About Genesis

Genesis is the book of beginnings, recording the creation of the world, the origin of humanity, the entrance of sin, and the beginning of God's plan of redemption through the family of Abraham.

Author: MosesWritten: c. 1445-1405 BCReading time: ~4 minVerses: 34
CreationFall of ManCovenantFaithProvidenceRedemption

King James Version

Genesis 25

34 verses with commentary

Abraham's Death

Then again Abraham took a wife, and her name was Keturah.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Then again Abraham took a wife, and her name was Keturah....</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise fulfillment.<br><br>Central themes include...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

XXV. ABRAHAM’S MARRIAGE WITH KETURAH. (1) **Then again Abraham took a wife.**—This rendering implies that Abraham’s marriage with Keturah did not take place until after Sarah’s death; but this, though probable, is far from certain, as the Hebrew simply says, *And Abraham added and took a wife. *This statement is altogether indefinite; but as Abraham was 137 years of age at Sarah’s death, and lived...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**32-49. the man came into the house, &amp;c.--**What a beautiful picture of piety, fidelity, and disinterestedness in a servant! He declined all attention to his own comforts till he had told his name and his errand.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 25 Chapter Outline Abraham's family by Keturah, His death and burial.(1-10) God blesses Isaac, The descendants of Ishmael.(11-18) The birth of Esau and Jacob.(19-26) The different characters of Esau and Jacob.(27-28) Esau despises and sells his birth-right. (29-34) **Verses 1-10** All the days, even of the best and greatest saints, are not remarkable days;...
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And she bare him Zimran, and Jokshan, and Medan, and Midian, and Ishbak, and Shuah.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And she bare him Zimran, and Jokshan, and Medan, and Midian, and Ishbak, and Shuah....</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise fulfillment.<br>...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(2) **Zimran.**—The home of Keturah’s descendants is placed by Josephus and Jerome in Arabia-Felix; but the supposed traces of their names are untrustworthy. **Midian** is the one son of Keturah who had a great future before him, for his race became famous traders (Genesis 37:28); and as they are called *Me· danites *there in the Hebrew, in Genesis 37:36, it is probable that Medan and Midian coale...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**32-49. the man came into the house, &amp;c.--**What a beautiful picture of piety, fidelity, and disinterestedness in a servant! He declined all attention to his own comforts till he had told his name and his errand.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 25 Chapter Outline Abraham's family by Keturah, His death and burial.(1-10) God blesses Isaac, The descendants of Ishmael.(11-18) The birth of Esau and Jacob.(19-26) The different characters of Esau and Jacob.(27-28) Esau despises and sells his birth-right. (29-34) **Verses 1-10** All the days, even of the best and greatest saints, are not remarkable days;...
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And Jokshan begat Sheba, and Dedan. And the sons of Dedan were Asshurim, and Letushim, and Leummim.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Jokshan begat Sheba, and Dedan. And the sons of Dedan were Asshurim, and Letushim, and Leummim....</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(3) **Jokshan begat Sheba, and Dedan.**—But Sheba and Dedan are also described as the sons of Raamah, the son of Cush (Genesis 10:7). We have here proof that these genealogies are to a certain extent geographical, and that whereas these districts at first were peopled by a Hamitic race, they were subsequently conquered by men of the Semitic stock, who claimed Abraham for their ancestor. Most proba...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**32-49. the man came into the house, &amp;c.--**What a beautiful picture of piety, fidelity, and disinterestedness in a servant! He declined all attention to his own comforts till he had told his name and his errand.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 25 Chapter Outline Abraham's family by Keturah, His death and burial.(1-10) God blesses Isaac, The descendants of Ishmael.(11-18) The birth of Esau and Jacob.(19-26) The different characters of Esau and Jacob.(27-28) Esau despises and sells his birth-right. (29-34) **Verses 1-10** All the days, even of the best and greatest saints, are not remarkable days;...
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And the sons of Midian; Ephah, and Epher, and Hanoch, and Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the sons of Midian; Ephah, and Epher, and Hanoch, and Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the chil...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**32-49. the man came into the house, &amp;c.--**What a beautiful picture of piety, fidelity, and disinterestedness in a servant! He declined all attention to his own comforts till he had told his name and his errand.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 25 Chapter Outline Abraham's family by Keturah, His death and burial.(1-10) God blesses Isaac, The descendants of Ishmael.(11-18) The birth of Esau and Jacob.(19-26) The different characters of Esau and Jacob.(27-28) Esau despises and sells his birth-right. (29-34) **Verses 1-10** All the days, even of the best and greatest saints, are not remarkable days;...
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And Abraham gave all that he had unto Isaac.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Abraham gave all that he had unto Isaac....</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise fulfillment.<br><br>Central themes include God's uncond...
Read full commentary →

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**32-49. the man came into the house, &amp;c.--**What a beautiful picture of piety, fidelity, and disinterestedness in a servant! He declined all attention to his own comforts till he had told his name and his errand.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 25 Chapter Outline Abraham's family by Keturah, His death and burial.(1-10) God blesses Isaac, The descendants of Ishmael.(11-18) The birth of Esau and Jacob.(19-26) The different characters of Esau and Jacob.(27-28) Esau despises and sells his birth-right. (29-34) **Verses 1-10** All the days, even of the best and greatest saints, are not remarkable days;...
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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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>But unto the sons of the concubines, which Abraham had, Abraham gave gifts, and sent them away from ...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(6) **The east country.**—By this is meant Arabia and Southern Mesopotamia, where, by their superior vigour and organisation, the descendants of Abraham were able to establish their supremacy over the natives. Burckhardt tells us that the Bedaween still follow Abraham’s practice. When their children are grown up, they give each of the younger sons his share of their goods (Luke 15:12), whereupon t...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**32-49. the man came into the house, &amp;c.--**What a beautiful picture of piety, fidelity, and disinterestedness in a servant! He declined all attention to his own comforts till he had told his name and his errand.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 25 Chapter Outline Abraham's family by Keturah, His death and burial.(1-10) God blesses Isaac, The descendants of Ishmael.(11-18) The birth of Esau and Jacob.(19-26) The different characters of Esau and Jacob.(27-28) Esau despises and sells his birth-right. (29-34) **Verses 1-10** All the days, even of the best and greatest saints, are not remarkable days;...
Read full commentary →

And these are the days of the years of Abraham's life which he lived, an hundred threescore and fifteen years.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And these are the days of the years of Abraham's life which he lived, an hundred threescore and fift...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(7) **An hundred threescore and fifteen years.**—As Abraham was seventy-five years of age when he left Haran (Genesis 12:4), his sojourn in Canaan lasted just a century, one quarter of which was spent in the long trial of his faith before Isaac was granted to him. As, however, Esau and Jacob were born when Isaac was sixty years of age (Genesis 25:26), they would be fifteen at Abraham’s death, and ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**32-49. the man came into the house, &amp;c.--**What a beautiful picture of piety, fidelity, and disinterestedness in a servant! He declined all attention to his own comforts till he had told his name and his errand.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 25 Chapter Outline Abraham's family by Keturah, His death and burial.(1-10) God blesses Isaac, The descendants of Ishmael.(11-18) The birth of Esau and Jacob.(19-26) The different characters of Esau and Jacob.(27-28) Esau despises and sells his birth-right. (29-34) **Verses 1-10** All the days, even of the best and greatest saints, are not remarkable days;...
Read full commentary →

Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was g...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**32-49. the man came into the house, &amp;c.--**What a beautiful picture of piety, fidelity, and disinterestedness in a servant! He declined all attention to his own comforts till he had told his name and his errand.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 25 Chapter Outline Abraham's family by Keturah, His death and burial.(1-10) God blesses Isaac, The descendants of Ishmael.(11-18) The birth of Esau and Jacob.(19-26) The different characters of Esau and Jacob.(27-28) Esau despises and sells his birth-right. (29-34) **Verses 1-10** All the days, even of the best and greatest saints, are not remarkable days;...
Read full commentary →

And his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, which is before Mamre;

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son o...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(9) **His sons Isaac and Ishmael.**—Isaac was now seventy-five years of age, and Ishmael eighty-nine, and the two old men, with their enmity long over, metas friends at their father’s burial. While Keturah’s sons were apparently sent far away into Arabia, Ishmael at Paran (Genesis 21:21) would be at no very great distance from the well Lahai-roi, which was Isaac’s favourite residence.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**32-49. the man came into the house, &amp;c.--**What a beautiful picture of piety, fidelity, and disinterestedness in a servant! He declined all attention to his own comforts till he had told his name and his errand.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 25 Chapter Outline Abraham's family by Keturah, His death and burial.(1-10) God blesses Isaac, The descendants of Ishmael.(11-18) The birth of Esau and Jacob.(19-26) The different characters of Esau and Jacob.(27-28) Esau despises and sells his birth-right. (29-34) **Verses 1-10** All the days, even of the best and greatest saints, are not remarkable days;...
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The field which Abraham purchased of the sons of Heth: there was Abraham buried, and Sarah his wife.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>The field which Abraham purchased of the sons of Heth: there was Abraham buried, and Sarah his wife....</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**50. Then Laban and Bethuel answered--**The brothers conduct all the marriage negotiations, their father being probably dead, and without consulting their sister. Their language seems to indicate they were worshippers of the true God.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 25 Chapter Outline Abraham's family by Keturah, His death and burial.(1-10) God blesses Isaac, The descendants of Ishmael.(11-18) The birth of Esau and Jacob.(19-26) The different characters of Esau and Jacob.(27-28) Esau despises and sells his birth-right. (29-34) **Verses 1-10** All the days, even of the best and greatest saints, are not remarkable days;...
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And it came to pass after the death of Abraham, that God blessed his son Isaac; and Isaac dwelt by the well Lahairoi.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And it came to pass after the death of Abraham, that God blessed his son Isaac; and Isaac dwelt by t...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(11) **God blessed his son Isaac.**—With this general summary the *Tôldôth Terah *concludes, and no portion of Holy Scripture is more interesting or valuable; for in it the broad foundation is laid for the fulfilment of the protevangelium contained in Genesis 3:15, the progenitor of the chosen race is selected and proved on trial. and the preparation made for the giving of the Law, and for the gro...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 11-18** Ishmael had twelve sons, whose families became distinct tribes. They peopled a very large country that lay between Egypt and Assyria, called Arabia. The number and strength of this family were the fruit of the promise, made to Hagar and to Abraham, concerning Ishmael.

The Descendants of Ishmael

Now these are the generations of Ishmael, Abraham's son, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah's handmaid, bare unto Abraham:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Now these are the generations of Ishmael, Abraham's son, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah's handmaid, ...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

THE TÔLDÔTH ISHMAEL. (12) **These are the generations of Ishmael.**—Following the usual rule of this book, Ishmael is not dismissed from the Divine presence without a short record of his history, after which he falls into the background, and the historian proceeds with his main subject, which is the preparation for the forming of that race and nation of whom, according to the flesh, Christ came. T...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 11-18** Ishmael had twelve sons, whose families became distinct tribes. They peopled a very large country that lay between Egypt and Assyria, called Arabia. The number and strength of this family were the fruit of the promise, made to Hagar and to Abraham, concerning Ishmael.

And these are the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to their generations: the firstborn of Ishmael, Nebajoth; and Kedar, and Adbeel, and Mibsam,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And these are the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to their generations: the ...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**53. And the servant brought forth jewels of silver, and ... gold--**These are the usual articles, with money, that form a woman's dowry among the pastoral tribes. Rebekah was betrothed and accompanied the servant to Canaan.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 11-18** Ishmael had twelve sons, whose families became distinct tribes. They peopled a very large country that lay between Egypt and Assyria, called Arabia. The number and strength of this family were the fruit of the promise, made to Hagar and to Abraham, concerning Ishmael.

And Mishma, and Dumah, and Massa,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Mishma, and Dumah, and Massa,...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise fulfillment.<br><br>Central themes include God's unconditional cov...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 11-18** Ishmael had twelve sons, whose families became distinct tribes. They peopled a very large country that lay between Egypt and Assyria, called Arabia. The number and strength of this family were the fruit of the promise, made to Hagar and to Abraham, concerning Ishmael.

Hadar, and Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah: Hadar: or, Hadad

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Hadar, and Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah:...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise fulfillment.<br><br>Central themes include God's uncon...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 11-18** Ishmael had twelve sons, whose families became distinct tribes. They peopled a very large country that lay between Egypt and Assyria, called Arabia. The number and strength of this family were the fruit of the promise, made to Hagar and to Abraham, concerning Ishmael.

These are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names, by their towns, and by their castles; twelve princes according to their nations.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>These are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names, by their towns, and by their castles; twel...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(16) **By their towns, and by their castles.**—Towns and castles in the wilderness of Paran there were none, but we know for certain that the first of these words signified an unwalled village. (See Leviticus 25:31, where it is exactly described; also Psalm 10:8*·, *Isaiah 42:11.) It was, however, a settled and permanent place of dwelling. The other word rendered here castle, but used as the equiv...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 11-18** Ishmael had twelve sons, whose families became distinct tribes. They peopled a very large country that lay between Egypt and Assyria, called Arabia. The number and strength of this family were the fruit of the promise, made to Hagar and to Abraham, concerning Ishmael.

And these are the years of the life of Ishmael, an hundred and thirty and seven years: and he gave up the ghost and died; and was gathered unto his people.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And these are the years of the life of Ishmael, an hundred and thirty and seven years: and he gave u...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 11-18** Ishmael had twelve sons, whose families became distinct tribes. They peopled a very large country that lay between Egypt and Assyria, called Arabia. The number and strength of this family were the fruit of the promise, made to Hagar and to Abraham, concerning Ishmael.

And they dwelt from Havilah unto Shur, that is before Egypt, as thou goest toward Assyria: and he died in the presence of all his brethren. died: Heb. fell

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And they dwelt from Havilah unto Shur, that is before Egypt, as thou goest toward Assyria: and he di...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(18) **Havilah **was far to the south, on the Persian Gulf. (See Genesis 10:29.) **Shur.**—This was their western limit towards Egypt. (See Genesis 16:7.) In 1Samuel 15:7 this same region is assigned to the Amalekites. **As thou goest toward Assyria.**—This does not mean that Shur was on the route toward Assyria, but gives the eastern limit of the country inhabited by the descendants of Ishmael. *...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 11-18** Ishmael had twelve sons, whose families became distinct tribes. They peopled a very large country that lay between Egypt and Assyria, called Arabia. The number and strength of this family were the fruit of the promise, made to Hagar and to Abraham, concerning Ishmael.

Jacob and Esau

And these are the generations of Isaac, Abraham's son: Abraham begat Isaac:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And these are the generations of Isaac, Abraham's son: Abraham begat Isaac:...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise fulfillment.<br><br>Cent...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

THE TÔLDÔTH ISAAC (Genesis 25:19 to Genesis 35:29). **THE BIRTH OF ISAAC’S SONS. Abraham begat Isaac**—The *Tôldôth *in its original form gave probably a complete genealogy of Isaac, tracing up his descent to Shem, and showing thereby that the right of primogeniture belonged to him; but the inspired historian uses only so much of this as is necessary for tracing the development of the Divine plan ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 19-26** Isaac seems not to have been much tried, but to have spent his days in quietness. Jacob and Esau were prayed for; their parents, after being long childless, obtained them by prayer. The fulfilment of God's promise is always sure, yet it is often slow. The faith of believers is tried, their patience exercised, and mercies long waited for are more welcome when they come. Isaac a...
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And Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah to wife, the daughter of Bethuel the Syrian of Padanaram, the sister to Laban the Syrian.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah to wife, the daughter of Bethuel the Syrian of Pa...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 19-26** Isaac seems not to have been much tried, but to have spent his days in quietness. Jacob and Esau were prayed for; their parents, after being long childless, obtained them by prayer. The fulfilment of God's promise is always sure, yet it is often slow. The faith of believers is tried, their patience exercised, and mercies long waited for are more welcome when they come. Isaac a...
Read full commentary →

And Isaac intreated the LORD for his wife, because she was barren: and the LORD was intreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Isaac intreated the LORD for his wife, because she was barren: and the LORD was intreated of him...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 19-26** Isaac seems not to have been much tried, but to have spent his days in quietness. Jacob and Esau were prayed for; their parents, after being long childless, obtained them by prayer. The fulfilment of God's promise is always sure, yet it is often slow. The faith of believers is tried, their patience exercised, and mercies long waited for are more welcome when they come. Isaac a...
Read full commentary →

And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If it be so, why am I thus? And she went to enquire of the LORD.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If it be so, why am I thus? And she we...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 19-26** Isaac seems not to have been much tried, but to have spent his days in quietness. Jacob and Esau were prayed for; their parents, after being long childless, obtained them by prayer. The fulfilment of God's promise is always sure, yet it is often slow. The faith of believers is tried, their patience exercised, and mercies long waited for are more welcome when they come. Isaac a...
Read full commentary →

And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(23) **And the Lord said unto her.**—Not by the mouth of Abraham, nor in a dream, but directly, as He spake of old to Adam and Eve. We read of no appearance, as in Genesis 17:1, nor must we invent one. The manner in which Jehovah thus spake has not been revealed, and it is enough for us to know that Jehovah did speak of old to men. The answer is in the form of poverty:— “Two nations are in thy wom...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 19-26** Isaac seems not to have been much tried, but to have spent his days in quietness. Jacob and Esau were prayed for; their parents, after being long childless, obtained them by prayer. The fulfilment of God's promise is always sure, yet it is often slow. The faith of believers is tried, their patience exercised, and mercies long waited for are more welcome when they come. Isaac a...
Read full commentary →

And when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb....</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise fulfillment....
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**64. she lighted off the camel--**If Isaac were walking, it would have been most unmannerly for her to have continued seated; an inferior, if riding, always alights in presence of a person of rank, no exception being made for women.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 19-26** Isaac seems not to have been much tried, but to have spent his days in quietness. Jacob and Esau were prayed for; their parents, after being long childless, obtained them by prayer. The fulfilment of God's promise is always sure, yet it is often slow. The faith of believers is tried, their patience exercised, and mercies long waited for are more welcome when they come. Isaac a...
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And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau....</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise fulfillme...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(25) **Red.**—Heb., admoni*, *a secondary reason for the name Edom. (See Genesis 25:30,) **All over like an hairy garment.**—Heb., *all of *him—that is, completely—*like a garment of hair: *words rendered “a rough garment” in Zechariah 13:4, where it is used of the jacket of sheepskin worn by the prophets. It appears, therefore, that Esau’s body was entirely covered with red down, which developed ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**65. she took a veil, and covered herself--**The veil is an essential part of female dress. In country places it is often thrown aside, but on the appearance of a stranger, it is drawn over the face, as to conceal all but the eyes. In a bride it was a token of her reverence and subjection to her husband.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 19-26** Isaac seems not to have been much tried, but to have spent his days in quietness. Jacob and Esau were prayed for; their parents, after being long childless, obtained them by prayer. The fulfilment of God's promise is always sure, yet it is often slow. The faith of believers is tried, their patience exercised, and mercies long waited for are more welcome when they come. Isaac a...
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And after that came his brother out, and his hand took hold on Esau's heel; and his name was called Jacob: and Isaac was threescore years old when she bare them.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And after that came his brother out, and his hand took hold on Esau's heel; and his name was called ...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(26) **His hand took hold on Esau’s heel.**—Usually there is a considerable interval—an hour or more—between the birth of twins; but here Jacob appeared without delay, following immediately upon his brother. This is expressed by the metaphorical phrase that his hand had hold on Esau’s heel—that is, there was absolutely no interval between them. Though very rare, yet similar cases have been chronic...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 19-26** Isaac seems not to have been much tried, but to have spent his days in quietness. Jacob and Esau were prayed for; their parents, after being long childless, obtained them by prayer. The fulfilment of God's promise is always sure, yet it is often slow. The faith of believers is tried, their patience exercised, and mercies long waited for are more welcome when they come. Isaac a...
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And the boys grew: and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the boys grew: and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a plain man, dwe...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

**DEVELOPMENT OF THE CHARACTERS OF ESAU AND JACOB. ESATU SELLS HIS BIRTHRIGHT**. (27) **The “boys grew.**—With advancing years came also the formation of their characters. Esau became a skilful hunter, a “man of the field”: not a husbandman, but one who roamed over the open uncultivated wilderness (see Genesis 4:8) in search of game; but “Jacob was a plain man.” This is a most inadequate rendering...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**67. And Isaac brought her into his mother's ... tent--**thus establishing her at once in the rights and honors of a wife before he had seen her features. Disappointments often take place, but when Isaac saw his wife, "he loved her."

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 27-28** Esau hunted the beasts of the field with dexterity and success, till he became a conqueror, ruling over his neighbours. Jacob was a plain man, one that liked the true delights of retirement, better than all pretended pleasures. He was a stranger and a pilgrim in his spirit, and a shepherd all his days. Isaac and Rebekah had but these two children, one was the father's darling,...
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And Isaac loved Esau, because he did eat of his venison: but Rebekah loved Jacob. he: Heb. venison was in his mouth

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Isaac loved Esau, because he did eat of his venison: but Rebekah loved Jacob....</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise fulfillment.<br><b...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(28) **Because he did eat of his venison.**—Literally, *because the venison*—that is, the produce of Esau’s hunting—*was in his mouth; *in our phrase, *was to his taste*—was what he liked. The diet of an Arab sheik is very simple (see Note on Genesis 18:6); and Isaac, a man wanting in physical vigour and adventurousness—as is usually the case with the children of people far advanced in years—both ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 27-28** Esau hunted the beasts of the field with dexterity and success, till he became a conqueror, ruling over his neighbours. Jacob was a plain man, one that liked the true delights of retirement, better than all pretended pleasures. He was a stranger and a pilgrim in his spirit, and a shepherd all his days. Isaac and Rebekah had but these two children, one was the father's darling,...
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And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint:...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise fulfillment.<br><br>Central t...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(29, 30) **Jacob sod pottage.**—The diverse occupations of the two youths led, in course of time, to an act fatal to Esau’s character and well-being. Coming home one day weary, and fainting with hunger, he found Jacob preparing a pottage of lentils. No sooner did the savoury smell reach him than he cried out in haste, “Let me swallow, I pray, of the red, this red.” The verb expresses extreme eager...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 25 Ge 25:1-6. Sons of Abraham. **1. Abraham took a wife--**rather, "had taken"; for Keturah is called Abraham's concubine, or secondary wife (1Ch 1:32); and as, from her bearing six sons to him, it is improbable that he married after Sarah's death; and also as he sent them all out to seek their own independence, during his lifetime, it is clear that this marriage is related here out of it...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 29-34** We have here the bargain made between Jacob and Esau about the right, which was Esau's by birth, but Jacob's by promise. It was for a spiritual privilege; and we see Jacob's desire of the birth-right, but he sought to obtain it by crooked courses, not like his character as a plain man. He was right, that he coveted earnestly the best gifts; he was wrong, that he took advantage...
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And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom. with: Heb. with that red, with that red pottage Edom: that is Red

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore ...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 29-34** We have here the bargain made between Jacob and Esau about the right, which was Esau's by birth, but Jacob's by promise. It was for a spiritual privilege; and we see Jacob's desire of the birth-right, but he sought to obtain it by crooked courses, not like his character as a plain man. He was right, that he coveted earnestly the best gifts; he was wrong, that he took advantage...
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And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright....</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise fulfillment.<br><br>Central themes include God's un...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 29-34** We have here the bargain made between Jacob and Esau about the right, which was Esau's by birth, but Jacob's by promise. It was for a spiritual privilege; and we see Jacob's desire of the birth-right, but he sought to obtain it by crooked courses, not like his character as a plain man. He was right, that he coveted earnestly the best gifts; he was wrong, that he took advantage...
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And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me? at: Heb. going to die

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me?...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise ful...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 29-34** We have here the bargain made between Jacob and Esau about the right, which was Esau's by birth, but Jacob's by promise. It was for a spiritual privilege; and we see Jacob's desire of the birth-right, but he sought to obtain it by crooked courses, not like his character as a plain man. He was right, that he coveted earnestly the best gifts; he was wrong, that he took advantage...
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And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob....</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**5-6. Abraham gave all that he had unto Isaac ... unto the sons of the concubines ... Abraham gave gifts--**While the chief part of the inheritance went to Isaac; the other sons (Ishmael included) migrated to "the East country," that is, Arabia, but received each a portion of the patrimony, perhaps in cattle and other things; and this settlement of Abraham's must have given satisfaction, since it...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 29-34** We have here the bargain made between Jacob and Esau about the right, which was Esau's by birth, but Jacob's by promise. It was for a spiritual privilege; and we see Jacob's desire of the birth-right, but he sought to obtain it by crooked courses, not like his character as a plain man. He was right, that he coveted earnestly the best gifts; he was wrong, that he took advantage...
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Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went ...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(34) **He did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way.**—These words graphically describe Esau’s complete indifference to the spiritual privileges of which he had denuded himself. There is no regret, no sad feeling that he had prolonged his life at too high a cost. And if Jacob is cunning, and mean in the advantage he took of his brother, still he valued these privileges, and in the sequel he...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**5-6. Abraham gave all that he had unto Isaac ... unto the sons of the concubines ... Abraham gave gifts--**While the chief part of the inheritance went to Isaac; the other sons (Ishmael included) migrated to "the East country," that is, Arabia, but received each a portion of the patrimony, perhaps in cattle and other things; and this settlement of Abraham's must have given satisfaction, since it...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 29-34** We have here the bargain made between Jacob and Esau about the right, which was Esau's by birth, but Jacob's by promise. It was for a spiritual privilege; and we see Jacob's desire of the birth-right, but he sought to obtain it by crooked courses, not like his character as a plain man. He was right, that he coveted earnestly the best gifts; he was wrong, that he took advantage...
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