The Beginning 25

Abraham, Keturah, their sons Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, Shuah and grandsons, Isaac as heir, Ishmael and his twelve sons as tribal leaders, Isaac, Rebekah, Esau and Jacob. Inheritance passed through the firstborn son receiving a double portion and leadership of the clan. Secondary wives and concubines were sent away with gifts to protect the main heir. Birthright could be legally transferred by an oath and a meal agreement. Hunting and tent-dwelling pastoral life defined status and family favor. Machpelah cave near Mamre in Canaan, Beer Lahai Roi in the Negev, Paddan Aram in northern Mesopotamia, region from Havilah to Shur bordering Egypt and toward Assyria, and the open country and tent camps of Canaan where Isaac settled. Abraham provided for all his children but secured Isaac as sole heir of the promise, then died and was buried with Sarah. Ishmael's twelve sons became twelve tribes in the desert region. God answered prayer for Rebekah's infertility, revealed the destiny of twins, and Jacob obtained Esau's birthright through a sworn transaction.