are entering into a new condition, we ought by prayer to commend them to the blessing and grace
of God. Isaac was well employed when he met Rebekah. He went out to take the advantage of a
silent evening, and a solitary place, for meditation and prayer; those divine exercises by which we
converse with God and our own hearts. Holy souls love retirement; it will do us good to be often
alone, if rightly employed; and we are never less alone than when alone. Observe what an affectionate
son Isaac was: it was about three years since his mother died, and yet he was not, till now, comforted.
See also what an affectionate husband he was to his wife. Dutiful sons promise fair to be affectionate
husbands; he that fills up his first station in life with honour, is likely to do the same in those that
follow.
Chapter 25
Chapter Outline
Abraham's family by Keturah, His death and (1–10)
burial.
God blesses Isaac, The descendants of (11–18)
Ishmael.
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; some slide on silently;
such were these last days of Abraham. Here is an account of Abraham's children by Keturah, and
the disposition which he made of his estate. After the birth of these sons, he set his house in order,
with prudence and justice. He did this while he yet lived. It is wisdom for men to do what they find
to do while they live, as far as they can. Abraham lived 175 years; just one hundred years after he
came to Canaan; so long he was a sojourner in a strange country. Whether our stay in this life be
long or short, it matters but little, provided we leave behind us a testimony to the faithfulness and
goodness of the Lord, and a good example to our families. We are told that his sons Isaac and
Ishmael buried him. It seems that Abraham had himself brought them together while he lived. Let
us not close the history of the life of Abraham without blessing God for such a testimony of the
triumph of faith.
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.