We meet her after the death of Sarah, when Abraham – yes, that Abraham – takes her as his wife. But who was she, really?
Some traditions identify her with Hagar, the mother of Ishmael. But Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer, a fascinating collection of stories and interpretations from the early Middle Ages, offers another intriguing perspective. It focuses not so much on her identity, but on the quality of her actions. : Keturah. The name itself, according to the text, hints at something special. It suggests that her deeds were as beautiful and pleasing as the fragrance of incense. That's quite a compliment. And she bore Abraham six sons!
And here's a twist: These sons, according to Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer 30, were all known by the name of Ishmael. As it says, "And she bare him Zimran." (Genesis 25:2) What's that about?
The text goes on to paint a somewhat poignant picture. It likens Keturah and her sons to a woman sent away from her husband. Just as a husband might give his wife a get – a deed of divorce – so too did Abraham, in a way, separate these sons from Isaac, his heir.
"But unto the sons of the concubines, which Abraham had, Abraham gave gifts, and he sent them away from Isaac his son." (Genesis 25:6) This, according to Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer, was "by a deed of divorcement." He gave them gifts, yes, but also… distance. Distance from Isaac, distance from the inheritance, distance, perhaps, from the heart of Abraham’s covenant.
It's a powerful image. What does it tell us? Perhaps about the complexities of family, of inheritance, of the echoes of the past and the shaping of the future. It speaks of love and legacy and also, maybe, a touch of sadness. Even in the lives of our great ancestors, the stories are never simple, are they? They’re layered, complex, full of both light and shadow.
So, the next time you hear the name Keturah, remember her fragrant deeds, her many sons, and the bittersweet tale of her separation from Isaac’s lineage. There’s a lot packed into that one name. Food for thought, isn't it?