Topical Encyclopedia Abraham: Abraham, originally named Abram, is a central figure in the Hebrew Bible, revered as the patriarch of the Israelites, Ishmaelites, Edomites, and Midianites. His account is primarily found in the Book of Genesis. Abraham is known for his unwavering faith in God, which is exemplified in several key events, including his call to leave his homeland (Genesis 12:1-4), the covenant of circumcision (Genesis 17), and the binding of Isaac (Genesis 22).Keturah: Keturah is introduced in Genesis 25 as Abraham's wife after the death of Sarah. The text states, "Abraham took another wife, whose name was Keturah" (Genesis 25:1). Keturah bore Abraham six sons: Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah (Genesis 25:2). These sons are considered the progenitors of various tribes and peoples, particularly the Midianites, who play significant roles in later biblical narratives. Marriage to Keturah: The marriage of Abraham to Keturah is mentioned briefly in the biblical text, and little is known about her background or the circumstances of their union. Some Jewish traditions suggest that Keturah may have been a concubine or that she was Hagar, Sarah's maidservant, under a different name. However, the biblical text does not explicitly support these interpretations. Descendants of Keturah: The sons of Keturah are noted for their roles in the formation of various tribes. Jokshan, one of Keturah's sons, fathered Sheba and Dedan, whose descendants are associated with Arabian tribes (Genesis 25:3). Midian, another son, is particularly significant, as the Midianites are frequently mentioned in the Bible, including in the account of Moses, who fled to Midian and married Zipporah, the daughter of Jethro, a Midianite priest (Exodus 2:15-21). Inheritance and Legacy: While Keturah's sons were given gifts by Abraham, the primary inheritance was reserved for Isaac, the son of Sarah. Genesis 25:5-6 states, "Abraham left everything he owned to Isaac. But while he was still alive, Abraham gave gifts to the sons of his concubines and sent them away from his son Isaac, to the land of the east" . This act ensured that Isaac remained the primary heir, in accordance with God's covenant with Abraham. Significance: The narrative of Abraham and Keturah highlights the expansion of Abraham's lineage beyond Isaac and Ishmael, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's promise that Abraham would be "a father of many nations" (Genesis 17:4). The descendants of Keturah, particularly the Midianites, play roles in the broader biblical narrative, interacting with the Israelites in various contexts. References in Other Texts: Keturah and her descendants are mentioned in genealogical records in 1 Chronicles 1:32-33, which reiterates the lineage and the sons born to Abraham through Keturah. These records serve to underscore the widespread influence of Abraham's progeny across different regions and peoples. Subtopics Abraham is Blessed by Melchizedek Abraham: Age of, at Different Periods Abraham: Ancestors of, Idolatrous Abraham: Deferring to Lot, Chooses Hebron Abraham: He Purchases a Place for Her Burial, and Buries Her in a Cave Abraham: His Questions About the Destruction of the Righteous and Wicked in Sodom Abraham: How Regarded by his Descendants Abraham: Independence of, in Character Abraham: Lives in Gerar; Deceives Abimelech Concerning Sarah, his Wife Abraham: Lives in Ur, But Removes to Haran Abraham: Provides a Wife for Isaac Abraham: Sarah, his Wife, Dies Abraham: Sends Hagar and Ishmael Away Abraham: Trial of his Faith in the offering of Isaac Abraham: Witnesses the Destruction of Sodom Miscegenation: Forbidden by Abraham Related Terms |