Wives of Abraham: The Heart of Biblical Heritage
Family Tree of Abraham, His Wives, and Their Children
#### I. Introduction to Abraham
– Significance: Father of faith, patriarch in three major religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam)
– **Scriptural Reference:** Genesis 12:1-3 – God’s call to Abraham
#### II. Wives of Abraham
A. Sarah (originally Sarai)
– **Background:** Abraham’s half-sister; the covenant was established through her.
– **Scriptural Reference:** Genesis 17:15-16 – God changes her name and promises her a son.
– **Children:**
1. **Isaac**
– **Scriptural Reference:** Genesis 21:1-3 – Born when Sarah was 90 years old.
– **Significance:** Covenant child; carries the promise of God.
B. **Hagar**
– **Background:** Sarah’s Egyptian maidservant, given to Abraham to bear a child when Sarah was barren.
– **Scriptural Reference:** Genesis 16:1-4 – Hagar becomes the mother of Abraham’s first son.
– **Children:**
1. **Ishmael**
– **Scriptural Reference:** Genesis 16:15 – Hagar gives birth to Ishmael.
– **Significance:** Considered the father of a great nation; God hears Hagar’s cries for help (Genesis 21:17-19).
C. **Keturah**
– **Background:** Abraham’s wife after Sarah’s death.
– **Scriptural Reference:** Genesis 25:1 – Keturah is mentioned as Abraham’s wife.
– **Children:**
1. **Zimran**
2. **Jokshan**
3. **Medan**
4. Midian
5. **Ishbak**
6. **Shuah**
– **Scriptural Reference:** Genesis 25:2-4 – Names of Keturah’s children.
– **Significance:** The children of Keturah also became nations.
#### III. Summary of Abraham’s Legacy
– Covenant with God: A central theme; God promises to make Abraham the father of many nations (Genesis 17:4).
– **Faith and Obedience:** Abraham’s willingness to follow God’s command, tested in many ways (such as the offering of Isaac in Genesis 22).
– **Importance in African American Culture:** Abraham’s story represents faith, perseverance, and God’s promises in the face of trials.
#### IV. Conclusion
– Abraham’s family highlights themes of faith, trust in God, and God’s faithfulness to His promises, which are core components to understanding faith in the African American community and beyond.
### Scripture References
– Genesis 12:1-3
– Genesis 16:1-4
– Genesis 21:1-3
– Genesis 17:15-16
– Genesis 25:1-4