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Book of Genesis - Chapter 25 - Verse 1

25:1
Then again Abraham took a wife, and her name was Keturah.

Meaning

After Sarah's death, Abraham took another wife named Keturah. Although the Bible does not provide many details about Keturah, it is believed that she was Abraham's concubine or secondary wife. Keturah bore Abraham six sons, who went on to become the patriarchs of various Arabian tribes. This marriage is significant because it demonstrates that even in his old age, Abraham's faith in God's promise of making him a great nation did not waver. By marrying Keturah and having more children, Abraham fulfilled God's command to be fruitful and multiply. This verse also emphasizes the importance of family and lineage in biblical times, as the descendants of Abraham through Keturah played a role in shaping the history of the region. Overall, the marriage of Abraham to Keturah symbolizes continuity, faithfulness, and the fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham.

Theological Overview

Abraham's marriage to Keturah is often overshadowed by his more well-known relationship with Sarah. However, this union is significant in that it reveals Abraham's continued faithfulness and desire to start a new family after Sarah's passing. The name Keturah means "incense" or "fragrance," which can symbolize the sweet aroma of their relationship and the blessings that came from it. Some scholars suggest that Keturah may have been a concubine rather than a full wife, but regardless of her status, Abraham's union with her resulted in the birth of six sons. This expansion of Abraham's family speaks to God's promise to make him the father of a multitude of nations. The lineage of these sons is also of interest as they went on to establish tribes that inhabited the regions from Arabia to Ethiopia. Overall, the story of Abraham and Keturah illustrates God's faithfulness in fulfilling his promises and the importance of family in biblical narratives.

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