Who is Keturah in the Holy Bible?
Keturah is a lesser-known figure in the Holy Bible, but her significance lies in her connection to one of the most prominent figures in the Old Testament: Abraham. She is mentioned in Genesis 25:1-6, where she is described as Abraham’s second wife, alongside Sarah and Hagar. Keturah’s story is brief, yet it offers valuable insights into the complexities of family dynamics and the nature of biblical narratives.
In Genesis 25:1, it is stated that Abraham took another wife, Keturah, after Sarah had died. This act of remarriage came after many years of barrenness for Abraham and Sarah, and the birth of Ishmael, Abraham’s son with Hagar. Keturah is not mentioned by name in the biblical account of Abraham’s life with Sarah, suggesting that she may have been a secondary wife or concubine.
The children born to Abraham and Keturah are listed in Genesis 25:2: “And Abraham gave all that he had unto Isaac. But unto the sons of the concubines, which Abraham had, Abraham gave gifts, and sent them away from Isaac his son, while he yet lived, eastward, unto the east country.” This passage indicates that Abraham divided his possessions between his son Isaac and his other sons, and he sent them away to live in a distant land. The sons of Keturah are named in Genesis 25:2 as “Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah.”
The biblical narrative does not provide much detail about Keturah’s life or the lives of her children. However, her existence highlights the cultural practices of the time, where polygamy was common among the patriarchs. Keturah’s story also serves as a reminder that the biblical narrative is not solely about the lives of the prominent figures but also about the lesser-known characters who played a role in the lives of these patriarchs.
In conclusion, Keturah is a figure in the Holy Bible who is often overlooked but holds significance in the context of Abraham’s family dynamics. Her story offers a glimpse into the complexities of biblical narratives and the cultural practices of the time. While her life remains somewhat mysterious, her presence in the biblical account serves as a reminder of the diversity of characters and experiences within the sacred texts.
