Read the Passage: Genesis 25

Listen to the Redeemed Mind Podcast: Genesis 25

Abraham’s Death (25:1–11)

The details of Gen. 25:1–6 are rather unexpected. Recall that earlier it was reported that “Abraham was old, well advanced in age” (Gen. 24:1). Given his advanced age, and the potential for the transfer of the Abrahamic covenant to Isaac with arrival of Rebekah, we might expect that Abraham’s death was imminent. Yet, surprisingly, Gen. 25:1 says, “Abraham again took a wife, and her name was Keturah.” Furthermore, Gen. 25:2–4 notes that Keturah bore Abraham six sons, who in turn fathered ten grandsons. Of course, this does not even include daughters and granddaughters. While these children must have been a great comfort, joy, and blessing to Abraham in his old age, Gen. 25:5–6 refocuses the narrative back on Isaac, as it reports that Abraham bestowed all his goods upon Isaac, he gave gifts to his later sons, and he wisely “sent them eastward, away from Isaac” (Gen. 25:6).

Gen. 25:7 records that Abraham died at the age of 175. Observe that this was 38 years after Isaac married Rebekah. Isaac would have been 75 years old when his father passed away, and Ishmael was age 91. The Jewish phrase describing death in this passage is interesting, as the text says that Abraham was “gathered to his people” (Gen. 25:8). This euphemism communicates the idea: (1) that life continues after death, and (2) that death entails a reunion with one’s previous departed family and friends. Gen. 25:10 reports that Abraham was buried in the cave of Machpelah, which was on the plot of ground that Abraham bought from the sons of Heth for four hundred shekels of silver at Gen. 23:1–18. This cave became the tomb of the patriarchs, as it was the resting place of Abraham and Sarah, of Isaac and Rebekah, and of Jacob and Leah. After Abraham’s death, God blessed Isaac.

Ishmael’s Family (25:12–18)

Ishmael was a main character in the story of Abraham’s family in Gen. 18–19; however, after this current chapter, Ismael will only be mentioned two more times in this book, each in passing (cf. Gen. 28:9; 36:3). Given, then, that Ishmael was about to depart from the narrative, it is logical that Gen. 25:12–18 leaves readers with a genealogy of this son of Abraham. Recall that earlier, when Hagar was pregnant with Ishmael, she had fled from Sarah, and God told Hagar, “I will multiply your descendants exceedingly so that they shall not be counted for a multitude” (Gen. 16:10; cf. Gen. 21:8). Then, when Sarah was pregnant with Isaac, God informed Abraham, “I have blessed Ishmael, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly. He shall beget twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation” (Gen. 17:20). Gen. 25:12–18 records the fulfillment of these earlier promises.

Isaac’s Children (25:19–34)

Gen. 25:19–34 reports the birth of Isaac’s two sons, Jacob and Esau. This passage begins by noting the marriage of Isaac and Rebekah when Issac was 40 years old. At Gen. 25:21 we learn that Rebekah, like her mother-in-law Sarah (whom she never met), was barren. Yet, because “Isaac pleaded with the Lord for his wife . . . Rebekah his wife conceived” (Gen. 25:21). Moreover, Rebekah was pregnant with twins, who struggled together within her womb, causing her to ask of God, “If all is well, why am I like this?” (Gen. 25:22). Next, Gen. 25:23 records God’s response to Rebekah. While Scripture doesn’t report how God spoke, it does disclose what He spoke. Here God informed Rebekah of four things: (1) she was pregnant with twin boys, (2) her twins would become two nations or peoples, (3) one nation would be stronger than the other, and (4) the older son would serve the younger.

While Genesis 26–36 will record many more details about the relationship between Jacob and Esau, Gen. 25:24–34 gives some preliminary information, as well as reporting one incident that relates to the prophecy at Gen. 25:23, “The older shall serve the younger.” First, the difference between the twins is narrated in Gen. 25:24–38. In summary, Esau, who was born first, had red skin, he was hairy, he was a skilled outdoors-man, and he was loved by Esau; Jacob, who was born second, had smooth skin, he was mild mannered, he was an indoors-man, and he was loved by Rebekah. Second, the story of how Jacob obtained Esau’s birthright is given in Gen. 25:29–34. Note that a birthright allowed the firstborn son to receive a double portion of the inheritance, as well as to be recognized as the leader of a family. In this passage Esau foolishly sold his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of stew. This event demonstrates Esau’s foolish and impetuous character.

Application Questions:

1. Why are genealogies a prominent feature in the Bible, especially the Old Testament? How shall we study biblical genealogies?
2. How important was it that Abraham gave his material goods to Isaac, rather than to Ishmael or to his later sons (cf. Gen. 24:36)?
3. How can we explain the long lifespan of Abraham, and the other patriarchs, in light of shorter lifespans today?
4. Why does God seem to have a pattern among the patriarchs of blessing the second or later son (e.g., Isaac, Jacob, Joseph)?
5. Is the concept of birthright a good idea? How ought believers to arrange an inheritance for their children?