Jokshan is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament as one of the sons of Abraham through his wife Keturah. After the death of Sarah, Abraham took Keturah as a wife, and she bore him several children, among whom Jokshan is listed. The account of Jokshan and his siblings is found in the Book of Genesis, which provides insight into the extended family of Abraham and the nations that descended from him.

Biblical References:

Jokshan is first mentioned 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 highlights the continuation of Abraham's lineage through Keturah, emphasizing the patriarch's role as the father of many nations, as promised by God.

Further details about Jokshan's descendants are provided in Genesis 25:3: "Jokshan was the father of Sheba and Dedan. The descendants of Dedan were the Asshurites, the Letushites, and the Leummites." . This genealogical record indicates that Jokshan's lineage contributed to the formation of various tribes and peoples in the ancient Near East.

Historical and Cultural Context:

Jokshan's descendants, particularly Sheba and Dedan, are significant in the context of biblical history and geography. Sheba is often associated with the region of southern Arabia, known for its wealth and trade, while Dedan is linked to the northwestern Arabian Peninsula. These associations suggest that Jokshan's lineage played a role in the development of trade routes and cultural exchanges in the ancient world.

The mention of Jokshan and his descendants in the genealogies of Genesis underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that he would be "a father of many nations" (Genesis 17:4). Through Jokshan and his brothers, the narrative of Genesis illustrates the expansive reach of Abraham's progeny beyond the immediate line of Isaac, the child of promise.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the inclusion of Jokshan in the biblical narrative serves to highlight the breadth of God's covenant with Abraham. While Isaac is the primary heir through whom the covenantal promises are realized, the descendants of Keturah, including Jokshan, demonstrate the multiplicity of nations that stem from Abraham. This reflects the overarching biblical theme of God's sovereignty and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises across generations.

Jokshan's place in the genealogy of Abraham also serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of the peoples of the ancient Near East. The biblical text, through its genealogical records, provides a framework for understanding the relationships between various tribes and nations, many of which play significant roles in the unfolding account of God's redemptive plan as recorded in Scripture.Genesis 25:2,3,6
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

3370. Yoqshan -- a son of Abraham and Keturah
... Definition: Jokshan. Word Origin from yaqosh Definition a son of Abraham and
Keturah NASB Word Usage Jokshan (4). Jokshan. From yaqosh ...
/hebrew/3370.htm - 6k

Chapter xxv
... "Jokshan" apparently not yet identified satisfactorily. ... 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

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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