Ishbak
Ishbak was a son of Abraham and his concubine Keturah (Gen.25.2, 1Ch.1.32).
Biography
Ishbak was one of six sons born to Abraham by his concubine Keturah, whom Abraham married after the death of Sarah (Genesis 25:2; 1 Chronicles 1:32). His name appears in the genealogical records alongside his brothers Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, and Shuah. As with his siblings, Abraham sent Ishbak and his brothers eastward with gifts while Isaac remained in Canaan as the designated heir of the covenant promises. Little else is recorded about Ishbak personally, though his name likely became associated with a tribal group or people in the ancient Near East. He represents the breadth of Abraham's progeny beyond the covenant line, demonstrating Abraham's remarkable fruitfulness in old age as fulfillment of God's promise to make him a father of many nations (Genesis 17:5).
Significance
Ishbak's inclusion in the biblical genealogy underscores a recurring theological theme: divine election does not negate God's providence toward those outside the primary covenant line. While Isaac carried the Abrahamic covenant forward, Ishbak and his brothers received Abraham's blessing and material provision (Genesis 25:6). This distinction between chosen and non-chosen descendants illuminates the nature of grace, God's purposes are specific, yet his care extends broadly. Ishbak's lineage reminds readers that biblical history encompasses more than its central narrative thread, situating Israel's story within a wider tapestry of peoples and nations descended from the patriarchs.
Verse Appearances (2)
Genesis
1 Chronicles
References
- Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]