If Abrahams son Isaac is father of the Jews, and Ismael of the Muslims, what about the sons he had with...?

Question

If Abrahams son Isaac is father of the Jews, and Ismael of the Muslims, what about the sons he had with his concubine, I believe her name was Kethura (correct me if I am wrong)...whose father are they? the persians? greeks? who?

Answer 1

There is a tradition that Abraham's other sons went to the east and founded some of the eastern religions.

Answer 2

It is brought in various Jewish sources, including the perush HaRamban on the Torah and Midrash Rabba that Ketura was Hagar who had left Ishmael and his people and returned to Avraham. However, Ketura was not a concubine but a full wife whom he married after the death of Sarah. The children from Ketura were also Jewish and would have followed Isaac as the head of the family.

What is not often talked about is that there were jews that did NOT go down to Egypt with Jacob- but stayed in Canaan. That is why the Torah specifically enumerates those that went with Jacon, singling them out for special mention. Those who remained behind were from the other children of Abraham and from those that had been converted by Abraham (Such as his servant Eliezer and his family). There is an argument amongst the Rabbis whether those that remained behind assimilated into the surrounding nations or whether they remained faithful to Judaism, and joined with the 12 tribes when they returned to Israel.

Answer 3

I just did a bible search and the first time concubine is mentioned in the bible is Genesis 22:23 which mentioned Abraham's brothers concubine, I do not believe Abraham had an official concubine, the closest thing is Hagar, Sara's maid servant who was Ishmael's mother.

If you can cite a verse where this concubine is mentioned I'll do more research.

Answer 4

Clarification - Ismael is not the father of the Muslims. He is the father of the Arabs.

Arabs and north Africans were the first people to convert to Christianity. Ismaelites worshipped Christ 600 years before Mohammed was born and the religion of Islam was formed.

Answer 5

There are some medieval biblical scholars that say Keturah was another name for Hagar and that these children also were part of those that made up the modern Arab tribes of today.

But that is a very good question. Very well thought out.

here is so more info
http://bible.tmtm.com/wiki/Asshurites

Answer 6

Wow now you stumped me:) Very nifty post. Looking forward for rational answers.

Answer 7

who knows these things