Ge 25:1-18

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Abraham’s other descendants

(Gen 25:1-18)

Before continuing the story of Isaac, the writer concludes the story of Abraham with a summary of his other descendants.

Besides having a relationship with Hagar, Abraham had taken a minor wife, Keturah (1 Chron 1:28,32).

But since Isaac was the promised heir, only he could remain in Canaan and receive Abraham’s inheritance.

Abraham therefore gave gifts to his minor wives and their children and sent them off to establish independent lives elsewhere.

They became ancestors of various Arab tribes (Gen 25:1-6).

There was a brief reunion between Ishmael and Isaac at the burial of Abraham (Gen 25:7-11), but Ishmael and his family remained largely outside Canaan.

The promises given earlier to Ishmael were fulfilled in the many Arab tribes descended from him (Gen 25:12-18).