. Little is known about him, but he represents the expansion of Abraham's lineage. 3. JokshanAnother son of Abraham and Keturah. He is noted for being the father of Sheba and Dedan, linking to other significant biblical lineages. 4. MedanA son of Abraham and Keturah. His descendants are not detailed in the Bible, but he is part of the broader account of Abraham's offspring. 5. MidianA son of Abraham and Keturah, whose descendants, the Midianites, play a significant role in later biblical accounts, including interactions with Moses. 6. IshbakAnother son of Abraham and Keturah. Like Medan, his specific descendants are not detailed, but he contributes to the fulfillment of God's promise. 7. ShuahThe last son of Abraham and Keturah mentioned in this verse. His lineage is not detailed, but he is part of the broader account of Abraham's descendants. Teaching Points God's Faithfulness to His PromisesGod's promise to Abraham to make him a father of many nations is evident through the birth of these sons. This reminds us of God's faithfulness and the importance of trusting His promises. The Importance of Lineage and LegacyThe genealogies in the Bible, including the sons of Keturah, highlight the importance of lineage and legacy. We are encouraged to consider the spiritual legacy we are leaving for future generations. Diversity in God's PlanThe various descendants of Abraham through Keturah show the diversity in God's plan for humanity. This diversity is a reminder of the inclusivity of God's love and the call to embrace all people. The Role of Lesser-Known FiguresFigures like Zimran, Medan, and Ishbak, though not prominent, played a role in God's plan. This teaches us that every person has a purpose in God's kingdom, even if it is not widely recognized. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the birth of Keturah's sons demonstrate God's faithfulness to His promises to Abraham? 2. In what ways can we see the influence of Abraham's descendants, such as the Midianites, in later biblical accounts? 3. What can we learn from the inclusion of lesser-known figures like Zimran and Ishbak in the biblical genealogies? 4. How does understanding the diversity of Abraham's descendants help us appreciate the inclusivity of God's plan for humanity? 5. Reflect on your own spiritual legacy. What steps can you take to ensure that it aligns with God's purposes? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 17:4-6God's promise to Abraham that he would be the father of many nations is further fulfilled through the sons of Keturah. 1 Chronicles 1:32-33This passage lists the sons of Keturah, confirming their place in the genealogical record of Israel. Exodus 2:15-21The Midianites, descendants of Midian, play a role in Moses' life, showing the ongoing influence of Abraham's descendants. 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, ZoharPlaces Assyria, Beer-lahai-roi, Egypt, Machpelah, Mamre, Paddan-aram, Shur DesertTopics Bare, Beareth, Bore, Ishbak, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Mid'ian, Shuah, ZimranDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 25:1-2 5076 Abraham, life of 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 ScriptureThe 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 Links Genesis 25:2 NIVGenesis 25:2 NLTGenesis 25:2 ESVGenesis 25:2 NASBGenesis 25:2 KJV
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