Genesis 22:24
Moreover, his concubine, whose name was Reumah, bore Tebah, Gaham, Tahash, and Maacah.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The phrase "his concubine" is significant because it highlights that, even within polygamous or complex family structures of that era, Reumah occupied a distinct, secondary status compared to a principal wife. This distinction is important because it clarifies that her children, though part of Abraham's lineage, held a different social and inheritance standing than those born to Sarah.
Following the incredible test of Abraham's faith on Mount Moriah, the narrative shifts to recount the lineage of Abraham's brother, Nahor, and then details more of Abraham's own descendants. This verse concludes the account of Abraham's offspring by listing the sons born to his concubine, Reumah, highlighting that even in his later years, Abraham continued to have a large family.
The verse mentions Abraham's concubine, Reumah, and her children. What does 'concubine' actually mean in this context?
The term 'concubine' in the Old Testament, specifically the Hebrew word 'pilegesh', doesn't carry the same negative connotations as the modern English word.
A Secondary Wife
Historical Context
After the profound events of the sacrifice of Isaac, why does Genesis immediately pivot to listing more children born to Abraham?
Genesis 22 is a pivotal chapter, showcasing Abraham's ultimate faith. However, the narrative doesn't stop there. The inclusion of Reumah's children immediately after highlights several crucial theological points:
God's Faithfulness Beyond a Single Line
Understand the original words
pilegesh · Hebrew Noun
A woman who, in the ancient Near Eastern context, had a recognized legal status but lacked the full rights and social standing of a wife. Concubines often bore children who were legally acknowledged by the father.
c. 2000 BC
Abraham settles in Canaan
Abraham, a nomadic patriarch, establishes his family and flocks in the land of Canaan, marking a significant shift from his earlier life.
c. 1900 BC
Birth of Ishmael
Abraham's son Ishmael is born to Hagar, Sarah's maidservant, leading to later tensions within the household.
c. 1890 BC
Birth of Isaac
Sarah, Abraham's wife, miraculously gives birth to Isaac, the promised heir, at an advanced age.
c. 1875 BC
Expulsion of Hagar and Ishmael
Due to Sarah's insistence, Hagar and Ishmael are sent away from Abraham's household, though God promises to make Ishmael's descendants a great nation.
c. 1870 BC— this verse
The Test of Abraham: Offering Isaac
God commands Abraham to sacrifice his beloved son Isaac on Mount Moriah, testing Abraham's faith and obedience to the utmost.
This passage lists the sons of Keturah, Abraham's concubine, highlighting the continuation of Abraham's lineage through secondary wives and concubines, similar to Reumah's children in Genesis 22:24.
Genesis 25:6This verse explicitly states that Abraham gave gifts to the sons of his concubines and sent them away from Isaac, underscoring the distinct status and eventual separation of children born to concubines.
Judges 8:31This verse mentions that Gideon had many wives and also a concubine who bore him a son named Abimelech, illustrating that concubinage was a practice that continued beyond Abraham's time and produced significant figures.
2 Samuel 3:7This passage notes that Saul had a concubine named Rizpah, showing that the practice extended to royal families and that concubines held a recognized, albeit secondary, position within the household.
1 Kings 15:13This verse refers to Maacah as the mother of King Asa, demonstrating that a name listed among Reumah's children (Maacah) later became associated with a prominent queen, indicating the flow of names and lineage through different branches of families.
clarkeGenesis 22:24: "And his concubine, whose name was Reumah, she bare also Tebah, and Gaham, and Thahash, and Maachah."
His concubine - We borrow this word from the Latin compound concubina, from con, together, and cubo, to lie, and apply it solely to a woman cohabiting with a man without being legally married. The Hebrew word is פילגש pilegesh, which is also a compound term, contracted, according to Parkhurst, from פלג palag, to divide or share, and נגש nagash, to approach; because the husband…
calvinGenesis 22:1-24: "And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am."
And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.
Et dixit, Tolle nunc filium tuum, unicum tuum, quem dilexisti Ishac, et vade ad terram Moriah, et offer eum ibi in holocaustum super unum e mo…
The phrase "his concubine" is significant because it highlights that, even within polygamous or complex family structures of that era, Reumah occupied a distinct, secondary status compared to a principal wife. This distinction is important because it clarifies that her children, though part of Abraham's lineage, held a different social and inheritance standing than those born to Sarah.
Following the incredible test of Abraham's faith on Mount Moriah, the narrative shifts to recount the lineage of Abraham's brother, Nahor, and then details more of Abraham's own descendants. This verse concludes the account of Abraham's offspring by listing the sons born to his concubine, Reumah, highlighting that even in his later years, Abraham continued to have a large family.
Following the incredible test of Abraham's faith on Mount Moriah, the narrative shifts to recount the lineage of Abraham's brother, Nahor, and then details more of Abraham's own descendants. This verse concludes the account of Abraham's offspring by listing the sons born to his concubine, Reumah, highlighting that even in his later years, Abraham continued to have a large family.
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Legacy and Prolificacy
The verse lists four specific names: Tebah, Gaham, Tahash, and Maacah. Do these names hold any deeper meaning or connection?
While the immediate context focuses on Abraham's lineage, the names themselves can offer glimpses into the broader world and the historical significance of these individuals and their descendants.
Echoes of Peoples and Places
The Tapestry of Nations
c. 1870 BC
Abraham's Descendants Confirmed
After the trial, God reaffirms His promises to Abraham, confirming the lineage through Isaac and listing the children born to Abraham's brother Nahor and his concubine Reumah.
"Moreover, his concubine, whose name was Reumah, bore Tebah, Gaham, Tahash, and Maacah." — The phrase "his concubine" is significant because it highlights that, even within polygamous or complex family structures of that era, Reumah occupied a distinct, secondary status compared to a princ…
