Read Gen. 25:1-21
Abraham took another wife, Ketura, who had 6 sons. Ketura means a fragrance but her sons names mean musical, insidious, strife, contention, he will leave, humble, to ensnare; so I’m not sure whether Ketura’s fragrance was good or bad. Abraham gave everything he had to Isaac and to the sons of his concubine he gave gifts and sent them away from Isaac. Abraham finally died at the age of 175. He was buried in the cave he bought for his family burial called Machpelah which means a fold. I had wondered if Isaac ever saw Ishmael again but apparently they did because they both attended his burial. I would love to know how their relationship was. Isaac was blessed by God and dwelt in his presence (by the well of Lahoi-roi).
Next we have Ishmael’s generations. Their names mean “to be fruitful, to mourn, disciplined of God, sweet fragrance, hearing a report, to silence by death, a burden, an innermost chamber, enclosed, refreshed, and precedence”. They were a motley crew! There were 12 princes in all.
Now to Isaac’s generations. His wife, like his father’s wife, Sarah, was barren. I find it interesting that the godly people have such a struggle bearing fruit. They all seem barren till God touches them yet the ungodly seem to bear fruit abundantly. What a principle to understand. Weeds grow easily and in abundance but a pure line struggles to break forth into life. I think that when God has a plan it has to go through much struggle to fight through the spiritual barriers the devil puts up to stop it. Somehow the devil seems to be able to smell destiny and does whatever he can to kill it. He killed all the babies under 2 trying to kill Jesus when he knew he was going to be born. Isaac had to pray earnestly for Rebekah to be able to bring forth life and she did.
Lord, help us to be like Isaac and pray till we see the fruit.
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