Medan: Son of Abraham and Keturah
Jump to: Nave'sHebrewLibrarySubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
Medan is a lesser-known figure in the biblical narrative, mentioned as one of the sons of Abraham through his wife Keturah. The account of Medan and his siblings is found in the Book of Genesis, which provides insight into the extended family of the patriarch Abraham.

Biblical References:

Medan is introduced 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 Medan as the third son of Abraham and Keturah, following Zimran and Jokshan, and preceding Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah.

Genealogical Context:

Abraham, the father of Medan, is a central figure in the biblical narrative, known for his covenant with God and his role as the patriarch of the Israelite nation. After the death of his first wife, Sarah, Abraham married Keturah, who bore him six sons, including Medan. This union expanded Abraham's lineage beyond Isaac, the son of Sarah, and Ishmael, the son of Hagar.

Cultural and Historical Significance:

While the Bible does not provide extensive details about Medan's life or his descendants, his inclusion in the genealogical records underscores the broader scope of Abraham's progeny. The sons of Keturah, including Medan, are often associated with various tribes and peoples in the ancient Near East. These descendants are believed to have settled in regions that contributed to the diverse ethnic and cultural landscape surrounding the Israelites.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the mention of Medan and his brothers serves to illustrate the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that he would be "a father of many nations" (Genesis 17:4). The descendants of Keturah, including Medan, are part of the broader narrative of God's blessing upon Abraham's seed, which extends beyond the immediate line of Isaac and the nation of Israel.

Legacy and Influence:

Although Medan himself is not a prominent figure in biblical accounts, his place in the genealogy of Abraham highlights the expansive nature of Abraham's family and the fulfillment of divine promises. The descendants of Medan, along with those of his brothers, are considered part of the wider Abrahamic heritage, contributing to the complex tapestry of peoples and nations that interacted with the Israelites throughout biblical history.

In summary, Medan, as a son of Abraham and Keturah, represents a branch of Abraham's lineage that played a role in the unfolding of God's plan for humanity, as recorded in the Scriptures. His mention in the genealogical records serves as a testament to the breadth of Abraham's legacy and the fulfillment of God's promises.
Nave's Topical Index
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

Strong's Hebrew
4091. Medan -- a son of Abraham and Keturah
... 4090, 4091. Medan. 4092 . a son of Abraham and Keturah. Transliteration:
Medan Phonetic Spelling: (med-awn') Short Definition: Medan. ...
/hebrew/4091.htm - 6k
Library

Chapter xxv
... "Medan," five days' journey south of Aila (Elath) which ... 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

Resources
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

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Medan
Top of Page
Top of Page