Genesis: These Are The Generations (XXVI)

The Generations Of Ishmael And Isaac (25:1-34)

Neal Pollard

Genesis: These Are The Generations

The Generations Of Ishmael And Isaac (25:1-34)

Neal Pollard

Here at what we might consider the halfway point of the book of Genesis we read about the death of Abraham. Before his death, he remarried. Her name was Keturah, and she bore him six sons (2). Everybody remembers Ishmael and Isaac, but what about Zimran and Jokshan and Medan and Midian and Ishbak and Shuah (2)? Moses gives a short genealogical record of his descendants through Keturah. It is clear that Abraham became the father of many nations.

It also appears that Keturah is considered a “concubine” alongside Hagar in the inspired record, given the statement in verse six. Whether he had other concubines we do not know. But an impressive table of nations emanates from Abraham’s lineage, which James Smith reveals in one of his trusty charts:

We will see many of these peoples and nations later in Scripture.

Abraham dies an old man (175) and satisfied with life, and he is buried by Ishmael and Isaac alongside his wife in the cave of Machpelah (7-10). The focus now turns to Isaac (11), but only after Moses gives a genealogical account of Ishmael’s descendants (25:12-18). Note at the end of this record, when speaking of their settling to the east and south, that the text says, “he settled in defiance of all his relative” (18b). That entire verse shows the beginning of the fulfillment of Genesis 16:12. Watching current events, we would concur that this Scripture continues to be fulfilled today by Ishmael’s descendants!

Pursuing his examination of the seed promise given to Abraham, Moses is moved to rivet his attention on Isaac. We’re told Isaac’s age (40) at the time of his marriage to Rebekah (v. 20). They would be married 20 years before they have children (26). We’re told that Rebekah is an Aramean (20). Aram (or, Paddanaram) is approximately in the area of modern-day Damascus, Syria. We will see the Arameans intersect with the Jews throughout Old Testament history from Balak (Num. 23:7) to David’s subjugation of them (2 Sam. 8:6) to Ahab’s war with them (1 Ki. 22:1ff). 

History will repeat itself with Isaac and Rebekah experiencing some of what his parents went through. While her struggle is condensed into only one verse, Rebekah was barren (21). Isaac intercedes for her, and she becomes pregnant with twins (21-22). She has a difficult pregnancy! The Lord appears to her, explaining, “Two nations are in your womb; And two peoples will be separated from your body; And one people shall be stronger than the other; And the older shall serve the younger” (23). Perhaps this revelation to her influences the favoritism she shows the “younger” (28). 

Foreshadowing of troubles to come emerge literally from before their births. Esau is born first, but Jacob (“supplanter”) is grasping his heel (26). The boys are a study in contrast. Esau is a hunter and the favorite of his father. Jacob is a homebody and the favorite of his mother. Esau is also revealed to be an impetuous young man, selling his birthright for bread and red lentil stew. Esau is nicknamed “Edom” (red), and his descendants will be the bane of Israel’s existence on numerous occasions. 

The writer of Hebrews offers Esau as a cautionary tale for those who would rashly abandon Christ. He urges, “See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled; that there be no immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal. For you know that even afterwards, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought for it with tears” (Heb. 12:15-17). Do not let the pull of this temporary world cause you to give us what is infinitely greater and better! 

Through the genealogies, Moses is marching us through the important establishment of the covenant with the very people through whom the Messiah would one day come! So many questions we might have in the New Testament are explained by a careful reading of the first book of the Bible. And they are written for our learning (Rom. 15:4).