GENESIS
CHAPTER
25
1. Abraham took another wife, whose name was Keturah. 2 She bore him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. 3 Jokshan was the father of Sheba and Dedan. The sons of Dedan were Asshurim, Letushim, and Leummim. 4 The sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah. 5 Abraham gave all he had to Isaac. 6 But to the sons of his concubines Abraham gave gifts, while he was still living, and he sent them away from his son Isaac, eastward to the east country
(Genesis Chapter 25 verses 1 to 6)
Apparently after the death of his wife Sarah, and the abandonment of Isaac, which may have taken place after the traumatic episode that took place on Mount Moriah, Abraham started feeling lonely at a delicate time of his life. He was now of a particular age and slowly but steadily coming close to death's doorstep.
Abraham seemed to have desired human consolation in the presence of Keturah. Apparently Isaac had been denied knowledge of this relationship and the offspring resulting from it. It is the case in the spiritual life, that although we may have grown intensely in our relationship with God, the temptation to seek comfort and consolation in humans more than in God will always remain.
On the other hand having offspring from another woman, is like having an illicit relationship, thus placing God in the second place. The relationship is carried on in private so that others will not be aware of it as in the case of Isaac. In order to mend the matter Abraham, used money or gifts to cover up his action. During our times even people may have a price, that silences them from maybe disclosing sensitive data in relation to sinful acts. Some people may even end up shot so that maybe they would not testify to the truth. In the case of Abraham, Isaac, would never know that he had other brothers. However what may be hidden from others, is never hidden from God.
7. This is the length of Abraham's life, one hundred seventy-five years. 8 Abraham breathed his last and died in a good old age, an old man full of years, and was gathered to his people.
(Genesis Chapter 24 verses 7 to 8)
With reference to Chapter 16 of the book of Genesis we can comment the following on Abraham's lifespan in comparison to those of his descendants: In comparison to Shem who was renown for his goodness Abraham fathered children at an earlier age, however in comparison to the latter's lifespan Abraham's lifespan was shorter.
Abram fathered children when he was eighty-six years old (died at 175 years)
With reference to Chapter 16 of the book of Genesis we can comment the following on Abraham's lifespan in comparison to those of his descendants: In comparison to Shem who was renown for his goodness Abraham fathered children at an earlier age, however in comparison to the latter's lifespan Abraham's lifespan was shorter.
Abram fathered children when he was eighty-six years old (died at 175 years)
Shem when 100 years old fathered children and died at 500 years
Arpachshad when 35 years old fathered children and died at 400 years.
Shelah when 30 years old fathered children and died at 403 years.
Eber fathered children when 34 years old and died at 430 years.
Peleg fathered children at 30 years old and died at 209 years.
Reu fathered children at 32 years old and died at 207 years.
Serug fathered children at 30 years old and died at 200 years.
Nahor fathered children at 29 years old.
9. His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah in the field of Ephron son of Zohar the Hittite, east of Mamre, 10 the field that Abraham purchased from the Hittites. There Abraham was buried, with his wife Sarah. 11. After the death of Abraham God blessed his son Isaac. And Isaac settled at Beer-lahai-roi.
(Genesis Chapter 25 verses 9 to 11)
Apparently on having separated from his father Abraham, Isaac had joined Ishmael and Hagar. Therefore they must have received the news together and attended to the funeral. There are times when sons and daughters are separated from each other as consequence of inheritance and or other factors, however there are other cases, when one person's death brings the unity of the entire family.
On the other hand, God's promise had not ended with the death of Abraham. The Biblical author, insists, that God's promise to Abraham had now been transferred on to Isaac, and his descendants as had been previously commanded by God. Unlike Abraham who had lived the life of a vagrant wanderer, Isaac who seems to be different in character and other traits, was given the opportunity of settling down instead of following in the footsteps of his father. God has a personal plan of salvation for each one of us. He deals with us in a special and particular way, taking into consideration both our strengths and even our weaknesses.
12. These are the descendants of Ishmael, Abraham's son, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah's slave-girl, bore to Abraham. 13. These are the names of the sons of Ishmael, named in the order of their birth: Nebaioth, the firstborn of Ishmael; and Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, 14 MIshma, Dumah, Massa, 15 Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. 16 These are the sons of Ishmael and these are their names, by their villages and by their encampments, twelve princes according to their tribes.
(Genesis Chapter 25 verses 12 to 16)
As much as God had kept his promise to Abraham and his descendants, in the background, God also kept his promise with Ishmael, from whom a great nation was also promised. God is working all the time, in the present, past and future. In my case, before I started working at C.V.A. Technology, there were other people working there. Even before I could undertake this job, God had found other jobs for the person I eventually was to replace and so on. God has the whole jig saw puzzle before Him and has a great job of constantly replacing pieces to keep it functioning as a whole and preserve the big picture of our lives. However God gives us the liberty to make our choices, even though these choices may not be according to His agenda for us. The most beautiful thing about God is that He always has a contingency plan, or backup plan ready, to cater for the eventuality, that we wander away from His ways.
17. (This is the length of the life of Ishmael, one hundred thirty-seven years; he breathed his last and died and was gathered to his people.) 18 They settled from Havilah to Shur, which is opposite Egypt in the direction of Assyria; he settled down alongside of all his people.
(Genesis chapter 25 verses 17 to 18)
When adding Ishmael to the list of post-flood generation that we have been compiling, Ishmael can be placed in the following category that is at the very top because his life-span is the shortest:
Ishmael lived for 137 years
Abram fathered children when he was eighty-six years old (died at 175 years)
Shem when 100 years old fathered children and died at 500 years
Arpachshad when 35 years old fathered children and died at 400 years.
Shelah when 30 years old fathered children and died at 403 years.
Eber fathered children when 34 years old and died at 430 years
Peleg fathered children at 30 years old and died at 209 years.
Reu fathered children at 32 years old and died at 207 years
Serug fathered children at 30 years old and died at 200 years.
Nahor fathered children at 29 years old.
19. These are the descendants of Isaac, Abraham's son; Abraham was the father of Isaac, 20 and Isaac was forty years old when he married Rebekah, daughter of Bethuel the Aramean of Paddan-aram, sister of Laban the Aramean.
(Genesis chapter 24 verses 19 to 20)
The following verses appear to have been a small part of a list of descendants that for some reason seems not to have been finalized. One reason may be that as the Church, we are all the descendants of Abraham, through his and Isaac's descent.
21. Isaac prayed to the LORD for his wife, because she was barren; and the LORD granted his prayer, and his wife Rebekah conceived.
(Genesis chapter 24 verse 21)
As in the case of his father Abraham, Isaac's wife was also barren, however in contrast to his father, Isaac had a different reaction to this situation. Isaac interceded in prayer to God, instead of offering God a particular sacrificial offering and his request was granted.
The power of prayer is very powerful. I believe that both Isaac and Rebekah, shared the same prayer. Therefore as in the New Testament Jesus tells us that when two people pray to God, He is in their midst and will gladly accept their prayer.
22. The children struggled together within her; and she said, "If it is to be this way, why do I live?" So she went to inquire of the LORD. 23 And the LORD said to her,
"Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples born of you shall be divided the one shall be stronger than the other, the elder shall serve the younger."
(Genesis chapter 24 verses 22 to 23)
One may consider Rebekah's reaction as being strange. She questioned her reason for living, if her children who while still in her womb were already fighting. Rebekah gives us an example of our reaction to such issues in marriage. She consulted God and nobody else not even her marriage counselor, or psychologist or social worker! God is all in all and in a spirit of prayer is able to enlighten us in relation to our problems.
On reflecting the two nations seem to represent the two sides of human nature that are in a constant struggle with each other, that is the strife between good and evil, that both are active in human nature.
24. When her time to give birth was at hand, there were twins in her womb. 25 The first came out red, all his body like a hairy mantle; so they named him Esau. 26 Afterward his brother came out, with his hand gripping Esau's heel; so he was named Jacob. Isaac was sixty years old when she bore them.
(Genesis chapter 25 verses 24 to 26)
Symbolically we can attributed red to danger or evil. In this sense we can consider Esau as being the representative of evil, and Jacob the representative of what is good. On considering we share both of the goodness of God who dwells within us and also, the negative attributes of evil that is the product of our material sinful nature. As humans we are in constant war with our sinful self, that is always in combat with our spiritual side that is of God.
On reflecting Isaac has the following place in the gathered database of life spans or longevity:
Nahor fathered children at 29 years old.
Shelah when 30 years old fathered children and died at 403 years.
Reu fathered children at 32 years old and died at 207 years
Eber fathered children when 34 years old and died at 430 years
Arpachshad when 35 years old fathered children and died at 400 years.
Isaac 60 years old when fathering children
On having satisfied his carnal desires, Esau left as if nothing had happened. Esau was not aware of the value of his birthright or if he was he completely disregarded it. This can also happen in our spiritual life. Consciously or not we can decide to place our faith in danger by means of our choices, without considering the consequences of our actions.
I would like to end chapter 25 of the book of Genesis with the following prayer by Mr. Devain Pawar ;-
In name of all the readers of this blog I would also like to thank God for his loving care and wonders in my life: (Vince Micallef)
Oh God I would really like to thank you for being active in my life, for being the first, second, third and everybody in my life. Help me to remember that loving you, and my fellow persons is always to be my first priority in life.
Oh my loving father, I know that by nature I am inclined to do things that are not always acceptable in your eyes. You know that as a human I am not able to control my carnal and sinful nature and at times it gets, the better of me and I end up doing and saying things that I do not want to do and or say.
Oh father the war within me is so strong that without your help at the very beginning I am already a loser. Oh how I wish to be able to overcome myself once and for all. My soul is in anguish to do good, but my nature traps me in this carnal body of mine. It denies me of giving myself generously and completely without regrets to others, even to those whom I promised to do so in your presence.
Thank you God for listening to my prayer.
Arpachshad when 35 years old fathered children and died at 400 years.
Shelah when 30 years old fathered children and died at 403 years.
Eber fathered children when 34 years old and died at 430 years
Peleg fathered children at 30 years old and died at 209 years.
Reu fathered children at 32 years old and died at 207 years
Serug fathered children at 30 years old and died at 200 years.
Nahor fathered children at 29 years old.
19. These are the descendants of Isaac, Abraham's son; Abraham was the father of Isaac, 20 and Isaac was forty years old when he married Rebekah, daughter of Bethuel the Aramean of Paddan-aram, sister of Laban the Aramean.
(Genesis chapter 24 verses 19 to 20)
The following verses appear to have been a small part of a list of descendants that for some reason seems not to have been finalized. One reason may be that as the Church, we are all the descendants of Abraham, through his and Isaac's descent.
21. Isaac prayed to the LORD for his wife, because she was barren; and the LORD granted his prayer, and his wife Rebekah conceived.
(Genesis chapter 24 verse 21)
As in the case of his father Abraham, Isaac's wife was also barren, however in contrast to his father, Isaac had a different reaction to this situation. Isaac interceded in prayer to God, instead of offering God a particular sacrificial offering and his request was granted.
The power of prayer is very powerful. I believe that both Isaac and Rebekah, shared the same prayer. Therefore as in the New Testament Jesus tells us that when two people pray to God, He is in their midst and will gladly accept their prayer.
22. The children struggled together within her; and she said, "If it is to be this way, why do I live?" So she went to inquire of the LORD. 23 And the LORD said to her,
"Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples born of you shall be divided the one shall be stronger than the other, the elder shall serve the younger."
(Genesis chapter 24 verses 22 to 23)
One may consider Rebekah's reaction as being strange. She questioned her reason for living, if her children who while still in her womb were already fighting. Rebekah gives us an example of our reaction to such issues in marriage. She consulted God and nobody else not even her marriage counselor, or psychologist or social worker! God is all in all and in a spirit of prayer is able to enlighten us in relation to our problems.
On reflecting the two nations seem to represent the two sides of human nature that are in a constant struggle with each other, that is the strife between good and evil, that both are active in human nature.
24. When her time to give birth was at hand, there were twins in her womb. 25 The first came out red, all his body like a hairy mantle; so they named him Esau. 26 Afterward his brother came out, with his hand gripping Esau's heel; so he was named Jacob. Isaac was sixty years old when she bore them.
(Genesis chapter 25 verses 24 to 26)
Symbolically we can attributed red to danger or evil. In this sense we can consider Esau as being the representative of evil, and Jacob the representative of what is good. On considering we share both of the goodness of God who dwells within us and also, the negative attributes of evil that is the product of our material sinful nature. As humans we are in constant war with our sinful self, that is always in combat with our spiritual side that is of God.
On reflecting Isaac has the following place in the gathered database of life spans or longevity:
Nahor fathered children at 29 years old.
Peleg fathered children at 30 years old and died at 209 years.
Serug fathered children at 30 years old and died at 200 yearsShelah when 30 years old fathered children and died at 403 years.
Reu fathered children at 32 years old and died at 207 years
Eber fathered children when 34 years old and died at 430 years
Arpachshad when 35 years old fathered children and died at 400 years.
Isaac 60 years old when fathering children
Abram fathered children when he was eighty-six years old (died at 175 years)
Shem when 100 years old fathered children and died at 500 years
Ishmael lived for 137 years
27. When the boys grew up, Esau was a skillful hunter, a man of the field, while Jacob was a quiet man, living in tents. 28. Isaac loved Esau, because he was fond of game; but Rebekah loved Jacob.
(Genesis Chapter 25 verses 27 to 28)
Verses 27 and 28 also reflect the two sides of human nature. These are the destructive evil and killer, and the reflective wise and spiritual perspective. As humans we tend to swing between the two polarities. At times one may get the better of us, thus causing us either to side with God or to side with evil.
On the other hand, as parents we may also identify with these attributes in both ourselves and in the characters of our sons and daughters. However, to be fond of one or the other perspective is one case but to show partiality between sons is daughters is another thing, that we are never to do as we are about to witness in the following verses and chapters of the book of Genesis.
29. Once when Jacob was cooking, a stew, Esau came in from the field, and he was famished.
(Genesis chapter 25 verse 29)
On reflecting we can do many acts of material giving that can be labelled as work, however on a personal or even spiritual level we can be famished. People who give alot on many levels still need their share of vitamins even on a spiritual level, or else they end up burnt out, with nothing more to give.
30. Esau said to Jacob, "Let me eat some of that red stuff, for I am famished! (Therefore he was called Edom.) 31 Jacob said, "First sell me your birthright." 32 Esau said, " I am about to die; of what use is a birthright to me?" 33 Jacob said, "Swear to me first." So he swore to him, and sold his birthright to Jacob.
(Genesis chapter 25 verses 30 to 33)
On reflecting on verses 30 to 33 we can reflect on the following issues. We first witness the issue of charity towards others. We can ask ourselves, if as Christians or even human beings, we are ready to go out of our way, in order to help others, even if this means, they will have an advantage over us, leading to an increase of material gain, that in their situation, they desperately need, and put aside our own created needs.
As Christians we have an abundance of spiritual graces and resources given to us by God. However, anything that He has given us is not only for ourselves, but in order to share with others, even if this means, time, money or any other means, that requires the giving of our selves in order to help others.
34. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew, and he ate and drank, and rose and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright.
(Genesis chapter 25 verse 34)
Ishmael lived for 137 years
27. When the boys grew up, Esau was a skillful hunter, a man of the field, while Jacob was a quiet man, living in tents. 28. Isaac loved Esau, because he was fond of game; but Rebekah loved Jacob.
(Genesis Chapter 25 verses 27 to 28)
Verses 27 and 28 also reflect the two sides of human nature. These are the destructive evil and killer, and the reflective wise and spiritual perspective. As humans we tend to swing between the two polarities. At times one may get the better of us, thus causing us either to side with God or to side with evil.
On the other hand, as parents we may also identify with these attributes in both ourselves and in the characters of our sons and daughters. However, to be fond of one or the other perspective is one case but to show partiality between sons is daughters is another thing, that we are never to do as we are about to witness in the following verses and chapters of the book of Genesis.
29. Once when Jacob was cooking, a stew, Esau came in from the field, and he was famished.
(Genesis chapter 25 verse 29)
On reflecting we can do many acts of material giving that can be labelled as work, however on a personal or even spiritual level we can be famished. People who give alot on many levels still need their share of vitamins even on a spiritual level, or else they end up burnt out, with nothing more to give.
30. Esau said to Jacob, "Let me eat some of that red stuff, for I am famished! (Therefore he was called Edom.) 31 Jacob said, "First sell me your birthright." 32 Esau said, " I am about to die; of what use is a birthright to me?" 33 Jacob said, "Swear to me first." So he swore to him, and sold his birthright to Jacob.
(Genesis chapter 25 verses 30 to 33)
On reflecting on verses 30 to 33 we can reflect on the following issues. We first witness the issue of charity towards others. We can ask ourselves, if as Christians or even human beings, we are ready to go out of our way, in order to help others, even if this means, they will have an advantage over us, leading to an increase of material gain, that in their situation, they desperately need, and put aside our own created needs.
As Christians we have an abundance of spiritual graces and resources given to us by God. However, anything that He has given us is not only for ourselves, but in order to share with others, even if this means, time, money or any other means, that requires the giving of our selves in order to help others.
34. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew, and he ate and drank, and rose and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright.
(Genesis chapter 25 verse 34)
On having satisfied his carnal desires, Esau left as if nothing had happened. Esau was not aware of the value of his birthright or if he was he completely disregarded it. This can also happen in our spiritual life. Consciously or not we can decide to place our faith in danger by means of our choices, without considering the consequences of our actions.
I would like to end chapter 25 of the book of Genesis with the following prayer by Mr. Devain Pawar ;-
Thank you God our loving Father, for giving me such a
lovely, caring, affectionate and sweet family as your blessings who has always
supported me in all times and has been with me in my good and bad times. As
without them i do not think my life would
be complete and i would achieve true happiness.
Ahmen
In name of all the readers of this blog I would also like to thank God for his loving care and wonders in my life: (Vince Micallef)
Oh God I would really like to thank you for being active in my life, for being the first, second, third and everybody in my life. Help me to remember that loving you, and my fellow persons is always to be my first priority in life.
Oh my loving father, I know that by nature I am inclined to do things that are not always acceptable in your eyes. You know that as a human I am not able to control my carnal and sinful nature and at times it gets, the better of me and I end up doing and saying things that I do not want to do and or say.
Oh father the war within me is so strong that without your help at the very beginning I am already a loser. Oh how I wish to be able to overcome myself once and for all. My soul is in anguish to do good, but my nature traps me in this carnal body of mine. It denies me of giving myself generously and completely without regrets to others, even to those whom I promised to do so in your presence.
Thank you God for listening to my prayer.
Thank You God
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