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Daily Devotions

Genesis

Genesis 
Day 
Day 164

"God be merciful to us and bless us, And cause His face to shine upon us." Psalm 67:1

Text: Genesis 25:1-34

THE CLOSING ACCOUNT OF THE LIFE OF ABRAHAM

The saga of how Abraham found faith in God, and how he was blessed had to be preserved for all posterity. The many rich and spiritual lessons he had learned in his life must be regaled to all subsequent generations!

The high points of his life must be told with great excitement, for they revealed the great mercies of God shown to him. The low points of his life must also be preserved with candor. No story need be told with acid cruelty, for Abraham, at the end of the day was only mortal, with normal needs and usual human weakness.


THE NEW FAMILY OF ABRAHAM

Isaac was now successfully married. He had a family of his own to care for. Abraham perhaps felt a little lonely and decided that he would re-marry.

“Abraham again took a wife, and her name was Keturah.
And she bore him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak,
and Shuah.”

GENESIS 25:1-2

From this marriage to Keturah, Abraham had a number of children. In turn these children bore him grandchildren as well.

“Jokshan begot Sheba and Dedan. And the sons of Dedan were
Asshurim, Letushim, and Leummim.
And the sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abidah,
and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah.”

GENESIS 25:3-4

In the ways of the ancient, Abraham also had concubines. They too bore him children. But though the new family were legally Abraham’s children, the line of Isaac was still the only recognized line.

“And Abraham gave all that he had to Isaac.
But Abraham gave gifts to the sons of the concubines
which Abraham had; and while he was still living, he sent them
eastward, away from Isaac his son, to the country of the east.”

GENESIS 25:5-6

1. The latter years of Abraham

Little is said about the latter years of Abraham. His marriage to Keturah was acknowledged. The fact that he had other children and grandchildren were also acknowledged. His choice to be married to Keturah was not sinful, just human.

2. The sending away of Keturah’s family

Just as he had to send away Hagar, on the stern insistence of Sarah, Abraham felt that it was perhaps wiser to send away his new family – while he was still alive. Ancient eastern ways allowed him to do that. All were amply provided for with gifts from the wealthy Abraham. His decision to send away Keturah and his concubines together with their children is questionable! Amidst all, God’s mercy and grace stand out!