Abraham, originally named Abram, is a central figure in the Bible, known as the patriarch of the Israelites, Ishmaelites, Edomites, and Midianites, among others. While much focus is given to his sons Isaac and Ishmael, the Bible also records other descendants through his later marriage to Keturah and his concubines.

Keturah and Her Children

After the death of Sarah, Abraham took another wife named Keturah. The Bible records this union in Genesis 25:1-2: "Now Abraham had taken another wife, named Keturah, and she bore him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah." These sons are considered the progenitors of various tribes and peoples in the region.

· Zimran: Little is known about Zimran, and the Bible does not provide further details about his descendants or the tribes that may have originated from him.

· Jokshan: Jokshan became the father of Sheba and Dedan. Genesis 25:3 states, "Jokshan was the father of Sheba and Dedan. The descendants of Dedan were the Asshurites, the Letushites, and the Leummites." Sheba is often associated with the Sabeans, a people known for their wealth and trade.

· Medan and Midian: Medan is mentioned without further detail, but Midian is more prominent in biblical narratives. The Midianites, descendants of Midian, played significant roles in the history of Israel. Moses fled to Midian and married Zipporah, the daughter of Jethro, a priest of Midian (Exodus 2:15-21).

· Ishbak and Shuah: Like Zimran and Medan, Ishbak and Shuah are mentioned without additional information about their descendants. However, Shuah is sometimes linked to the Shuhites, one of whom, Bildad, is a friend of Job (Job 2:11).

Concubines and Other Descendants

In addition to Keturah, Abraham had concubines, as noted in Genesis 25:6: "But while he was still living, Abraham gave gifts to the sons of his concubines and sent them away from his son Isaac to the land of the east." The Bible does not specify the names of these concubines or their children, but it indicates that Abraham had other offspring besides those mentioned explicitly.

Inheritance and Legacy

Abraham's additional descendants were given gifts and sent away to ensure that Isaac, the son of promise, would inherit the primary blessings and covenant promises. Genesis 25:5-6 states, "Abraham left everything he owned to Isaac. But while he was still living, he gave gifts to the sons of his concubines and sent them away from his son Isaac to the land of the east."

These additional descendants of Abraham contributed to the formation of various tribes and peoples in the ancient Near East, influencing the cultural and historical landscape of the region. Their interactions with the Israelites and other groups are woven throughout the biblical narrative, highlighting the extensive legacy of Abraham beyond the line of Isaac.