Genesis 10:10

And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel, and Erech, and Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar.

And the beginning {H7225} of his kingdom {H4467} was Babel {H894}, and Erech {H751}, and Accad {H390}, and Calneh {H3641}, in the land {H776} of Shinar {H8152}.

His kingdom began with Bavel, Erekh, Akkad and Kalneh, in the land of Shin‘ar.

His kingdom began in Babylon, Erech, Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar.

And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel, and Erech, and Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar.

Commentary

Genesis 10:10 introduces the geographical scope of the first kingdom established after the great flood, under the leadership of Nimrod. This verse is part of the "Table of Nations" (Genesis 10), which outlines the descendants of Noah's sons and the spread of humanity across the earth, setting the stage for the diverse nations and languages we see today.

Context

Genesis 10, often called the 'Table of Nations,' meticulously lists the descendants of Noah's three sons—Shem, Ham, and Japheth—after the global flood, illustrating how the earth was repopulated. Verse 10 specifically details the initial scope of Nimrod's kingdom, introduced as a 'mighty hunter before the LORD' in Genesis 10:8-9. This verse marks the beginning of organized human governance and empire-building in the post-diluvian world, centered in the fertile plains of Shinar, ancient Mesopotamia.

Key Themes

  • The Dawn of Empire: It records the establishment of the first post-Flood kingdom, signaling a new era of centralized human authority and power structures. Nimrod, a descendant of Ham, emerges as a powerful figure, not just as a hunter but as a city-builder and ruler, laying the foundations for early human civilization.
  • Human Ambition and Centralization: The list of cities—Babel (Babylon), Erech (Uruk), Accad (Akkad), and Calneh—demonstrates humanity's drive to organize, build large urban centers, and consolidate power. This ambition foreshadows the events of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11, where this desire for human glory and unity apart from God reaches its zenith.
  • Geographic Significance: The 'land of Shinar' (Sumer in southern Mesopotamia) is identified as the cradle of early civilization, a region of immense historical and biblical importance for the development of urban centers and political systems.

Linguistic Insights

The name 'Babel' (Hebrew: Bavel) is profoundly significant. While its original Akkadian meaning may relate to 'gate of God,' the biblical narrative in Genesis 11:9 intentionally links it to the Hebrew verb balal (בָּלַל), meaning 'to confuse' or 'to mix,' reflecting the divine confusion of languages at the Tower of Babel. 'Shinar' (Hebrew: Shin'ar) refers to the fertile alluvial plain between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, a region later known as Babylonia or Chaldea, renowned for its ancient cities and cultural developments.

Related Scriptures

  • The mention of Babel here serves as a crucial prelude to the narrative of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11:1-9, where humanity's unified rebellion against God leads to the confusion of languages and the scattering of peoples.
  • Nimrod's role as a powerful ruler and founder of this kingdom is first introduced in Genesis 10:8-9, setting the stage for his foundational kingdom.
  • The narrative also subtly contrasts with God's command to "be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth" (Genesis 9:1), as the ambition of Babel sought to consolidate rather than scatter.

Practical Application

Genesis 10:10 offers timeless insights into the nature of human power and ambition. It reminds us that while organization and city-building are part of human endeavor, the pursuit of centralized power and glory apart from God can lead to spiritual confusion and divine judgment. The story of Babel serves as a cautionary tale against human pride and self-sufficiency, emphasizing God's ultimate sovereignty over all earthly kingdoms and His design for humanity to fill the earth rather than consolidate in defiance of Him. This verse sets the stage for understanding the ongoing tension between human kingdoms and God's divine plan throughout biblical history, highlighting the constant need for humility and reliance on divine guidance.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 11:9 (8 votes)

    Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth.

  • Genesis 11:2 (7 votes)

    And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there.

  • Micah 4:10 (3 votes)

    Be in pain, and labour to bring forth, O daughter of Zion, like a woman in travail: for now shalt thou go forth out of the city, and thou shalt dwell in the field, and thou shalt go [even] to Babylon; there shalt thou be delivered; there the LORD shall redeem thee from the hand of thine enemies.

  • Genesis 14:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ And it came to pass in the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of nations;

  • Isaiah 39:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ At that time Merodachbaladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah: for he had heard that he had been sick, and was recovered.

  • Jeremiah 50:21 (2 votes)

    ¶ Go up against the land of Merathaim, [even] against it, and against the inhabitants of Pekod: waste and utterly destroy after them, saith the LORD, and do according to all that I have commanded thee.

  • Amos 6:2 (2 votes)

    Pass ye unto Calneh, and see; and from thence go ye to Hamath the great: then go down to Gath of the Philistines: [be they] better than these kingdoms? or their border greater than your border?