Keturah is a significant yet often understated figure in the Hebrew Bible, known primarily as the wife of Abraham after the death of Sarah. Her account is briefly mentioned in the Book of Genesis, where she is introduced as Abraham's wife who bore him several children. The account of Keturah is found in Genesis 25:1-4, which states:

"Now Abraham had taken another wife, named Keturah, and she bore him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. Jokshan was the father of Sheba and Dedan. The descendants of Dedan were the Asshurites, the Letushites, and the Leummites. The sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All these were descendants of Keturah." (Genesis 25:1-4)

Role and Significance

Keturah's role in the biblical narrative is primarily genealogical, as she is the matriarch of several tribes that would become significant in the ancient Near East. Her children, particularly Midian, are noted for their later interactions with the Israelites. The Midianites, for example, play a crucial role in the account of Moses, as he flees to Midian and marries Zipporah, the daughter of Jethro, a priest of Midian (Exodus 2:15-21).

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, Keturah's marriage to Abraham and the subsequent birth of her children highlight the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that he would be "a father of many nations" (Genesis 17:4). While Isaac is the child of promise through whom the covenant is established, Keturah's offspring represent the broader scope of Abraham's legacy and God's blessing.

Historical and Cultural Context

Keturah's identity and background are not extensively detailed in the biblical text, leading to various interpretations and traditions. Some Jewish traditions suggest that Keturah may have been Hagar, Sarah's maidservant, under a different name, although this is not explicitly supported by the biblical text. The name "Keturah" itself is often associated with the meaning "incense" or "fragrance," which may imply a sense of honor or value.

Legacy

The descendants of Keturah, particularly the Midianites, are frequently mentioned throughout the Old Testament. They are depicted in various roles, sometimes as adversaries of Israel, as seen in the account of Gideon (Judges 6-8), and at other times as allies or kin. This complex relationship underscores the interconnectedness of the peoples in the biblical narrative and the broader fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham.

Keturah's account, though brief, serves as a reminder of the expansive nature of God's blessings and the diverse lineage that stems from the patriarch Abraham. Her inclusion in the genealogical records of Genesis emphasizes the importance of every branch of Abraham's family tree in the unfolding account of God's people.Ketu'rah (4 Occurrences)

Genesis 25:1
And Abraham took another wife, and her name was Keturah.
(See RSV)

Genesis 25:4
And the sons of Midian: Ephah, and Epher, and Hanoch, and Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah.
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 1:32
And the sons of Keturah, Abraham's concubine: she bore Zimran, and Jokshan, and Medan, and Midian, and Ishbak, and Shuah. And the sons of Jokshan: Sheba, and Dedan.
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 1:33
And the sons of Midian: Ephah, and Epher, and Hanoch, and Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the sons of Keturah.
(See RSV)

Ketu'rah (4 Occurrences)
Ketu'rah. Keturah, Ketu'rah. Keva . Multi-Version Concordance Ketu'rah (4
Occurrences). Genesis 25:1 And Abraham took another wife, and her name was Keturah ...
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Keturah (4 Occurrences)

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Keva (1 Occurrence)

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