1 Chronicles 1:32
Now the sons of Keturah, Abraham's concubine: she bare Zimran, and Jokshan, and Medan, and Midian, and Ishbak, and Shuah. And the sons of Jokshan; Sheba, and Dedan.
Original Language Analysis
וּבְנֵ֥י
And the sons
H1121
וּבְנֵ֥י
And the sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
1 of 16
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יָֽלְדָ֞ה
she bare
H3205
יָֽלְדָ֞ה
she bare
Strong's:
H3205
Word #:
5 of 16
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וּמִדְיָ֖ן
and Midian
H4080
וּמִדְיָ֖ן
and Midian
Strong's:
H4080
Word #:
10 of 16
midjan, a son of abraham; also his country and (collectively) his descendants
וּבְנֵ֥י
And the sons
H1121
וּבְנֵ֥י
And the sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
13 of 16
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
Historical Context
Abraham remarried after Sarah's death at age 127 (Genesis 23:1), when he was 137. He lived another 38 years (died at 175), making Keturah's sons contemporaries of Jacob's youth. The Midianites settled east of Jordan and northwest Arabia, trading in spices and controlling caravan routes.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's blessing of Keturah's sons alongside covenant promises to Isaac reflect His common grace while maintaining particular election?
- What does Abraham's provision for all his children while preserving Isaac's unique inheritance teach about God's justice and mercy?
Analysis & Commentary
The sons of Keturah, Abraham's concubine (בְּנֵי קְטוּרָה פִּילֶגֶשׁ אַבְרָהָם)—after Sarah's death, Abraham married קְטוּרָה (Qeturah, 'incense' or 'fragrance'), producing six sons including Midian. Though legitimate sons, Genesis 25:6 specifies Abraham gave them gifts and sent them eastward, reserving Isaac's inheritance. Midian's descendants became the Midianites, both trading partners (Genesis 37:28) and enemies (Numbers 25, Judges 6-8) of Israel.
This demonstrates God's blessing extended beyond Isaac while maintaining covenant exclusivity. Abraham's fruitfulness fulfilled God's promise to make him 'father of many nations' (Genesis 17:5), yet the covenant line ran singularly through Isaac and Jacob—foreshadowing salvation's particularity through Christ while God's common grace extends universally.