Genesis 25:5Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

As children of the heavenly Jerusalem (cf. Gal. 4:26), we must recognize that certain blessings are designated for the estranged, while others are reserved for the true heirs (cf. Gen. 25:6). It is to these heirs that reference is made: For you did not receive a spirit of enslavement that leads to fear, but you have received the Spirit of sonship, through whom we cry, ‘Abba, Father!’ (Rom. 8:15).

The term Hittura translates to ‘bound’ or ‘joined’ in Hebrew. This leads the Jewish tradition to suggest that Hittura refers to Hagar, who altered her name. Following the death of Sarah, she transitioned from concubine to wife. Additionally, Abraham’s advanced age might dispel any doubts regarding the notion that after losing his elderly spouse, he sought solace in a new marriage. However, moving past the speculation, it can be noted that the sons of Abraham, born from Hittite lineage, are recorded in Jewish history as having settled in regions such as Trogodytis and Arabia, now known as Eudaimon, extending to the borders of the Red Sea.

Israel found joy not in earthly wealth but in the teachings of virtues. We shall embrace these as our legacy, much like St. Abraham did when he entrusted these virtues to his son Isaac, making him a wise and righteous steward of all that he had, intentionally leaving nothing for maidservants or their offspring, aside from gifts. Only the perfect virtues inherit the full splendor of glory, while the common virtues receive merely token offerings. Thus, Hagar, whose name signifies “stranger” and “neighbor,” along with Hittura, meaning “fragrant,” were not granted the inheritance; for one engaged in commonplace learning may brush against wisdom but does not immerse himself in it.

Following the passing of Sarah, Abraham married a woman named Hittura. The Almighty, wishing to increase the lineage of His servant, miraculously restored his ability to father children despite his advanced years. As a result, Abraham fathered children with Hittura. When they reached maturity, he gave them gifts and sent them away, so they would not inherit alongside his son Isaac. Abraham ultimately passed away at a ripe old age of 175 years, and his sons Isaac and Ishmael laid him to rest in a cave, where the righteous Sarah was also interred. Some regard Hittura, whom Abraham married after Sarah’s death, as Hagar, who had been his concubine; he had sent her and her son Ishmael away during Sarah's lifetime. However, after Sarah’s demise, it seems as though he reinstated Hagar as his legitimate wife, thereby naming her Hittura. The Holy Scriptures, however, do not provide details regarding this.