"Now these are the generations of the sons of Noah"
THE DEVELOPMENT OF NATIONS AND DECLINE OF THE TRUTH
Genesis 10:1 to 11:9
This section of Genesis presents what first appears to be a most uninteresting series of genealogical tables. However, a closer study will cause profound truths to emerge. First, notice that the descendants of Japheth and of Ham are given before those of Shem. What is God telling us? That the best is reserved until the last? Certainly that will prove true to us if we do His will. God will never forget His plan, nor set it aside, even though men are so busily engaged in developing their personal aggrandisement and power that the Divine purpose is hidden from view, or swept aside. In fact, the schemes and ambitions of men and nations are often used by God to perfect His purpose.
This fact is wonderfully illustrated by these genealogical tables. The key to this section of Genesis is revealed in Deut. 32:8,9 where Moses states that Gods design in separating the sons of Noah into nations as recorded here, was with a view to His purpose with Abraham, as yet unborn. He declares: "He set the bounds of the people according to the number of the children of Israel. For Yahweh's portion is His people; Jacob is the lot of His inheritance" (Deut. 32:8). Israel's family numbered seventy when he went into Egypt (Gen. 46:27), and here, in Genesis 10, the family of nations likewise numbers seventy in all: fourteen to Japheth; thirty to Ham; twenty-six to Shem.
Israel was to be a channel of Divine grace to all nations, but they failed to hearken to the requirements (Jer. 13:11). When Israel failed, the Lord Jesus sent out seventy disciples to preach (Luke 10:1), based upon the numerical arrangement of Genesis, seemingly to indicate that the impending preaching of the Gospel to all peoples was about to be inaugurated (see also Exod. 15:27). The time will come when immortal saints will be sent forth to all nations to proclaim the Gospel of blessing, their figurative number being seventy. In addition to this, see how the very language of Genesis 10:5 is reproduced by the Revelator in Rev. 10:11 in predicting the future preaching of the Truth to the Gentiles.
Meanwhile, the genealogical tables of the section before us reveal how the two great companies of nations first mentioned (those of Japheth and of Ham) settled north and south of Palestine respectively, with Shem providing a blessing in the centre. So shall it be in the future (Isa. 19:24-25). But as the record of Shem is related last in these tables, so the promised blessing awaits the future. These records of the past introduce us to the crowded cemetery of history. There lie kings and commoners, wise men and fools, heroes and cowards, the oppressor and the oppressed. Their lives represent a record of faithful service or of misspent opportunity. Their reputation in life does not hold good in death; but what the future holds out means all. The centuries come and go, but throughout them the purpose of Yahweh is worked out. Originally all had equal opportunity to serve Him, for Yahweh made a covenant with Noah and those with him in the Ark; but subsequently, "when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things ... And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient" (Rom. 1:21-23,28).
THE GENERATIONS OF THE SONS OF NOAH
Descendants of Japheth — vv. 1-5
The descendants of Japheth are briefly recorded; fourteen nations developed from this son of Noah. They enlarged their possessions, as it was predicted they would, in the first part of the prophetic blessing made to Japheth. Occupying the land to the north, they subsequently moved to the west and east of Europe.
VERSE 1
"Now these are the generations" — See notes on ch. 5:1.
"And unto them were sons born after the flood" — Indicating the development of the divine instruction given to Noah in ch. 9:17, "all flesh". The posterity of Noah is thus preserved in his grandchilddren, and the purpose of Yahweh is continued.
Unfortunately, the faithful attitude of Noah was not maintained in his descendants, as was shown in ch. 9:19-29, but here are enumerated for the purposes of chronology.
VERSE 2
"Of the sons of Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth:" — See notes on ch. 9:18.
"The sons of Japheth" — As he was the "elder" (Gen. 10:21), it is appropriate that the record of his descendants should be listed first.
"Gomer" His name signifies Completion (Strong). Josephus identifies Gomer with the Gauls of western Europe. By others, Gomer is identified with the Gamir of the Assyrian inscriptions, the Cimmerians of the Greeks, the progenitors of the Celts. They settled in France, Scandinavia, etc. It is suggested that the name survives in the ethnic name of the Welsh people, Cymru. Gomer is mentioned in Ezekiel 38:6.
"Magog" The meaning of his name is given by The English and Hebrew Bible Students' as signifying From the top, implying supremacy. The Magogites have been identified with the Scythians who moved north to Georgia in south Russia, and from thence to Central Europe (see Elpis Israel, pp. 427-428; Ezek. 38:2).
"Madai" The Medes, who lived to the east of Mesopotamia, and later, in conjunction with the Persians, built a world empire.
"Javan" Strong gives the meaning as Effervescent, hence Hot and Active. From Javan, or Yavan, came the Ionians, or Greeks, noted for their hot, effervescent character.
"Tubal" Signifies brought. See Hebrew Bible Students' Concordance. The descendants of Tubal moved north and east, to give their name to the city Tobolsk in Siberia.
"Meshech" Signifies durability. The names Muscovy and Moscow probably derive from Meshech (Ezek. 38:3. See Elpis Israel, p. 422).
"Tiras" The Companion Bible
identifies Tiras with the Thracians.
VERSE 3
"And the sons of Gomer; Ashkenaz" Signifies Collector of Fire. Bochart places Ashkenaz in the region of Phrygia and Bithynia. Assyriologists identify it with the Asguza of the monuments, a branch of the Indo-Germanic tribes. Many modern expositors identify it with Germany. See Jer. 51:27.
"Riphath" Signifies A stable, Josephus identifies Riphath with the Paphlagonians. Bochart places it near the Bosphorus, on the ground of resemblance in name to a local river and district.
"Togarmah" Signifies stronghold. Noted for the export of horses (Ezek. 27:14); situated north of Palestine (Ezek. 38:6). Probably southern Russia, Turkey. See Elpis Israel,p. 428-429.
VERSE 4
"And the sons of Javan; Elishah" Signifies Neglected of God. Mentioned in Ezekiel 27:7 as supplying Tyre with purple. Identified by many with the Alasia of the Tel-Amarna tablets and by others as Cyprus, of which Tyrian purple was a product.
"Tarshish" Signifies ABeryl.
Tartessus, the site of the Phoenician mining and trading station in the south of Spain and Britain. A place rich in minerals (Jer. 10:9; Ezek. 27:12; Isa. 23:1, 6, 10); a remote coastland reached by sea (Isa. 66:19; Psa. 72:10; Ezek. 38:13).
"Kittim" Signifies Bruisers. Identified by many today with southern Italy. See Dan. 11:30; Num. 24:24).
"Dodanim" The Hebrew in 1 Chron. 1:7 gives this as Rodanim. The Hebrew consonants representing D and R are very similar in appearance, and a mistake could easily occur in copying them. That, evidently, was done in this place. Rodanim is identified with Rhodes.
VERSE 5
"By these" By these fourteen descendants of Japheth whose name means Enlarger, the Japhethites enlarged their possessions, moving north and then to the west and east. As vigorous, progressive peoples, they inquisitively explored the countries before them, extending their borders as they did so.
"Were the isles of the Gentiles divided in their lands" This, of course, was after the confusion of tongues, following the building of the tower of Babel. This chapter, therefore, is parenthetical, and chronologically should follow at the end of Ch. 11:9. "Divided": Heb. parad. See notes on v. 25.
"Every one after his tongue, after their families, in their nations" — Here is suggested a development from speech, to family, to nation. First the confusion of tongues, then the racial division (families), and finally a political division (nations). Each was a development out of the other. Notice the repetition of this phrase in Rev. 5:9; 7:9, where the saints are represented as being taken out of every "tongue, people and nation." The Apocalypse reveals that though saints are taken out of such, they are expected to witness to them (Rev. 11:3). Ultimately, in the Millennium, they will be sent back to the places from whence they have been taken in order to convert the people to the Truth (Rev. 10:11; 14:6). Meanwhile, Genesis 10:5 provides the first mention in the Bible of the significant word Goyim, rendered "Gentiles" and "Nations".
The Descendants of Ham — vv. 6-20 Generally, the line of Ham occupied portions of Africa, and therefore moved south from the original settlement. Ham's descendants followed the example set by the line of Cain: city building, false religion, power of the sword.The mighty Nimrod (the antitype of Lamech) came from this line; and under his rule, Ham's power and influence reached a peak of might and wickedness. The curse rested on Canaan, his son, however, and subsequent events found the descendants of Ham cursed by it, to become servants of servants. For example, contrast the glory of ancient Egypt, with its degradation throughout the latter ages.
VERSE 6
"And the sons of Ham; Cush" — The word signifies Burly. From Cush came the Negroid peoples, particularly the Ethiopians. The Cushites originally established their power in Mesopotamia (Gen. 2:13), then migrated south to Arabia, to north Africa, and to modern Ethiopia. In some places, Cushites include Arabian peoples (Hab. 3:7), probably through intermingling and intermarriage.
"Mizraim" — Signifies Oppressors, from matsowr, to limit, hedge in, distress, derived from a root tsuwr, to cramp, confine. The word has been rendered adversaries, beset, distress. Mitsraim is the Hebrew name for Egypt. The plural form of the name related to Upper and Lower Egypt.
"Phut" — Libya.
"Canaan" — Signifies Submitter,
Merchant. The dwellers in Palestine.
VERSE 7
"And the sons of Cush; Seba" — Signifies Drunkard. The Sabeans of North Africa; noted for their stature (Isa. 45:14).
"Havilah" — See notes, Gen. 2:11. Originally located near the Caucasus, Havilah is later described as being in the south of Egypt (Gen. 25:18), indicating a migratory process from north to south.
"Sabtah" — Signifies Cease. Unidentified; as a nation it has ceased!
"Raarnah" — Signifies Thunderer.
Mentioned in Ezekiel 27:22 as trading in spices, gold and precious stones. Raamah occurs in the inscriptions of Sheba as a place in S.W. Arabia near Main, referred to as Regina in the Septuagint and the Vulgate (Unger).
"Sheba" — Signifies Seventh, Oath, Captivity. Here given as a descendant of Cush but in v. 28 as a descendant of Shem, and in Gen. 25:3 included with Dedan as coming through Keturah. Perhaps there was some intermarriage. Sheba has been identified as a great commercial state in S.W. Arabia, adjacent to Yemen. Its capital was at Marib some 72kms (45 miles) due east of the present capital of Yemen, not far from Aden. In ancient times, Sheba was the spice kingdom of the world, and from it came its queen to Solomon, bearing some of its products (Ezek. 27:22; 1 Kings 10:1-2).
"Dedan" — Signifies In Judgment.
See notes on Sheba. Dedan has been identified as Muscat in Arabia (see Elpis Israel, p. 433. Cp. Ezekiel 38:13).
Nimrod the First Empire Builder — vv. 8-12.
Hislop in "The Two Babylons" claims that most religious and superstitious error developed from Nimrod. His empire included both political and religious power, as he set himself up as the first king-god. It is claimed that he married his mother Semiramis, and established the worship of the Trinity by adopting the role of both father and son, with his wife as the third person in unity, the equivalent of the Spirit. Nimrod walked in the way of Cains descendants by building a city and founding an empire. He perfected the power of the flesh, following the example set by Lamech.
VERSE 8
"And Cush begat Nimrod" — This expression does not necessarily mean that Nimrod was the immediate descendant of Cush, but that he was in the line of Cush. Some of the events enumerated in this chapter took place after the confusion of tongues recorded in Genesis 11. Cp. v. 5. The name Nimrod signifies Rebel, We will rebel, from maradh, to rebel. He personified the spirit of rebellion manifested by building the tower of Babel. He repudiated Divine authority, rebelling against it, whilst exercising ruthless control over his own subjects.
"He began to be a mighty one in the earth" — The Hebrew gibbor, signifies hero, warrior, mighty one. Nimrod "began" the order of such by exercising ruthless tyranny over his subjects, and his example has been followed by Gentile rulers ever since. In doing so, he revived the hero-worship of the antediluvians, illustrating the comment of Gen. 6:4: "There were giants in the earth in those (Noahic) days, and also after that (i.e. after the Flood)." Nimrod not only exercised ruthless power, but also demanded, and received, the worship of his subjects. This form of political-worship "began" with Nimrod and will end with the man of sin of 2Thess. 2:8.
VERSE 9
"He was a mighty hunter" — A gibbor of hunting. He became a Hero of the Chase, not only of animals, but also of men, as in Jer. 16:16; Mic. 7:2. He ruthlessly hunted all those who opposed his will, as Rome has done in succeeding ages. It is significant that inscriptions portray the ancient monarchs as skilful hunters, indicating that their ability in the chase was reflected in their governmental rule. As mighty hunters, these Gentile rulers stand in complete contrast to the rulers of Israel who are set forth as shepherds of the kingdom.
"Before Yahweh" — That is, in His sight, and in defiance of His will as before the Flood (see Gen. 6:11). Thus the characteristic of rebellion against God, which was introduced in Eden by the action of the serpent, and manifested in wilful opposition by mankind since, is seen to be a feature of the flesh. In this, Nimrod illustrated the meaning of his name: We will rebel.
"Wherefore it is said, Even as Nimrod the mighty hunter before Yahweh" — The exploits and rule of Nimrod became the basis of comparison, by which all successive rulers were compared, and the ideal to which they aspired.
VERSE 10
"And the beginning of his kingdom" —Like Cain, Nimrod built a city (cp. Gen. 4:17) which became the centre of his religious and political power.
"Was Babel" — As he built Babel, he was probably the instigator of the revolt that caused the tower to be constructed. As the people were scattered, he set about challenging the Divine objective by founding his city-empire. In the Chaldean language Bab-Hi signifies The Gate of God, and hence a city of worship; but in Hebrew this became Confusion (Gen. 11:9). It was the first of the cities built by Nimrod, the place where Daniel was taken as a captive.
"Erech" — Signifies "Long". Modern Warka, situated about 160kms (100 miles) S.E. of Babylon in a marshy region of the Euphrates.
Here the ruins of the earliest ziggurat were discovered, as well as evidence of the first cylinder seals (Finegan, Light from the Ancient Past). The four cities which Nimrod built are descriptive of the entire alluvial plain of Babylonia between the Tigris and the Euphrates, in approximately the last 320kms (200 miles) of these great rivers according to their ancient course. In the cuneiform inscriptions, the region is divided into a northern portion called Accad (Akkad), in which Babel and Accad were situated; and a southern portion called Sumer, in which Erech was situated. The area was divided between Semitic and Hamitic influences. Erech was also known as Aruk.
"Accad" — Signifies Dark. The ruins today are known as Agade, a short distance south-west of modern Baghdad. In very ancient times this became the centre of Hamitic imperial power, and the whole region is given the title.
"Calneh" — Signifies Lodging. Its location is uncertain. Some have identified it with Nippur, an important excavated city in central Babylonia; others identify it elsewhere.
"In the land of Shinar" — Shinar is compounded of Hebrew roots signifying Enemy's Tooth (J. Thomas), and, therefore, is suggestive of the serpent power. Babylon was built upon a plain through which flowed the Euphrates. It is called "the land of Shinar," and "the plain of Dura" see Dan. 1:2; 3:1. Cp. Gen. 11:2; 14:1.
VERSE 11
"Out of that land went forth Asshur" — The R.V. renders this: "He went forth into Assyria." Nimrod thus extended his dominion over the adjacent territory.
"And builded" — In Assyria, as in Babylonia, he built four cities to establish his power therein.
"Nineveh" — The capital of Assyria, situated on the eastern bank of the Tigris River opposite the modern city of Mosul. The name Nineveh was later given to a complex of cities that clustered near it (Jonah 1:2; 3:2; 4:11). The meaning of the name is given as The Place of Habitation.
"Rehoboth" — Signifies Spread among the People, or Broad Places. One of the complex of cities incorporated in Greater Nineveh.
The world in the days of Nimrod was limited to the area of the Mesopotamian valley, known as the"fertile crescent".
"Calah" — The modern ruins of Nimrud, made famous by Layard who excavated it in 1845. Shalmaneser 1 made the place famous in his day, but later it declined. It was here that Layard uncovered the colossal winged man-headed lions that guarded the palace of the Assyrian kings when resident in this city. Here, too, was found the famous Black Obelisk of Shalmaneser III which portrays Jehu of Israel, among other captives, bringing tribute to his Assyrian overlord.
VERSE 12
"And Resen between Nineveh and Calah" — It signifies, perhaps, Fountainhead. It was situated between Nineveh and Calah which cities comprised the limits of the complex of cities that formed Greater Nineveh.
"The same is a great city" — Moses is not singling out Calah for this distinction, but Nineveh. All four cities are grouped under the general title and became portion of Greater Nineveh which later became a city-state. The greatness of Nineveh reflected the greatness of Nimrod, whose power and influence was elevated in the eyes of man, but not in the sight of God. In His sight human values are frequently reversed: "That which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God" (Luke 16:15).
John Thomas comments: "The Kingdom of Men was founded by Nimrod, son of Cush, who was son of Ham, son of Noah. 'The beginning of it was Babylon, and Erech, and Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar. Out of that land he went forth into Assyria, and builded Nineveh, and the city of Rehoboth, and Calah: and Resen between Nineveh and Calah: the same is a great city' (Gen. 10:8-12). This Nimroudia was the Kingdom of Men in the extent of it during the lifetime of its founder, comprehending, as we see, Babylon and Assyria. These were its roots and trunk, which in after ages came to be famous for their strength and altitude, the beauty of their leaves, the abundance of their fruits, and their wide-spreading top; so that all the nations had shadow under it, and their rulers and great men dwelt in the boughs, and all flesh were fed of it (Dan. 4:10-12)." (Exposition of Daniel, p. 7).
Descendants of Ham (cont.) — vv. 13-20.
Moses continues his list of the dark races which came from Ham, son of Noah.
VERSE 13
"And Mizraim begat Ludim" — Signifies Generations. They were the primitive Libyans and are always mentioned in connection with Egypt and Ethiopia (Nah. 3:9; 2 Chron. 12:3; 2 Chron. 16:8; Dan. 11:43).
"Anamim" — Unidenitified.
"Lehabim" — Also identified with the Libyans.
"Naphtuhim" — Signifies Openings. Unidentified. Purhaps the Maasi of Tanzania; the name due to the boring of the ears that is common with these peoples.
VERSE 14
"Pathrusim" — These are thought to have been the inhabitants of Pathros (Southland), the name for Upper Egypt (Isa. 11:11; Jer. 44:1, 15; Ezek. 30:14).
"Casluhim" — Unidentified; but probably in Upper Egypt adjacent to Pathros.
"(Out of whom came Philistim)" — Elsewhere (cp. Deut. 2:23 with Amos 9:7), the Philistines are said to have originated from Caphtor, or Crete; and it is thought by some that this is a contradiction. Herodotus declares that the "Philitis" dwelt in Egypt as shepherds, and he identified them with the Hyksos who were subsequently driven from Egypt and dwelt in Philistia in the land of Canaan. It could well be that the Philistines originated from Caphtor, moved into Casluhim in Egypt, and from thence migrated to what became later known as Philistia.
"Caphtorim" — Signifies Distinguished. It is generally acknowledged that Caphtor is Crete. The Philistines originated from Crete and moved into Egypt (Deut. 2:23; Amos 9:7), but were driven from there to Palestine (derived from Philistine).
Archaeologists date their arrival about the twelfth century B.C., but this does not agree with the Bible which requires their presence in Gerar in the time of Abraham. The Scriptures, reveal that the migration of the Philistines into the land of Canaan was earlier than generally assumed. The Cretans developed the Minoan Culture, a very advanced form of civilisation. At the height of their power, they commanded a widespread and influential Empire.
VERSE 15
"And Canaan begat Sidon his firstborn" — Signifies A Place for Hunting. Jezebel came from Sidon (1 Kings 16:31), bringing with her the pernicious influence of its false and immoral religion.
"Heth" — Signifies Annoyance, Terror, and known to historians as the Hittites. They founded a powerful empire in Asia Minor, and also extended their influence southwards into the land of Canaan. Abraham purchased the Cave of Machpelah from "the children of Heth" (Gen.23:7), a settlement of Hittites adjacent to Hebron.
VERSE 16
"Jebusite" — Signifies Trampler. The Jebusites later occupied Jerusalem, and gave their name to the city (Josh. 15:63; 18:28).
"Amorite" — Signifies Talker. The Amorites were inveterate enemies of Israel, and are included among the seven nations of Canaan to be destroyed (Deut. 7:1).
"Girgasite" — Signifies Sojourner. See Deut. 7:1.
VERSE 17
"Hivite" — Signifies Tent, village. The Hivites were among the nations of Canaan (Deut. 7:1), dwelling in the north (Josh. 11:3; Judg. 3:3; 2 Sam. 24:7).
"Arkite" — Signifies Gnawer. Represents the inhabitants of present-day Tell Arka, some 129kms (80 miles) north of Sidon at the foot of Lebanon. It is mentioned in the Egyptian records (see Unger).
"Sinite" — Signifies Thornbush.
Thought to have been located towards the area of Lebanon. Some identify the Sinites with the Chinese. See Gesenius on Isa. 49:12.
VERSE 18
"Arvadite" — Signifies To sway over. They occupied the island of Arvad, about 3kms (2 miles) from the shore of Phoenicia (Ezek. 27:8-11), today known as Ruwad. The Arvadites participated in the maritime trade of Phoenicia.
"Zemarite" — Signifies Fleece of wool. They probably occupied the territory in which was found the ancient town of Zemaraim within the area granted to Benjamin (Joshua 18:22).
"Hamathite" — Signifies Fortress.
They founded the ancient city-state of Hamath in the valley of the Orontes, in upper Syria (cp. 2 Kings 18:34).
"And afterward were the families of the Canaanites spread abroad" — They occupied the territories to which they afterward gave their names. They "spread abroad" bearing the curse of Canaan with them. In that, they were like sin which spreads its influence around, and against which the Truth must battle as did Israel against the Canaanites when Joshua led them into the land.
VERSE 19
"And the border of the Canaanites was from Sidon, as thou comest to Gerar unto Gaza; as thou goest, unto Sodom, and Gomorrah, and Admah, and Zeboim, even unto Lasha " — This land was later promised to Abraham. It is significant that the Scriptures state that "the Canaanite was then in the land" when Abraham entered it (Gen. 12:6), and that the final picture will be that "in that day there shall be no more the Canaanite in the house of Yahweh of hosts" (Zech. 14:21). The ancient Canaanites have given place to modern Canaanites; for the name signifies Traders, and has a religious significance, for there are those today who trade in "(the bodies) and souls of men" (Rev. 18:13).
VERSE 20
"These are the sons of Ham, after their families, after their tongues, in their countries, and in their nations" — See note v. 5.
Descendants of Shem — vv. 21-32 The main attention in the genealogies is centred upon Shem. Whereas the lines ofJapheth and Ham are briefly mentioned and then dismissed, that of Shem is given as introductory to the development of the main record of Genesis. Mention is made of twenty-six nations from Shem.
VERSE 21
"Unto Shem also" — His name signifies Name, and through him were to come the people of the Name.
"The father of all the children of Eber" — Eber is the ancestor of the Hebrews. The verse declares that all Hebrews are Semites.
"The brother of Japheth the elder" — According to the Masoretic text, this is the proper reading, and not that of the R.V: "the elder brother of Japheth." The genealogy of Shem is given last, though in the list of Noah's sons, he is placed first (Gen. 6:10). We have discussed the reason for this in our notes on Shem, in that verse.
VERSE 22
"The children of Shem; Elam" — Signifies Highland. The Elamites occupied the land beyond the Tigris and Euphrates, bounded on the north by Assyria and Media, and on the south by the Persian Gulf. Its capital was Susa. Under the Persian regime it was known as Shushan. Chedorlaomer king of Elam was one of the kings who invaded the land of Canaan in the days of Abram.
"Asshur" — Signifies Progressing,
Step. His descendants peopled the land of Assyria.
"Arphaxad" — Signifies Pouring.
The son of Shem through whom came Abram. He was born two years after the Flood. In the R.V. his name is given as Arpachshad. He is associated with the district N.E. of Nineveh, the Arrapachitis of the Greek geographers (Unger ).
"Lud" — Perhaps the Lydians of Asia Minor.
"Aram" — Signifies Lifted up. This is the regular Hebrew name for Syria. The language spoken in Syria in early times and which later spread even into Palestine, was known as Aramaic, similar to Hebrew.
VERSE 23
"And the children of Aram; Uz" — Signifies Light, Sandy. His descendants settled in the Arabian territory occupied by the Idumeans (Lam. 4:21), the Sabeans and the Chaldeans (Job 1:15, 17), and Teman near Petra (Job 2:11).
"Hul" — Circle. Unidentified.
"Gether" — Unidentified.
"Mash" — Unidentified. In 1 Chron. 1:17, the name appears as Meshech so this could be Moscow (Ez. 38:1).
VERSE 24
"And Arphaxad begat Salah" — Signifies Missile, Javelin. Also known as Shelah (1 Chron. 1:18, 24). At thirty years of age he became the father of Eber.
"And Salah begat Eber" — Signifies To cross over. He is claimed as the founder of the Hebrew race.
VERSE 25
"And unto Eber were born two sons: the name of one was Peleg" — Signifies Division. Peleg is the common Hebrew name for water courses.
"The Earth was Divided" The earth was divided between the sons of Eber, descendants of Shem (Gen. 10:25). Peleg went to Ur; Joktan to the Land of Promise. Thus, when Abram entered the Land, Melchizedek was priest.
"For in his days was the earth divided" — The word divided is used three times in this chapter: vv. 5, 25, 32. In v. 5, the word is parad and signifies to be dispersed, scattered whereas in v. 32 the word is cachar to travel, traffic, trade.
Here, however, a different word is used: palag, which signifies divided up. In what way was the earth divided in the days of Peleg? We are not told directly, but by inference it seems as though it was divided as spheres of influence by Peleg and Joktan his brother. Peleg moved into the region of Babylonia, and his descendant, Terah, settled in Ur. Joktan made his way towards what was later known as the Land of Promise, and settled there. Later, when Abram came into the land, he was met by Melchizedek the priest. Obviously, as priest, he was a believer in the true God, and presided over a community who worshipped God. We will discuss this interesting matter later, when we come to consider chapter 14; but meanwhile in this verse we have an inference as to how it was possible for Abram to find true believers in Jerusalem, at the time that he visited the city.
It is also believed by many that at this time the continent divided to become many smaller continents. An event that scientists allege took millions of years.
"And his brother's name was Joktan" — Signifying Be settled. His numerous progeny indicates settlement after the division. They are identified by some with tribes that settled throughout Arabia.
VERSE 26
"And Joktan begat Almodad" — Signifying Compression. Unidentified.
"Sheleph" — Signifying A drawing forth. Unknown.
"Hazarmaveth" — Signifies Village of Death. Unidentified.
"Jerah" — Signifies Moon, Month. Unknown.
VERSE 27
"Hadoram" — Signifies High elevation. Unknown.
"Uzal" — Authorities generally identify ancient Uzal as Sanaa, the metropolis of Yemen.
"Diklah" — Authorities believe that the descendants of this son of Joktan settled in Yemen, a little to the east of the Hejaz.
VERSE 28
"Obal" — Identity unknown.
"Abimael" — Signifying A Father is God. Identity unknown.
"Sheba" — See v. 7.
VERSE 29
"Ophir" — Signifying Ash. Arabian inscriptions speak of an Ophir in southwest Arabia; there was also an Ophir in India (1 Kings 10:22).
"Havilah" — Cp. v. 7. This suggests intermarriage with the Hamites.
"Jobab"— Signifies Howler. Unknown.
VERSE 30
"And their dwelling was from Mesha" — Mesha signifies Deliverance. There was a Mesha who was king of Moab (2 Kings 3:4) and it is attractive to identify this Mesha with the land of Moab. That would mean that one branch of the family of Shem found its way towards the Land of Promise, whilst the other branch, through Peleg, moved eastward to settle in Ur of the Chaldees. That would account for Abram finding Melchizedek in Jerusalem when he migrated to the Land. See notes Gen. 14.
"As thou goest unto Sephar" — Sephar signifies Numberer. "There is quite a general agreement that Sephar is preserved in the very ancient city of Zhafar, now pronounced Isfor, in the province of Hadramut, of South Arabia, not far from the seaport Mirbat" (Unger). The statement, "as thou goest" suggests that the table of migrations was compiled by somebody in the eastern border of the Promised Land. Such a list of peoples could have been given to Abraham as supplementary to the promise made to him, indicating the scope of territory incorporated in it. If so, it could have been retained and handed on to his descendants, to be used by Moses under Divine guidance.
"A mount of the east" — This mountain, mentioned in connection with the Joktanite boundaries, suggests that the immigration of the tribes was from west to east, and settlements extended from one point to the other.
VERSE 31
"These are the sons of Shem, after their families, after their tongues, in their lands, after their nations" — The statement attached to the lists of descendants of Ham and Japheth now summarises that of Shem. The family is the basis of healthy human life, whether domestic or national. The current growth of divorce, the trend of modern educational systems which tend to break down family discipline, the establishment of the Welfare State in which dependence upon family cooperation is dispensed with, all tend to weaken domestic ties and destroy the principles of happy, healthy home and national life. The Truth restores it, creating a Divine family on the patriarchal system (John Thomas).
VERSE 32
"These are the families of the sons of Noah, after their generations, in their nations and by these were the nations divided in the earth after the flood" — The Hebrew cachar signifies to travel, trade. See note on v. 25. There was a division in the nations as they dispersed abroad and developed their international commerce and activity.
The Beginning of the Kingdom of Men
The Empire of Nimrod marked the beginning of the Kingdom of Men. From Ararat (Gen. 8:4), Noah and his descendants moved towards the Persian Gulf, and then eastward along the fertile crescent (Gen. 11:2) to build Babel. The Bible record is in accordance with archaeological research, for this has established that the Akkadians (Semites) and Sumerians (Hamites) migrated from the direction of Ararat to Mesopotamia. Here Nimrod built his cities and established his empire. Babel (Babylon) signifies Confusion, or in Akkadian, Babili, Gate of God. It is
82kms (51 miles) south of Baghdad. Erech (Akkadian, Uruk) modern Warka, is 161kms (100 miles) south east of Babylon. Here the oldest ziggurat has been found. Akkad, known as Agade, a short distance southwest of modern Baghdad, gave its name to the Land of Shinar, which is known to archaeologists as the Land of Akkad. Calneh, site uncertain; some identify it with Nippur. Nineveh comprised a great city incorporating Rehoboth and Calah (Gen. 10:11,12). Rehoboth, which signifies Broad places, is also known as Rehobothir, or The Streets of the City (See Gen. 10:11 mg.and compare with Rev. 11:8).
Sumer And Akkad
In very ancient times, Mesopotamia (The Land Between the Rivers) was inhabited by the Hamites and Semites. The region of the former was known as Sumer, and extended from Baghdad to the Persian Gulf. Akkad (Semitic Kingdom) extended to the north of Sumer.
The Sumerians termed themselves the black-headed people, and were probably Hamites. Their cuneiform (wedge-shaped) writing is dated among man's earliest written records. They were the first to build ziggurats for the foundations of their temples. "The Assyro-Babylonian word ziggurahi comes from the verb zagaru meaning 'to be high or raised up' (Light from the Ancient East).
Sumer comprised a group of city-states belonging to the gods. Nippur was the city of Enlil and Ninlil; Erech of Anuand Inanna ; Ur of Nanah, the moon god, and his wife Ningal.
Assuming the above conclusions of archaeologists to be according to fact, Terah's forebears, though Semites, must have made their way down south to the region of the Hamites, where they worshipped the pagan gods (Josh. 24:2).
REFERENCE LIBRARY
Genesis Expositor - HP Mansfield
The English and Hebrew Bible Students' - Concordance
Josephus
Strong - Concordance
Elpis Israel - John Thomas
The Companion Bible
Bochart
Septuagint Bible
Vulgate Bible
Bible Dictionary - Unger
The Two Babylons - Hislop
Light from the Ancient Past - Finegan
Exposition of Daniel - John Thomas
Herodotus
PARAGRAPH QUESTIONS:
- Mankind is divided into three groups, name those groups?
- Which family did Abraham come from?
- When was the continent divided?
- Where does the fourth tablet of Genesis begin?
- Where do the Chinese come from?
- Where do the British come from?
- Where do the French come from?
- Where do the Germans come from?
ESSAY QUESTIONS
- How many nations are listed in Genesis 10; what is the significance of this?
- What is the line of Abraham's family from Noah?
- Where did the fore-fathers of Abraham live?
- Who was Nimrod?
- How did the Kangeroo get to Australia from the ark?
- Where do the people of Tanzania descend from?
- What is the history of Nineveh?
- What is the history of Babylon?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Some of the names in Genesis 10 are found in Ezekiel 38. Identify which and use your knowlege from Genesis 10 to identify the nations of Ezekiel 38
- Who was Melchizedek?