Interesting Facts

• Zimran was one of the six sons born to Abraham through Keturah.
• He was born during the period of 2090-2099 AM.
• Zimran had three sons: Abihen, Molich, and Narim.
• Along with his brothers, Zimran received gifts from Abraham and was sent away eastward from Isaac while Abraham was still alive.
• The descendants of Zimran, along with his brothers and the sons of Ishmael, eventually mingled and were called Arabs and Ishmaelites.

Genealogy

• Zimran was the son of Abraham.
• His mother was Keturah, who is described as being from the land of Canaan or from among Abraham’s household servants after Hagar’s death.
• His brothers were Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah.
• Zimran was the father of Abihen, Molich, and Narim.

Historical Context

Zimran’s birth occurred in Abraham’s later years, after the marriage to Keturah in the 43rd Jubilee year, 2089 AM. This was a time of expansion for Abraham’s family beyond the lineage of Isaac, the promised heir. The cultural practice of the patriarch providing gifts and sending away sons from secondary wives to establish their own territories is evident in Abraham’s treatment of Zimran and his brothers. Abraham’s instructions to his children and grandchildren emphasized maintaining a separation from the Canaanites and adhering to the Lord’s ways. The sending away of Zimran and his brothers eastward, along with Ishmael, likely reflects Abraham’s desire to keep the line of Isaac distinct in the land of Canaan, as Isaac was the inheritor of the covenantal promises.

Narrative

Zimran’s personal narrative within the provided sources is largely defined by his position as one of Abraham’s sons through Keturah. His birth contributes to the expansion of Abraham’s descendants. A significant event in Zimran’s narrative is receiving gifts from Abraham and being sent eastward with his brothers, away from Isaac. This action signifies the establishment of separate lineages and territories for these sons, distinguishing them from Isaac, who inherited the bulk of Abraham’s possessions and the primary line of the covenant. The eventual mingling of Zimran’s descendants with those of his brothers and Ishmael, leading to them being called Arabs and Ishmaelites, marks the long-term outcome of this separation. While the texts do not offer details about Zimran’s individual actions or personality, his inclusion in the list of Abraham’s sons and the account of their dispersal eastward is crucial in understanding the broader narrative of Abraham’s legacy and the origins of various peoples in the region.