Ishbak is a lesser-known biblical figure, mentioned in the genealogical records of the Old Testament. He is one of the sons of Abraham through Keturah, Abraham's wife after the death of Sarah. The account of Ishbak and his siblings is found in the Book of Genesis, which provides insight into the extended family of the patriarch Abraham.

Biblical References:

The primary reference to Ishbak is found in Genesis 25:1-2 : "Now Abraham had taken another wife, named Keturah, and she bore him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah." This passage lists Ishbak among the six sons born to Abraham and Keturah, highlighting the continued fulfillment of God's promise to make Abraham the father of many nations.

Genealogical Context:

Ishbak's inclusion in the genealogical records underscores the expansion of Abraham's lineage beyond Isaac, the son of promise, and Ishmael, the son of Hagar. The descendants of Keturah's sons, including Ishbak, are often associated with various tribes and peoples in the Arabian Peninsula and surrounding regions. While the Bible does not provide extensive details about Ishbak's life or his descendants, his mention signifies the broader scope of Abraham's progeny.

Historical and Cultural Significance:

The descendants of Keturah, including Ishbak, are traditionally considered to have settled in areas that are part of modern-day Arabia. Some biblical scholars and historians suggest that these descendants played a role in the development of various tribes and cultures in the region. The mention of Ishbak and his brothers serves to illustrate the diverse and far-reaching impact of Abraham's lineage, as promised by God.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, Ishbak's inclusion in the biblical narrative reinforces the theme of God's faithfulness to His promises. Despite the focus on Isaac as the child of promise, the record of Ishbak and his siblings demonstrates that God's blessings to Abraham extended beyond a single line. This multiplicity of descendants reflects the fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham, as stated in Genesis 17:4 : "As for Me, this is My covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations."

Conclusion:

While Ishbak himself is not a central figure in biblical history, his place in the genealogy of Abraham highlights the expansive nature of God's promises and the diverse heritage of Abraham's descendants. Ishbak's mention serves as a reminder of the broader narrative of God's plan unfolding through the generations.Genesis 25:2
And she bore him Zimran, and Jokshan, and Medan, and Midian, and Ishbak, and Shuah.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Chronicles 1:32
Now 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.
Nave's Topical Index

3435. Yishbaq -- a son of Abraham and Keturah
... Definition: Ishbak. Word Origin from the same as Shobeq Definition a son of
Abraham and Keturah NASB Word Usage Ishbak (2). Ishbak. From ...
/hebrew/3435.htm - 6k

Chapter xxv
... this tribe should be mentioned (v.4). "Ishbak" has not ... sent them away from Isaac
his son during his ... except Isaac are called "sons of Abraham's concubines," we ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxv.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... His son Eamukinshurnu remained at the head of affairs some three to six months;
Kashshu-nadinakhe ruled three or six years, at the expiration of which a man of ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

How many wives did Abraham have? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Keturah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What is the significance of Midian in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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