Genesis 25:6Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The offspring of concubines also possess certain gifts. However, neither heretics nor those who are fleshly in nature will enter the promised kingdom, as there is only one heir, Isaac. It is not the children of the flesh who are regarded as the children of God, but rather the children of the promise (Romans 9:8). It is stated, "In Isaac shall your seed be called" (Genesis 21:12). I see no reason why Hittura, who married after the passing of her wife, is referred to as a concubine, except for this specific mystery. Even those who refuse to acknowledge this symbolism should refrain from criticizing Abraham. Might it be that this serves as a caution to future heretics, who oppose second marriages, by illustrating through the father of nations that remarrying after the death of a spouse is not sinful?

Hittura translates to 'bound' or 'joined' in Hebrew. Consequently, the Jewish tradition suggests that Hittura refers to Hagar, who altered her name. Following Sarah's passing, she transitioned from being a concubine to becoming a wife. Additionally, the advanced age of the elderly Abraham likely alleviates the notion that, after the loss of his long-time spouse, he chose to pursue a new marriage for amusement. However, setting aside uncertainties, it can be stated that Abraham's sons, born of Hittite, according to Jewish historical records, inhabited regions including Τρωγλοδύτην and Arabia, presently known as Εὐδαίμων, extending as far as the Red Sea's boundaries.

Israel celebrated the fact that their treasures were not material wealth but the teachings of virtuous living. We shall adopt these virtues as our legacy, much like St. Abraham did with his son Isaac, establishing him as a wise and righteous steward of all he possessed, leaving no legacy to maidservants or their offspring, aside from gifts. Only the exemplary virtues are granted the full inheritance of glory, while the average virtues receive meager provisions. Therefore, Hagar, whose name signifies "foreigner" and "neighbor," along with Hittura, which means "fragrant," did not inherit. Those who engage in commonplace learning may be acquainted with wisdom yet do not immerse themselves in it.

Following the passing of Sarah, Abraham acquired another wife named Hittura. The Sovereign Lord, wishing to increase the lineage of His servant, astonishingly restored to him the ability to father children, despite his advanced age. Abraham had sons with Hittura. When they grew up, he granted them gifts and sent them away, so they would not claim inheritance alongside his son Isaac. Abraham eventually passed away at a ripe old age of 175 years, and his sons Isaac and Ishmael laid him to rest in a cave, sweetened by the memories of the righteous Sarah's burial. Hittura, whom Abraham married after Sarah's death, is sometimes thought to be Hagar, his former concubine, whom he had sent away along with her son Ishmael during Sarah's lifetime. However, upon Sarah’s death, it appeared as though he took Hagar back, formalizing her as his wife once more under the name Hittura. There is no specific mention of this in Holy Scripture.

Concubines, specifically Hagar and Hittite, are notable figures. It is important to mention that Hittura, who became Abraham's wife upon Sarah's death, is referred to solely as a concubine since Abraham had no other spouse at that time. This distinction honors the principle of monogamy. He separated them from his son Isaac while he was still alive. In doing so, the Patriarch safeguarded the purity of tribes and inheritances, ensuring that the land assigned to Isaac by God remained untouched by his other brothers. The phrase "to the land of the East" does not indicate a worldly location; rather, it signifies a distinct region mentioned in scripture (Judg. 6:3, 3 Sam. 4:30, Job 1:3, Is. 11:14, Jer. 49:28).