The Legacy of Keturah

Genesis 25:1–6 (NASB95) 

1Now Abraham took another wife, whose name was Keturah. 2She bore to him Zimran and Jokshan and Medan and Midian and Ishbak and Shuah. 3Jokshan became the father of Sheba and Dedan. And the sons of Dedan were Asshurim and Letushim and Leummim. 4The sons of Midian were Ephah and Epher and Hanoch and Abida and Eldaah. All these were the sons of Keturah. 5Now Abraham gave all that he had to Isaac; 6but to the sons of his concubines, Abraham gave gifts while he was still living, and sent them away from his son Isaac eastward, to the land of the east. 

Abraham’s later years reveal a story of blessing, wisdom, and careful planning. Abraham married Keturah, who bore six sons: Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. Among these, Midian stands out. The Midianites would later play a key role in Israel’s story. Midian was the ancestor of Jethro, Moses’s father-in-law and spiritual mentor. Through Moses’s marriage to Zipporah, Jethro’s daughter, the line of the Levites—Israel’s priestly tribe—traces back to both Sarah and Keturah. This connection means that the Levites, who led Israel in worship and service, carry the heritage of Abraham through two family lines. 

Abraham’s actions with his sons show both generosity and strategic wisdom. He gave all his possessions to Isaac, the son of promise. To the sons of Keturah and his other concubines, Abraham gave gifts and sent them away to the east. He did this while he was still alive. This move protected Isaac’s inheritance and prevented future conflict. Abraham wanted to ensure that the covenant God made with him would continue through Isaac alone. By sending his other sons away, Abraham honored them but also made it clear that Isaac was the chosen heir. 

Keturah’s children, especially Midian, remind us that God’s promises to Abraham included more than just one nation. God said Abraham would be the father of many nations. The descendants of Keturah spread across Arabia and became important people in the region. The Midianites, in particular, would later interact with Israel in both positive and negative ways. Early on, there was peace and even spiritual partnership, as seen in the relationship between Moses and Jethro. 

For the church today, Abraham’s story teaches the importance of wise stewardship and clear priorities. God’s blessings come with responsibility. We must care for all those in our sphere, but we must also protect the core mission God has given us. This means caring for people while simultaneously protecting our churches, families, and communities. The story of Keturah and Midian reminds us that God can use even the overlooked or unexpected people in His plan. The connection between Abraham, Keturah, Midian, Moses, and the Levites demonstrates how God can and will use diverse people to accomplish His purposes.