Genesis 25:1: “Abraham had taken another wife, whose name was Keturah.”
The years following Sarah’s death were difficult for Abraham and his son Isaac. One morning Abraham met with his son and said: “I’m going to take another wife.” Isaac shook his head in disbelief and said: “Are you sure?” Abraham nodded and said, “Isaac, don’t you see? I’m lonely.” And his son was speechless.
Abraham had contacted an old friend in Hebron whose daughters had reached marriageable age. On the first day of spring he took two of his servants and selected mules, camels and the best specimen of his flocks and herds to match a respectful bride-price. Then he travelled to Hebron where he met with the family of the bride and celebrated the wedding.
Her name was Keturah – or “Incense” in English – and she was a quiet girl, but her mere presence consoled Abraham. She was beautiful and dutiful, and soon had one child after another. She bore Abraham Zimran, Hokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak and Shuah. All of his sons he circumcised on the 8th day after their birth. Abraham loved his new family and taught them in the ways of Yahweh, but he had issues with his young wife on that matter. Keturah never challenged him to his face as Sarah used to do. She listened quietly to all he had to say and then turned around and worshiped the idols of her youth in private. Mothers have a major influence on their children, and so in a way she was undermining what Abraham was trying to impress on his sons.
Meanwhile Isaac neared his 40th birthday. One day Abraham invited his son to visit his mother’s gravesite, and so the two men loaded up their mules and went. The burial plot was approximately a daytrip away. When they finally arrived, the sun approached the horizon and the two men set up camp. As they were sitting around the campfire eating dinner Isaac asked his father: “So, how are things going between you and Keturah?” Abraham did not go into details, but said, “Now I know better than to put you through the experience of marrying a local girl.” Isaac shrugged his shoulders and said: “Who says I’m going to get married?” Abraham paused and chewed on his dinner for a while. “My son, I believe God has just the right girl for you waiting to become your wife, but she will be one of my kinfolk. With your permission I would like to send my servant Eliezer to Ur of the Chaldeans. There he will get in touch with my brother’s family to bring you home a wife.”
Isaac decided to hear his father out and Abraham continued, “God has laid the seed of a precious promise inside of you, Isaac. A nation shall originate from your offspring, a nation as numerous as the stars in the sky.” Isaac still had nothing to say and his father picked up on his silence and said: “You are probably still upset that I married Keturah, but think about your mother. She would have loved to see her grandchildren.”
More to himself than to his father Isaac said: “I miss her so much”, and added, “Can we talk about this later? It’s late and this was a long trip. I want to spend some time at her gravesite and think things over. I will let you know of my decision tomorrow.” Abraham hugged his son who responded to his embrace, albeit a little stiffly, and then they retired for the night.
Early the next morning Isaac got up and hiked to the cave where his mother had been laid to rest. Abraham spent the time in prayer while waiting for his son’s return. Never so strongly after her passing had he felt Sarah’s presence. A thought began to form in his heart and he knew that the Lord had spoken. When his son came back Abraham went out to meet him and said: “Isaac, I want you to know that I will leave everything I own to you. As the Lord is my witness, I will send Keturah’s sons away from you before I die.” He paused and let the message sink in. “Of course I will not send my sons away empty-handed, but will give each of them enough so they are able to start a new life in the East.” Isaac nodded in agreement and said, “My mind is made up. I am ready to get married.”
Together father and son hiked the rest of the way back to the campsite where they had a hearty breakfast before they packed their mules and returned home. And as agreed, Abraham summoned his senior servant to send him to the country of his birth and find a lovely bride for his son.