The term "sons of his concubines" refers to the offspring of concubines, who were secondary wives or women of lower status than the primary wife, in the context of biblical patriarchal society. This term is notably used in reference to the patriarch Abraham and his descendants.

Abraham and His Concubines

Abraham, the father of many nations, had several children through his concubines. While Sarah was his primary wife, Hagar and Keturah are specifically mentioned as concubines. Hagar, an Egyptian maidservant, bore Abraham's first son, Ishmael (Genesis 16:1-4). Later, after Sarah's death, Abraham took Keturah as a concubine, and she bore him six sons: Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah (Genesis 25:1-2).

Inheritance and Blessings

The sons of concubines, while recognized as Abraham's children, did not share equally in the inheritance with Isaac, the son of Sarah, Abraham's primary wife. Genesis 25:5-6 states, "Abraham left everything he owned to Isaac. But while he was still alive, Abraham gave gifts to the sons of his concubines and sent them away from his son Isaac to the land of the east." This action ensured that Isaac remained the primary heir, in accordance with God's covenant promise to Abraham that through Isaac his offspring would be reckoned (Genesis 21:12).

Cultural and Theological Context

In the ancient Near Eastern context, concubinage was a socially accepted practice, often used to ensure the continuation of a family line, especially when the primary wife was barren. The children of concubines were considered legitimate, though they typically held a different status compared to the children of the primary wife. This distinction is evident in the distribution of inheritance and the fulfillment of divine promises.

Theologically, the narrative of Abraham's sons through his concubines highlights the unfolding of God's plan and the importance of the covenant lineage through Isaac. The sending away of the sons of the concubines can be seen as a protective measure for the covenant promise, ensuring that Isaac's line remained distinct and central to God's redemptive plan.

Legacy and Influence

The sons of Abraham's concubines, particularly those of Keturah, are traditionally considered to have become the ancestors of various tribes and nations. For instance, Midian, one of Keturah's sons, is the progenitor of the Midianites, a people frequently mentioned in the Old Testament. These descendants played significant roles in the historical and geopolitical landscape of the region, interacting with the Israelites in various ways throughout biblical history.

In summary, the "sons of his concubines" in the biblical narrative serve as a testament to the complex family dynamics and cultural practices of the patriarchal era, while also underscoring the centrality of God's covenant promises through the chosen line of Isaac.