Genesis 25:1-11 NKJV
25 Abraham again took a wife, and her name was Keturah. 2 And she bore him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. 3 Jokshan begot Sheba and Dedan. And the sons of Dedan were Asshurim, Letushim, and Leummim. 4 And the sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abidah, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah.
5 And Abraham gave all that he had to Isaac. 6 But Abraham gave gifts to the sons of the concubines which Abraham had; and while he was still living he sent them eastward, away from Isaac his son, to the country of the east.
7 This is the sum of the years of Abraham’s life which he lived: one hundred and seventy-five years. 8 Then Abraham breathed his last and died in a good old age, an old man and full of years, and was gathered to his people. 9 And his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, which is before Mamre, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, 10 the field which Abraham purchased from the sons of Heth. There Abraham was buried, and Sarah his wife. 11 And it came to pass, after the death of Abraham, that God blessed his son Isaac. And Isaac dwelt at Beer Lahai Roi.
In these passages, we see Abraham marrying Keturah and having children, Isaac waiting long years for God’s promise, and Abraham’s peaceful death. Abraham’s life teaches us about patience and divine timing. Even in his old age, Abraham fathered children through Keturah, demonstrating that God’s promises extend beyond human limitations. Abraham’s actions were not driven by indulgence but by a deep faith in God’s plan. The patriarch reminds us that God’s promises are not bound by our expectations or timelines.
Isaac’s story, marked by 20 years of waiting for offspring, highlights the essence of faith. Despite the delay, God’s blessing was sure and came in His perfect timing. Issac’s patience demonstrates that waiting on God is not a sign of unfaithfulness but a crucial aspect of true worship. Our patience and trust in God’s promises, even when they seem long delayed, demonstrate our confidence in His sovereignty.
The death of Abraham, peaceful and full of years, offers us comfort. The end of life for the righteous is not a fearful transition but a peaceful resting in God’s promises. The phrase “gathered to his people” signifies the hope of resurrection and eternal life. The faithful can approach death in confidence that their souls will rest in peace God.
From Abraham’s life to Isaac’s waiting, and through the comfort of death, we learn that God’s promises are reliable. Our faith involves enduring trials, trusting in God’s timing, and holding firm to His word. True worship is faith which holds fast to God’s promises and waits patiently upon Him in hope. Let us pray: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the examples of faith shown in Abraham and Isaac. Help us to trust in Your promises and wait patiently for Your timing. Grant us the strength to endure trials and the assurance that Your blessings will come as You have promised. Comfort us with the hope of eternal life and help us live faithfully, reflecting Your love and trustworthiness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.