Interesting Facts

• Ephah is identified as one of the five sons of Midian.
• Midian was born to Abraham and Keturah, making Ephah a grandson of Abraham.
• The provided texts do not record any personal actions or dialogues specifically attributed to Ephah.
• Ephah is mentioned in conjunction with his brothers: Epher, Hanoch, Abidah, and Eldaah.
• The descendants of Ephah are listed as Methach, Meshar, Avi, and Tzanua.

Genealogy

• Ephah’s father was Midian, who was one of the six sons of Abraham and his wife Keturah.
• His grandfather was Abraham, a key figure in the lineage.
• His grandmother was Keturah, Abraham’s wife after the passing of Sarah, described as being “from the land of Canaan” or “from among the daughters of his household servants”.
• Through his father, Ephah was a great-grandson of Terah, and a descendant of Shem and Noah.
• His brothers, as named in the sources, were Epher, Hanoch, Abidah, and Eldaah.
• Ephah’s sons were Methach, Meshar, Avi, and Tzanua. The texts do not specify his wife or other potential children.

Historical Context

Ephah’s existence falls within the period after Abraham’s marriage to Keturah and the subsequent birth of their sons. Following Abraham’s directive, the sons of Keturah, including Midian and his offspring like Ephah, were given gifts and sent eastward, away from Isaac, who was designated as the primary heir. This eastward migration positioned Ephah’s lineage geographically away from the central narratives concerning Isaac and his descendants in Canaan. The cultural and religious foundations for Ephah’s family would have been rooted in the teachings and example of Abraham, who emphasized the importance of observing the “way of the Lord” and acting righteously. The descendants of Midian, including Ephah, settled to the east of the land of Cush, where they found a large valley, built a city, and dwelt there, establishing the land of Midian. Thus, Ephah’s life would have unfolded within the context of this newly established Midianite community, shaped by the broader Abrahamic traditions but also influenced by the local environment and interactions in their eastern settlements.

Narrative

Within the narrative presented in these sources, Ephah’s role is primarily within the genealogical records, serving as a link in the chain of Abraham’s descendants through Keturah and Midian. He is not depicted engaging in any specific actions or conversations within the main storyline focusing on Isaac and Jacob. His significance lies in his inclusion as one of the founders of the Midianite lineage. The fact that his descendants are also listed suggests the continuation and growth of this particular branch of Abraham’s extended family. While the texts provide more detailed accounts of other descendants, such as Ishmael and his progeny, or even the interactions between the Midianites and later figures in the broader biblical narrative, Ephah himself remains a figure defined by his place within the ancestral lists, indicating the fulfillment of the divine promise of numerous offspring to Abraham. His story, as revealed here, is one of foundational ancestry for a distinct people group that branched out from Abraham’s primary line of inheritance.