1 Chronicles 1:33
The sons of Midian: Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All of these were Keturah's sons.
The sons of Midian
The phrase "The sons of Midian" refers to the descendants of Midian, who was one of the sons of Abraham through his wife Keturah. The name "Midian" is significant in biblical history, as the Midianites played a crucial role in the narrative of the Israelites. The Hebrew root of Midian (מִדְיָן) suggests meanings related to "strife" or "judgment," which is fitting given the often contentious interactions between the Midianites and the Israelites. Historically, the Midianites were a nomadic people, and their interactions with Israel are documented in various biblical accounts, including the account of Moses, who fled to Midian and married Zipporah, a Midianite woman.

Ephah
"Ephah" is the first son listed and is also the name of a region or tribe associated with Midian. The name Ephah (עֵפָה) in Hebrew can mean "darkness" or "gloom," but it is also a term used for a unit of measurement, indicating the potential for prosperity and trade. The mention of Ephah in Isaiah 60:6, where camels from Ephah bring gold and incense, suggests a connection to wealth and commerce, highlighting the economic interactions of the Midianites.

Epher
"Epher" is the second son mentioned. The name Epher (עֵפֶר) in Hebrew can mean "a calf" or "young deer," symbolizing vitality and strength. This name might reflect the characteristics or aspirations of the tribe or family descended from Epher. The genealogical listing underscores the importance of lineage and heritage in the biblical narrative, emphasizing the continuity of God's promises through generations.

Hanoch
"Hanoch" is the third son listed. The name Hanoch (חֲנוֹךְ) means "dedicated" or "initiated" in Hebrew. This name is shared with other biblical figures, including a son of Cain and a son of Reuben, suggesting a theme of dedication or consecration. The repetition of this name in various genealogies highlights the interconnectedness of biblical families and the recurring themes of faithfulness and commitment to God.

Abida
"Abida" is the fourth son mentioned. The name Abida (אֲבִידָע) means "my father knows" or "father of knowledge" in Hebrew. This name reflects a recognition of divine wisdom and understanding, suggesting that the descendants of Abida might have been known for their insight or leadership. The emphasis on knowledge and wisdom is a recurring theme in the Bible, underscoring the value placed on understanding God's will and living according to His guidance.

Eldaah
"Eldaah" is the fifth and final son listed. The name Eldaah (אֶלְדָּעָה) means "God has called" or "God is knowledge" in Hebrew. This name signifies a divine calling or purpose, suggesting that the descendants of Eldaah were seen as having a special role or mission. The acknowledgment of God's calling is a central theme in the Bible, reminding believers of the importance of responding to God's voice and fulfilling His purposes.

All these were the sons of Keturah
This concluding phrase emphasizes the lineage of Keturah, Abraham's wife after Sarah. Keturah's sons, including Midian, are significant in the broader narrative of the Abrahamic family. The name Keturah (קְטוּרָה) means "incense" or "fragrance," symbolizing the pleasantness and blessing associated with her offspring. The mention of Keturah and her sons highlights the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham to make him a father of many nations, demonstrating God's faithfulness and the unfolding of His redemptive plan through diverse peoples and tribes.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Midian
Midian was a son of Abraham and Keturah. The Midianites, his descendants, played significant roles in biblical history, often interacting with the Israelites.

2. Ephah
Ephah is one of the sons of Midian. His name is also associated with a region or tribe in the Arabian desert, indicating the spread of Midian's descendants.

3. Epher
Another son of Midian, Epher's name is less frequently mentioned, but he is part of the lineage that contributed to the tribes in the Arabian Peninsula.

4. Hanoch
Hanoch, also a son of Midian, shares a name with other biblical figures, indicating a common naming tradition.

5. Abida and Eldaah
These sons of Midian are mentioned together, and like their brothers, they represent the expansion of Abraham's lineage through Keturah.
Teaching Points
God's Faithfulness to His Promises
The genealogy of Midian and his brothers demonstrates God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promise to Abraham to make him a father of many nations.

The Complexity of God's Plan
The descendants of Keturah, including Midian, show that God's plan includes a wide array of peoples and nations, each playing a role in His divine account.

The Importance of Lineage and Heritage
Understanding the genealogies in Scripture helps us appreciate the historical and spiritual heritage that shapes biblical events and prophecies.

Interconnectedness of Biblical Narratives
The mention of Midian and his sons connects various biblical accounts, illustrating how different parts of Scripture are woven together in God's overarching account.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the genealogy of Midian and his brothers reflect God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:2-3?

2. In what ways do the interactions between the Israelites and the Midianites in Judges 6-8 illustrate the complexities of relationships between God's people and surrounding nations?

3. How can understanding the genealogies in 1 Chronicles enhance our appreciation of God's faithfulness throughout biblical history?

4. What lessons can we learn from the inclusion of Keturah's descendants in the biblical account about God's inclusivity and the scope of His plan?

5. How does the prophecy in Isaiah 60:6 about Midian and Ephah's wealth relate to the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham's descendants?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 25:1-4
This passage provides the original account of Abraham's marriage to Keturah and lists their children, including Midian and his sons, establishing the genealogical context.

Judges 6-8
The account of Gideon and the Midianites highlights the ongoing interactions and conflicts between the Israelites and the descendants of Midian.

Isaiah 60:6
This prophecy mentions the wealth of the nations, including the camels of Midian and Ephah, symbolizing the future glory and prosperity associated with these descendants.
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
Abida, Descendants, Eldaah, Elda'ah, Enoch, Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Henoch, Keturah, Ketu'rah, Midian, Mid'ian, Sons
Dictionary of Bible Themes
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

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