(The Lord speaking is red text)
And Arphaxad begat Salah; and Salah begat Eber.
Arpakhshad fathered Shelach, and Shelach fathered ‘Ever.
Arphaxad was the father of Shelah, and Shelah was the father of Eber.
And Arpachshad begat Shelah; and Shelah begat Eber.
And Arphaxad{H775} begat{H3205} Salah{H7974}; and Salah{H7974} begat{H3205} Eber{H5677}.
Genesis 10:24 is part of the "Table of Nations" in the Bible, which outlines the descendants of Noah's sons after the flood. This verse specifically traces a segment of the lineage from Shem, one of Noah's sons, through Arphaxad to Salah and then to Eber. The broader chapter is concerned with the dispersion and settlement of peoples across the earth following the flood, reflecting ancient genealogies and ethnic identities.
Themes:
1. **Genealogy**: The verse emphasizes the importance of familial lineage, a common theme in the Bible for establishing heritage, identity, and theological significance.
2. **Human Geography**: It reflects the early understanding of the origins and migrations of various peoples, which was significant for the Israelites in understanding their place among the nations.
3. **Divine Plan**: The lineage leading to Abraham (though not explicitly mentioned in this verse) is part of the larger narrative of God's plan for humanity, with Eber being an ancestor of Abraham, the patriarch of the Israelite people.
Historical Context:
1. **Post-Diluvian World**: The verse is set in the context of the repopulation of the earth after the flood, which is a key transition point in the biblical narrative.
2. **Ancient Near Eastern Background**: The names in the genealogy reflect a mix of linguistic and cultural influences from the ancient Near East, and some may correspond to historical figures and groups known from other ancient texts.
3. **Israelite Identity**: By tracing the lineage through Eber, who is traditionally seen as the eponymous ancestor of the Hebrews, the text establishes a connection between the Israelites and the post-flood world, reinforcing their place in the divine narrative.
This verse is concise, but it carries significant weight in the biblical narrative, setting the stage for the stories of Abraham and his descendants, which are central to Jewish and Christian theology.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)