K is for Keturah

Women of the Bible from A to Z series

“Now Abraham took another wife, 

whose name was Keturah.” 

Gen. 25:1 nasb

Abraham’s first born son was Ishmael, the son of his wife Sarah’s maidservant, Hagar. The son God promised to him and Sarah was Isaac. Isaac was born fourteen years after Ishmael when Abraham was 100 years old and Sarah was 90. Hagar and Ishmael were eventually sent away, but God watched over them.

Sarah died at the age of 127, and a wife was arranged for Isaac shortly thereafter. After Isaac’s marriage, Abraham married Keturah. Nothing is said in regards to her nationality. However, we know Keturah gave birth to six sons with Abraham. Those sons were Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. (Thus the youthful song, “Father Abraham had many sons, many sons had Father Abraham…”)

As an inheritance, Abraham gave all that he had to his son Isaac, the son of Sarah. The sons of his concubines, including those of Keturah, Abraham gave gifts while he was still living, and sent them eastward, away from Isaac. (1 Chronicles 1:32)

When Abraham died at the ripe old age of 175 years, it says Isaac and Ishmael buried him but there’s no mention of Keturah or her sons (Genesis 25:7-9).

Keturah’s name means incense…perfume, a fragrant aroma, an act of praise and adoration to the Lord. What a lovely description for a mother of six sons—and there may have been daughters as they are rarely listed—married to a man who was at least 137 years old. I respect her for assuming such a role with little recognition.

I want to be incense, a sweet fragrant aroma, and a willing servant to God’s plan without recognition.

“For from the rising of the sun even to its setting, My name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense is going to be offered to My name, and a grain offering that is pure; for My name will be great among the nations,” says the LORD of hosts.” Malachi 1:11 nasb

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