"But unto the sons of the concubines, which Abraham had, Abraham gave gifts, and sent them away from Isaac his son, while he yet lived, eastward, unto the east country."
This verse is a part of the narrative describing the later years of Abraham’s life. Here are some key points to consider in this passage:
Abraham’s concubines:The verse mentions that Abraham had concubines, who were secondary wives or female companions. It is important to note that having concubines was a common practice in ancient times. However, the Bible does not endorse or promote this practice. Abraham’s primary wife was Sarah, and his son Isaac was the child of the promise.
Abraham’s gifts:The verse states that Abraham gave gifts to the sons of his concubines. It is unclear what these gifts were, but they were likely tokens of provision and inheritance. Abraham’s intention was to provide for his other sons while ensuring that Isaac, the child of promise and the one through whom God’s covenant would be fulfilled, received his rightful inheritance.
Sent them away:Abraham sent his concubines’ sons away from Isaac while he was still alive. This action was likely to avoid potential conflicts and ensure the clear inheritance and blessing of Isaac as the chosen heir. This decision also shows Abraham’s wisdom in managing potential rivalries and divisions among his offspring.
Eastward, unto the east country:The sons of Abraham’s concubines were sent eastward, to the east country. The specific location is not explicitly mentioned, but it signifies their separation from Isaac and his family. This geographical distance would help maintain the distinction between Isaac’s descendants (the Israelites) and the descendants of Abraham’s other sons.
Lessons and Applications:
- God’s faithfulness to His promises:Despite Abraham having other sons through his concubines, God’s covenant and promise were specifically tied to Isaac. This highlights God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises and His sovereignty in choosing the lineage through which the Messiah would come.
- Responsibility in family matters:Abraham’s actions reflect his sense of responsibility in ensuring the proper distribution of his resources and the clear lineage for God’s covenant. This teaches us the importance of managing family matters wisely, considering both material and spiritual inheritance.
- Resolving potential conflicts:Abraham’s decision to separate Isaac from his half-brothers demonstrates his wisdom in resolving potential conflicts within his family. It serves as a reminder to address conflicts proactively and seek peaceful solutions in our own family relationships.
- God’s grace towards all descendants:Although Isaac was the chosen son of promise, God’s love and grace extended to all of Abraham’s descendants. The Bible later records how God blessed and provided for Abraham’s other sons as well.
Remember, studying the Bible involves exploring the broader context, historical background, and connecting with other related verses to gain a deeper understanding.
