Genesis 25

Genesis 25 can be divided into three main sections.

1. Abraham's final years and death (verses 1-11):

   • Abraham marries Keturah after Sarah's death and has six more sons.
   • Abraham gives gifts to these sons and sends them away, eastward.
   • Abraham leaves everything else to Isaac, his son with Sarah.
   • Abraham dies at age 175 and is buried in the cave of Machpelah with Sarah.
   • Isaac settles near Lahairoi after Abraham's death.

2. Ishmael's descendants (verses 12-18):

   • The twelve sons of Ishmael became tribal leaders.
   • Ishmael dies at age 137.
   • Ishmael's descendants settled from Havilah to Shur, east of Egypt.

3. Jacob and Esau's birth and rivalry (verses 19-34):

   • Isaac (at age 40) marries Rebekah, who is initially barren.
   • Isaac prays for Rebekah, and she conceives twins.
   • During pregnancy, the babies struggle within her womb.
   • God reveals to Rebekah that two nations are in her womb, and the older will serve the younger.
   • Esau is born first (reddish and hairy), followed by Jacob (grasping Esau's heel).
   • Esau becomes a skilled hunter, while Jacob is described as a "plain man, dwelling in tents."
   • Isaac favors Esau, but Rebekah favors Jacob.
   • Esau sells his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of stew when he comes home famished from hunting.

This chapter establishes the transition from Abraham to the next generation and sets up the conflict between Jacob and Esau.