1 Chronicles 1:6

KJV

And the sons of Gomer; Ashchenaz, and Riphath, and Togarmah.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of Gomer {H1586}; Ashchenaz {H813}, and Riphath {H7384}, and Togarmah {H8425}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Gomer: Ashkenaz, Difat and Togarmah.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Gomer: Ashkenaz, Riphath, and Togarmah.

American Standard Version

And the sons of Gomer: Ashkenaz, and Diphath, and Togarmah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 1:6 is a concise genealogical entry that lists Ashchenaz, Riphath, and Togarmah as the three sons of Gomer, who was the first son of Japheth. This verse, embedded within the extensive opening genealogies of 1 Chronicles, serves as a vital link in the biblical record of humanity's origins and the subsequent development of ancient peoples, underscoring God's sovereign hand in history and the meticulous preservation of lineage.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the monumental genealogical record that comprises the first nine chapters of 1 Chronicles. The Chronicler, writing for a post-exilic community, meticulously traces the lineage of humanity from Adam through the patriarchs, the twelve tribes of Israel, and various other groups, including the descendants of Noah's sons. These genealogies are not mere lists but serve a profound theological and historical purpose: to establish the continuity of God's covenant promises, to affirm the identity and rightful claim to the land for the returning exiles, and to validate the Davidic line as the legitimate royal dynasty. Verse 6 specifically falls within the "Table of Nations," derived primarily from [Genesis 10](/genesis/10 "Genesis 10 - The Table of Nations"), detailing the descendants of Japheth, Noah's son, thereby connecting the Israelite narrative to the broader history of humanity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** For the post-exilic community in Judah, identity and continuity were paramount. The destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, coupled with the Babylonian exile, had severed their connection to their heritage and land. Genealogies, therefore, were crucial for re-establishing tribal affiliations, land claims, and the priestly and royal lines. In the ancient Near East, such records were not just for personal pride but were legal documents, crucial for inheritance, land ownership, and social status. The names listed in [1 Chronicles 1:6](/1_chronicles/1-6 "1 Chronicles 1:6 - The Sons of Gomer") (Gomer, Ashchenaz, Riphath, Togarmah) are widely identified with historical peoples (Cimmerians, Scythians, Armenians) who inhabited regions north and east of ancient Israel, particularly around Anatolia and the Black Sea. This demonstrates the biblical authors' awareness of the broader geopolitical landscape and their integration of universal history into the sacred narrative.
* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of [1 Chronicles 1:6](/1_chronicles/1-6 "1 Chronicles 1:6 - The Sons of Gomer") within the extensive genealogies highlights several key themes central to the Chronicler's message. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Order and Continuity**, showcasing God's sovereign plan unfolding through history, meticulously preserving lines of descent from creation to the post-exilic era, ultimately pointing towards the coming Messiah. Secondly, it underscores **Humanity's Common Ancestry**, tracing all peoples back to Noah's sons, thereby affirming the unified origin of all humanity, as also seen in [Genesis 10:32](/genesis/10-32 "Genesis 10:32 - The Families of Noah's Sons"). This foundational unity precedes the later dispersion and diversification of nations. Thirdly, the detailed nature of these records speaks to the **Historical Veracity** of the biblical account, demonstrating the Chronicler's commitment to presenting a reliable and accurate historical framework for God's redemptive work, ensuring the post-exilic community understood their place within this grand narrative.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gomer (Hebrew, _Gômer_):** This name, meaning "completion" according to its root, identifies a son of Japheth and the progenitor of a significant line of descendants. Historically, Gomer is widely associated with the Cimmerians, an ancient Indo-European people attested in Assyrian records as "Gimirrai," who migrated into Anatolia during the 8th-7th centuries BCE. The inclusion of Gomer reflects the biblical authors' awareness of broad ancient ethnography and the distribution of early post-Flood populations.
* **Ashchenaz (Hebrew, _ʼAshkᵉnaz_):** Of foreign origin, this name refers to a Japhethite descendant and the people stemming from him. Ashchenaz is often associated with the Scythians, a powerful nomadic people who succeeded the Cimmerians in the Pontic Steppe and expanded into parts of Anatolia and the Near East. The name appears in [Jeremiah 51:27](/jeremiah/51-27 "Jeremiah 51:27 - Call to Battle Against Babylon"), where "Ashchenaz" is called upon to fight against Babylon, suggesting a powerful and distant nation.
* **Togarmah (Hebrew, _Tôwgarmâh_):** Probably of foreign derivation, Togarmah is identified as a son of Gomer and the progenitor of a distinct posterity. This name is frequently linked to ancient regions in eastern Anatolia, particularly Armenia, or a city within that area. Ancient Armenian traditions sometimes trace their ancestry back to Togarmah, and Assyrian records mention a "Til-garimmu" in eastern Anatolia, aligning with this geographical identification. This connection underscores the biblical genealogies' grounding in real historical and geographical entities.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sons of Gomer;":** This introductory phrase immediately establishes the paternal lineage, indicating that the subsequent names are the direct offspring of Gomer. It functions as a clear heading, organizing the vast genealogical data into discernible family units and demonstrating the structured nature of the Chronicler's record.
* **"Ashchenaz, and Riphath, and Togarmah.":** This enumeration lists the three specific individuals or, more accurately, the emerging tribal or national groups that descended from Gomer. The order of names is consistent with the [Genesis 10](/genesis/10 "Genesis 10 - The Table of Nations") account, reinforcing the Chronicler's reliance on and careful transmission of earlier biblical traditions. Each name represents a distinct branch of humanity that would develop into a recognized people group in the ancient world, contributing to the diverse tapestry of nations.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [1 Chronicles 1:6](/1_chronicles/1-6 "1 Chronicles 1:6 - The Sons of Gomer") and the surrounding chapters is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a list of names but a structured record of descent, serving to establish identity, legitimacy, and historical continuity. The Chronicler employs **Enumeration** by systematically listing the sons, providing a clear and concise presentation of lineage. This methodical approach highlights the meticulous nature of the biblical record and its commitment to historical detail. Furthermore, the entire section functions as a **Historical Record**, anchoring the narrative of Israel within the broader context of universal history, demonstrating God's involvement in the formation and development of all nations, not just Israel. The **Conciseness** of the verse, despite its profound implications, is also noteworthy, typical of genealogical entries that pack significant information into minimal words.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The seemingly dry list of names in 1 Chronicles 1:6 carries profound theological weight. It underscores God's meticulous attention to detail and His sovereign orchestration of human history, even in the formation and dispersion of nations. The fact that these "obscure" names are preserved in inspired Scripture reminds us that every individual and every people group has a place within God's grand narrative. It speaks to the faithfulness of God in preserving a lineage through which His redemptive plan would unfold, even amidst the complexities of human history and the rise and fall of empires. This verse, part of the "Table of Nations," lays the groundwork for understanding the universal scope of God's plan for humanity, a plan that extends beyond Israel to encompass all peoples.

* [Genesis 10:2-3](/genesis/10-2 "Genesis 10:2-3 - The Sons of Japheth") - This passage in Genesis is the primary source for the Japhetic lineage, including Gomer and his sons, demonstrating the continuity of the biblical record.
* [Acts 17:26](/acts/17-26 "Acts 17:26 - God's Sovereignty Over Nations") - Paul's sermon on Mars Hill affirms that God "made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place," echoing the themes of divine order and universal ancestry found in the genealogies.
* [Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - A Multitude from Every Nation") - This prophetic vision of a great multitude from "every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages" worshipping God directly connects to the universal scope foreshadowed in the Table of Nations, showing the ultimate fulfillment of God's global redemptive plan.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a simple list of names, 1 Chronicles 1:6 invites us to reflect on the profound truth that God is deeply invested in the details of history and the lives of all people. It reminds us that our individual lives, our families, and our national identities are not random occurrences but are part of a larger, divinely orchestrated story. This verse challenges us to see beyond the immediate and to appreciate the long arc of God's faithfulness across generations, preserving lineages and preparing the way for His ultimate purposes. It encourages us to find our place within this grand narrative, understanding that just as these ancient names were significant enough to be recorded, so too are our lives and contributions meaningful in God's eyes. It fosters a sense of belonging to a continuous story of faith that stretches from creation to Christ and beyond.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous recording of genealogies, even seemingly obscure ones, reveal God's character and His involvement in human history?**
* **What does it mean for our understanding of humanity that all peoples trace their ancestry back to a common source, as depicted in these genealogies?**
* **How can understanding the historical and cultural context of these ancient peoples enrich our appreciation for the biblical narrative?**
* **In what ways does the inclusion of names like Ashchenaz and Togarmah broaden our perspective on God's redemptive plan beyond just the nation of Israel?**

### FAQ

**Why are these genealogies, like 1 Chronicles 1:6, so important in the book of 1 Chronicles?**

Answer: These genealogies are critically important for several reasons, especially for the post-exilic community to whom the Chronicler was writing. Firstly, they provided a vital sense of **identity and continuity** after the trauma of exile, reconnecting the people to their ancestral roots and the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Secondly, they established **legitimacy for land claims** and tribal inheritances upon their return to Judah. Thirdly, they meticulously traced the **Davidic line**, affirming the rightful claim of the Davidic dynasty to the throne, which was crucial for messianic expectation. Finally, they underscored the **continuity of God's covenant promises**, demonstrating His faithfulness in preserving a people and a lineage through whom His redemptive plan would unfold, culminating in the Messiah. The genealogies serve as the historical bedrock upon which the rest of the Chronicler's narrative is built, emphasizing God's sovereign hand in history, as seen in the detailed record of the "Table of Nations" in [Genesis 10](/genesis/10 "Genesis 10 - The Table of Nations").

**Are the names in 1 Chronicles 1:6 just individuals, or do they represent nations/peoples?**

Answer: While the names technically refer to individuals (the "sons" of Gomer), in the context of the "Table of Nations" from which this genealogy is drawn ([Genesis 10](/genesis/10 "Genesis 10 - The Table of Nations")), these individuals are understood to be the progenitors of distinct tribal groups or nations. For example, Gomer is widely identified with the Cimmerians, Ashchenaz with the Scythians, and Togarmah with the Armenians. Thus, the names in [1 Chronicles 1:6](/1_chronicles/1-6 "1 Chronicles 1:6 - The Sons of Gomer") represent not just personal lineages but the foundational figures from whom significant ancient peoples emerged. This highlights the biblical narrative's awareness of the broader world and its diverse populations, showing how all humanity traces its origin back to Noah's family.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous genealogies in 1 Chronicles, including the seemingly peripheral entry of [1 Chronicles 1:6](/1_chronicles/1-6 "1 Chronicles 1:6 - The Sons of Gomer"), find their ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. The Chronicler's emphasis on preserving lineage, particularly the Davidic line, directly anticipates the coming of the Messiah, who would be born from that very lineage, as recorded in the Gospels (e.g., [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - Luke's Genealogy of Jesus")). God's faithfulness in meticulously preserving these ancient family trees demonstrates His unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan, ensuring that the promised "seed" would arrive at the appointed time. Furthermore, the "Table of Nations" from which [1 Chronicles 1:6](/1_chronicles/1-6 "1 Chronicles 1:6 - The Sons of Gomer") is drawn, listing the progenitors of all humanity, foreshadows the universal scope of Christ's salvation. Just as Gomer's descendants represent diverse peoples, so too does Christ's atoning sacrifice extend to "every tribe and language and people and nation" ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - The Worthy Lamb")). The inclusion of all nations in the family tree of humanity, even before the call of Abraham, points to God's original design for all peoples to be in relationship with Him, a design fully realized in the global mission given by Christ in the Great Commission ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")). Thus, these ancient lists are not merely historical records but profound testaments to God's sovereign plan to bring salvation to all humanity through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 10:3

And the sons of Gomer; Ashkenaz, and Riphath, and Togarmah.