ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Genesis 25

Gen. 25:1–4 Abraham took another wife. Like Hagar, Keturah has the status of a “concubine” (see 1 Chron. 1:32; also note on Gen. 25:5–6). This relationship possibly existed before Sarah’s death. In the ancient Near East, wealthy men sometimes had “second” wives.

Gen. 25:5–6 These verses highlight Isaac’s position as Abraham’s main heir. “Concubines” probably refers to Hagar and Keturah, both of whom bore Abraham children. Neither woman shared the status of Sarah, Abraham’s first wife (see also 1 Chron. 1:28–34).

Gen. 25:9–10 the cave of Machpelah . . . that Abraham purchased. See ch. 23.

Gen. 25:12–18 This short section names Ishmael’s 12 sons, who became heads of tribes in Arabia, fulfilling God’s promise in 17:20.

Gen. 25:12 These are the generations of. See note on 2:4.

Gen. 25:19–37:1 Isaac’s Descendants. The familiar phrase “these are the generations of” introduces the next main section of Genesis (see note on 2:4). While these chapters focus on the family of Isaac, special attention is given to Jacob because the unique family line of Genesis will be continued through him (see diagram).

Gen. 25:20 The repeated use of the term Aramean and the designation of their dwelling place as Paddan-aram (“plain of Aram”) indicate that Abraham’s family was considered to be Aramean.

Gen. 25:21 Like Sarah, Rebekah is also barren.

Gen. 25:22–23 The observation that the children struggled together within her introduces one of the main themes of chs. 25–36. The relationship between the twin boys will often be hostile. The divine revelation that the older shall serve the younger indicates that Jacob will have a significant role in the family line.

Gen. 25:26 holding Esau’s heel, so his name was called Jacob. The name “Jacob” resembles the Hebrew term for “heel” and has the connotation of “deceiver.” To grasp someone by the heel was apparently a figure of speech meaning “to deceive.” The idea of deception will be a repeated theme in the life of Jacob. Isaac was sixty years old. The twins are born 15 years before the death of Abraham, which is recorded in vv. 7–8. Occasionally in Genesis, events are narrated out of chronological order, as here.

Gen. 25:27–34 These verses tell of Esau selling his birthright to Jacob. While Jacob may be criticized for exploiting his brother in a moment of weakness, Esau is indifferent toward his firstborn status. That is why Heb. 12:16 describes Esau as “unholy.” He did not appreciate that his birthright was linked to God’s plan of redemption.

Gen. 25:30 In Hebrew, the name Edom is similar to the word red.