Genesis 25

1. (V1-4) Abraham takes Keturah as a wife

Abraham had a second wife, and he fathered six more sons through her.

In total, Abraham had eight sons: Isaac through Sarah, Ishmael through Hagar, and these six through Keturah.

These sons would become the fathers of distinct peoples.

For example, the Midianites came from Midian. 

1.1 (V5-6) Abraham sets Isaac apart from other sons

Abraham gave his wealth to Isaac,

And he gave the promise of the land God had promised to him to Isaac

The Bible makes a distinction, although Abraham and Keturah were married, she is referred to as a concubine and not considered to be the same as Sarah

Divine protection by sending them away from Issac

Abraham wanted to ensure that Isaac would inherit everything he owned without any competition. This was crucial for maintaining the covenant promise made to Isaac.Covenant Promise

Preventing Rivalry: By sending his other sons away, Abraham aimed to prevent potential conflicts or rivalries that could arise over inheritance claims. He had previously experienced tension between Isaac and Ishmael, which influenced his decision.

1.2 (V7-11) Abraham’s death and Burial

Abraham passes from the scene—one of the most significant figures in Scripture

Mentioned frequently in the New Testament (second only to) Moses

He died, just as God promised at a good old age

He died, a life brought to a settled and faithful end in peace

Abraham walked with God for about 100 years

Not perfectly, but faithfully—one step at a time

A life marked by trust, not sight

James 2:23 “And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God.”

Hebrews 11:39 “And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise,”

Application: Run Your Race

Hebrews 12:1–2 “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Application:

Everyone is at a different stage in their race

Some just starting

Some in the middle

Some nearing the finish line

The goal is not just to start—but to finish well

2 Timothy 4:7–8 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.”

2. (V19-21) Jacob and Esau

Isaac pleads with the Lord on behalf of his wife

The husband intercedes on behalf of his wife

This prayer was answered, but some 20 years after Isaac and Rebekah first married (Genesis 25:20, 26). 

He waited on the Lord, instead of taking it upon himself

Remember Abraham

2.1 (V22-23) God’s choice of the younger over the older.

But they struggled inside of the womb / Hebrew word means to crush

The fetal movements were not normal

She went to inquire of the Lord

a) Paul wrote that God’s choice was not based on the performance of Jacob or Esau.

 Romans 9:11 “(for the children not yet being born, nor having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works but of Him who calls),”

The birth order is a divinely ordained, imagine to the surprise of Rebekah when she learned that the two children would struggle with each other all of their lives

Each would produce a nation (Edom and Israel would compete) but the younger would master the older

The choice was made when they were not yet being born, nor having done any good or evil

Jacob would be the line of God’s covenant of salvation

2.2 (V24-26) The birth of Jacob and Esau

Esau (hairy)

Jacob (heel-catcher)

Additionally, the idea of a “heel-catcher” meant something in that day. It had the idea of trickster, con man, scoundrel, or rascal. It wasn’t a compliment.

2.3 (V29-34) Esau despises his birthright and sells it to Jacob.

Jacob knew that the birthright was valuable, and he wanted it

He understood that the birthright involved both material and spiritual aspects

 In the case of this family, the birthright determined who would inherit the covenant God made with Abraham, the covenant of a land, a nation, and the Messiah

Spiritually speaking, many believers despise their birthright. Ephesians 1:3-14 describes a treasury of riches that belong to God’s people by birthright in Jesus:

· Every spiritual blessing.

· The blessing of being chosen in Jesus.

· Adoption into God’s family.

· Complete acceptance by God in Jesus.

· Redemption from our slavery to sin.

· True and total forgiveness.

· The riches of God’s grace.

· The revelation and knowledge of the mystery of God’s will.

· An eternal inheritance.

· The guarantee of the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Far too many believers neglect or trade away this birthright for cheap entertainment, momentary popularity, or passing pleasures.

Hebrews 12:16 “lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright.”

Esau’s character was not the basis for God’s choosing; He chose Jacob over Esau before they were born (Romans 9:11-13). Nevertheless, Esau’s character showed the wisdom of God’s choice.