Genesis 25:2Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The term Hittura translates to ‘bound’ or ‘joined’ in Hebrew. This has led the Jewish scholars to suggest that Hittura refers to Hagar, who changed her name. Following the death of Sarah, she transitioned from being a concubine to a wife. The advanced age of the frail Abraham might eliminate any doubts about him seeking a new marriage for pleasure after losing his elderly spouse. However, putting aside the uncertain aspects, it is noted by Jewish historians that Abraham’s sons, born of Hittite, inhabited regions called Τρωγλοδύτην and Arabia, known today as Εὐδαίμων, extending up to the borders of the Red Sea. Furthermore, tradition tells of a descendant of Abraham named Afer, who led an army into Libya and established himself there after a victory over his adversaries. His descendants subsequently named the land Africa in honor of their ancestor. This account is supported by historians like Alexander, known as Polyhistor, and Cleodemus, referred to as Malchus, who chronicled the history of these

Following the passing of Sarah, Abraham married a woman named Hittura. The Sovereign Lord, wishing to increase the lineage of His servant, supernaturally restored to Abraham the capacity for procreation, despite his advanced years. Abraham had children with Hittura. As these children matured, he gave them gifts and sent them away to prevent them from inheriting alongside his son Isaac. Subsequently, Abraham died at an honorable age of 175 years and was laid to rest by his sons Isaac and Ishmael in a cave, where the righteous Sarah was also interred. Some believe that Hittura, whom Abraham married after Sarah’s death, is the same as Hagar, his former concubine, whom he had sent away with her son Ishmael during Sarah's lifetime. Yet after Sarah's passing, it is as though he took Hagar back and made her his legitimate wife under the name Hittura. However, this is not explicitly stated in the Holy Scripture.

Midian, which is linked to the Midianites, is described by Jerome as being situated further south than the stony region of Arabia, specifically in the Saracen Desert. Additionally, Ptolemy references the cities of Madianus and Modianus in this area. Shuaha is identified as the homeland of Baldad, one of Job's friends (Job 2:11). Ptolemy also mentions the city of Soakah, located in the territory of the Darr, not far from Midian.