1 Chronicles 1:28-34·~1 min

The Descendants of Abraham

Abraham’s sons are named as Isaac and Ishmael, and Ishmael’s descendants are listed in full through twelve sons. The genealogy lingers long enough to recognize this branch before moving on.

T²⁸he sons of Abraham were Isaac and Ishmael. ²⁹These are their genealogies: ³⁰Nebaioth the firstborn of Ishmael, then Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadad, Tema, ³¹Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. These were the sons of Ishmael.

The children born to Keturah are noted, with Midian’s sons named, and then the line returns to Isaac and his sons. The broad household of Abraham is gathered before the narrative line narrows again.

³²The sons born to Keturah, Abraham’s concubine: ³³The sons of Midian: ³⁴Abraham was the father of Isaac. The sons of Isaac:

Section summaryThe genealogy narrows from Abraham to his sons and their branches, naming Ishmael’s line, Keturah’s children, and then Isaac’s sons. Even while the line of promise is being approached, the wider family is still carefully kept in view.

Role in the chapterThis section turns from universal ancestry to Abraham’s household. It prepares for Israel’s line by first naming Abraham’s other descendants, then returning to Isaac as the branch the chapter will continue.