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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Genesis 10:6–14. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
That which is observable and improvable in these verses is the account here given of Nimrod, Gen 10:8-10. He is here represented as a great man in his day: He began to be a mighty one in the earth, that is, whereas those that went before him were content to stand upon the same level with their neighbours, and though every man bore rule in his own house yet no man pretended any further, Nimrod's aspiring mind could not rest here; he was resolved to tower above his neighbours, not only to be eminent among them, but to lord it over them. The same spirit that actuated the giants before the flood (who became mighty men, and men of renown, Gen 6:4), now revived in him, so soon was that tremendous judgment which the pride and tyranny of those mighty men brought upon the world forgotten. Note, There are some in whom ambition and affectation of dominion seem to be bred in the bone; such there have been and will be, notwithstanding the wrath of God often revealed from heaven against them. Nothing on this side hell will humble and break the proud spirits of some men, in this like Lucifer, Isa 14:14, Isa 14:15. Now,
I.Nimrod was a great hunter; with this he began, and for this became famous to a proverb. Every great hunter is, in remembrance of him, called a Nimrod.
1.Some think he did good with his hunting, served his country by ridding it of the wild beasts which infested it, and so insinuated himself into the affections of his neighbours, and got to be their prince. Those that exercise authority either are, or at least would be called, benefactors, Luk 22:25.
2.Others think that under pretence of hunting he gathered men under his command, in pursuit of another game he had to play, which was to make himself master of the country and to bring them into subjection. He was a mighty hunter, that is, he was a violent invader of his neighbours' rights and properties, and a persecutor of innocent men, carrying all before him, and endeavouring to make all his own by force and violence. He thought himself a mighty prince, but before the Lord (that is, in God's account) he was but a mighty hunter. Note, Great conquerors are but great hunters. Alexander and Caesar would not make such a figure in scripture-history as they do in common history; the former is represented in prophecy but as a he-goat pushing, Dan 8:5. Nimrod was a mighty hunter against the Lord, so the Septuagint; that is,
(1.)He set up idolatry, as Jeroboam did, for the confirming of his usurped dominion. That he might set up a new government, he set up a new religion upon the ruin of the primitive constitution of both. Babel was the mother of harlots. Or,
(2.)He carried on his oppression and violence in defiance of God himself, daring Heaven with his impieties, as if he and his huntsmen could out-brave the Almighty, and were a match for the Lord of hosts and all his armies. As if it were a small thing to weary men, he thinks to weary my God also, Isa 7:13.
II.Nimrod was a great ruler:
The beginning of his kingdom was Babel, Gen 10:10. Some way or other, by arts or arms, he got into power, either being chosen to it or forcing his way to it; and so laid the foundations of a monarchy, which was afterwards a head of gold, and the terror of the mighty, and bade fair to be universal. It does not appear that he had any right to rule by birth; but either his fitness for government recommended him, as some think, to an election, or by power and policy he advanced gradually, and perhaps insensibly, into the throne. See the antiquity of civil government, and particularly that form of it which lodges the sovereignty in a single person. If Nimrod and his neighbours began, other nations soon learned to incorporate under one head for their common safety and welfare, which, however it began, proved so great a blessing to the world that things were reckoned to go ill indeed when there was no king in Israel.
III.Nimrod was a great builder.
Probably he was architect in the building of Babel, and there he began his kingdom; but, when his project to rule all the sons of Noah was baffled by the confusion of tongues, out of that land he went forth into Assyria (so the margin reads it, Gen 10:11) and built Nineveh, etc., that, having built these cities, he might command them and rule over them. Observe, in Nimrod, the nature of ambition.
1.It is boundless. Much would have more, and still cries, Give, give.
2.It is restless. Nimrod, when he had four cities under his command, could not be content till he had four more.
3.It is expensive. Nimrod will rather be at the charge of rearing cities than not have the honour of ruling them. The spirit of building is the common effect of a spirit of pride.
4.It is daring, and will stick at nothing. Nimrod's name signifies rebellion, which (if indeed he did abuse his power to the oppression of his neighbours) teaches us that tyrants to men are rebels to God, and their rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
4 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
Concerning Nimrod, Moses said, “He was a mighty hunter before the Lord,” because, according to the will of the Lord, it was he who fought with each of these nations and chased them out from there, so that they would go out and settle in the regions that had been set apart for them by God. “Therefore it is said, like Nimrod a mighty hunter before the Lord.” One used to bless a chief or a ruler by saying, “May you be like Nimrod, a mighty hunter who was victorious in the battles of the Lord.”
Then sacred Scripture goes on from this point to tell of the children born to the sons in these words: “Now, Ham became the father of Cush”; and further, “Now, Cush became the father of Nebrod (Nimrod), who began to be a giant on earth. He was a giant hunter before the Lord.” While some people say the phrase “before the Lord” means being in opposition to God, I on the contrary do not think sacred Scripture is implying this. Rather, it implies that [Nimrod] was strong and brave. But the phrase “before the Lord” means created by him, receiving from him God’s blessing. Or it may mean that God was on the point of arousing our wonder through him by creating such a remarkable creature and displaying him before us on the earth. Nimrod too, however, in his turn in imitation of his forebear did not take due advantage of his natural preeminence but hit upon another form of servitude in endeavoring to become ruler and king. You see, there would not ever be a king unless there were people being ruled. But in that case freedom is seen for what it really is, whereas slavery is the most galling obstacle to conditions of freedom, when all the more power is exercised over free people. See what ambition is guilty of. Observe bodily strength not keeping to its limits but constantly lusting after more and clutching for glory. You see, the orders [Nimrod] gave were not those of a leader. Rather, he even builds cities with a view to ruling over the enemy.
A Nimrod, who goes round the world, made rough
With deep ravines and wooden crags, and strives
To waylay some by fraud and secret wiles,
To vanquish others by his giant arms
And spread his deadly triumphs far and wide.
“And Chus [Cush] begat Nimrod. This man began to be powerful in the earth.” And after a little while, it says, “And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel and Arach and Achad and Chalanne in the land of Senaar [Shinar].” Nimrod, son of Chus, was the first to seize despotic rule over the people, which men were not yet accustomed to; and he reigned in Babylon, which was called Babel, because the languages of those building the tower were thrown into confusion there. For Babel signifies confusion. Then he also reigned in Arach, that is, in Edissa; and in Achad, which is now called Nisibis; and in Chalanne, which was later called Seleucia after king Seleucus when its name had been changed and which is now in actual fact called Ctesiphon.
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Summary
Genesis 10:12, a pivotal verse within the "Table of Nations," precisely identifies Resen as "a great city" situated geographically between the prominent cities of Nineveh and Calah. This detail underscores the significant urban development in ancient Assyria during the early post-Flood era, highlighting Nimrod's instrumental role in establishing major centers of civilization and providing a meticulous geographical framework for the spread of early human populations.
Context
Literary Context
Genesis 10:12 is embedded within the "Table of Nations" (Genesis 10), a unique and comprehensive genealogical and geographical record detailing the descendants of Noah's three sons—Shem, Ham, and Japheth—following the great flood. This chapter serves as a crucial bridge between the universal history of humanity (creation, fall, flood) and the particular history of Israel, explaining the origins and distribution of various peoples and nations. The verse specifically falls within the section describing the descendants of Ham, focusing on Nimrod, a powerful figure renowned as a "mighty hunter before the LORD" and a foundational kingdom-builder. His initial domain is described in Genesis 10:10 as encompassing cities in the land of Shinar, including Babel, Erech, Accad, and Calneh. The narrative then shifts in Genesis 10:11 to describe Nimrod's expansion into Assyria, where he built or was associated with the establishment of Nineveh, Rehoboth-Ir, and Calah. Genesis 10:12 then adds Resen, completing the description of this significant urban complex.
Historical & Cultural Context
The period described in Genesis 10 reflects the rapid re-population and development of human societies after the global flood. The mention of "great cities" like Nineveh, Calah, and Resen points to the emergence of complex urban centers, organized governance, and significant infrastructure development in Mesopotamia, particularly in the region that would later become the heartland of the Assyrian Empire. This era saw the rise of powerful leaders, exemplified by Nimrod, who consolidated power and established kingdoms, marking a shift from nomadic or tribal existence to more settled, centralized societies. The geographical precision of the "Table of Nations" reflects an ancient understanding of the world's early demographic and political landscape, providing a historical anchor for later biblical narratives concerning these regions and peoples. The description of Resen as a "great city" implies a substantial population, possibly fortified defenses, and a role in regional trade or administration, characteristic of burgeoning ancient Near Eastern metropolises.
Key Themes
Genesis 10:12 contributes to several key themes prevalent in the "Table of Nations" and the broader book of Genesis. Firstly, it highlights the rapid expansion and diversification of humanity post-Flood, demonstrating God's command to "be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth" (Genesis 9:1). Secondly, it underscores the emergence of human kingdoms and centralized power structures, exemplified by Nimrod's extensive urban development. This theme foreshadows the ongoing tension between human attempts to build earthly empires and God's sovereign plan for humanity, often culminating in divine judgment, as seen in the subsequent narrative of the Tower of Babel. Thirdly, the meticulous geographical and genealogical details reinforce the Bible's commitment to historical and geographical accuracy, grounding its theological claims in a verifiable reality. Finally, the mention of cities like Nineveh and Calah, which would later play significant roles in Israel's history (e.g., Jonah), subtly introduces the foundations of future geopolitical interactions between God's chosen people and the surrounding nations.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This proper noun refers to a specific place in Assyria. Its inclusion in the "Table of Nations" provides a precise geographical marker, indicating its existence and significance as an urban center during the early post-Flood period. Though not mentioned elsewhere in the biblical narrative, its placement between Nineveh and Calah suggests it was part of a major urban complex.
Derived from a root meaning "to be great," this adjective describes Resen's considerable size, importance, or influence. In the context of ancient cities, "great" would imply a significant population, substantial fortifications, and possibly a role as a regional administrative, economic, or strategic hub. It conveys the scale of urban development attributed to Nimrod.
This noun broadly refers to a guarded place or a watch-post, encompassing settlements ranging from encampments to major metropolises. In this context, coupled with "great," it denotes a well-established and substantial urban center, distinct from a mere village or temporary settlement, signifying a level of social organization and permanence.
Verse Breakdown
"And Resen between Nineveh and Calah:"
This clause serves as a precise geographical locator. It positions Resen not in isolation but as an integral part of a larger urban network in ancient Assyria. By placing it "between" two already mentioned and well-known cities (Nineveh and Calah, both associated with Nimrod's kingdom in Genesis 10:11), the text provides a clear spatial reference point for its readers, indicating a significant concentration of human settlement and power in this region.
"the same [is] a great city."
This declarative statement provides a qualitative assessment of Resen. The phrase "a great city" (Hebrew: 'îr gĕdōlāh) emphasizes its considerable size, importance, and possibly its strategic or administrative significance within Nimrod's burgeoning kingdom. It suggests that Resen was not a minor settlement but a substantial urban center, contributing to the overall impression of Nimrod's prowess as a kingdom-builder and the rapid development of post-Flood civilization.
Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Genesis 10:12 is Geographical Precision. The text meticulously names specific locations (Resen, Nineveh, Calah) and defines their spatial relationship ("between"), providing a detailed map of early post-Flood settlements. This precision grounds the narrative in a tangible reality, lending credibility to the historical claims of the "Table of Nations." Furthermore, the use of Descriptive Language, specifically the epithet "a great city," elevates Resen beyond a mere name, conveying its significance and scale. This brief but impactful description highlights the burgeoning urbanism of the era and the ambitious scope of Nimrod's kingdom-building endeavors. The verse also functions as part of a larger Enumeration or Cataloging, characteristic of Genesis 10, systematically listing the descendants of Noah and the territories they occupied, thereby constructing a comprehensive historical and geographical framework.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Genesis 10:12, though seemingly a simple geographical detail, subtly contributes to profound theological and thematic insights. It illustrates the rapid fulfillment of God's command to "be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth" (Genesis 9:1) after the Flood, demonstrating humanity's capacity for organization and development, even in its fallen state. The rise of "great cities" and powerful figures like Nimrod highlights the emergence of human-centered kingdoms and the concentration of power, a recurring theme throughout biblical history that often stands in contrast to God's divine sovereignty. This verse, along with the entire "Table of Nations," underscores the Bible's commitment to presenting a historically grounded narrative, affirming the reality of early civilizations and their geographical locations.
Reflection and Application
The brief mention of Resen as "a great city" between Nineveh and Calah in Genesis 10:12 serves as a powerful reminder of the Bible's historical depth and its meticulous attention to the details of early human civilization. While Resen itself does not reappear, its inclusion validates the geographical and historical accuracy of the "Table of Nations," grounding the biblical narrative in a tangible reality. This verse invites us to appreciate the vast sweep of biblical history, from the earliest post-Flood settlements to the grand narratives of salvation. It encourages us to recognize that even seemingly minor details in Scripture contribute to a larger, divinely orchestrated story. Furthermore, the description of a "great city" built by human hands, like those of Nimrod, prompts reflection on the nature of human ambition and achievement. It challenges us to consider what truly constitutes "greatness" in God's eyes and whether our endeavors are built upon temporary earthly foundations or eternal divine purposes. Understanding these foundational cities helps us grasp the historical context for later biblical events, such as Nineveh, mentioned as a neighbor to Resen, later becoming a central city in the book of Jonah, demonstrating the long-term historical significance of these early urban centers established by figures like Nimrod.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is Resen mentioned only once in the Bible?
Resen's singular mention in Genesis 10:12 is consistent with the "Table of Nations'" primary purpose: to provide a foundational, comprehensive overview of early human settlements and their origins, rather than to detail the ongoing history of every city. Its inclusion serves to complete the geographical description of Nimrod's expanding kingdom, emphasizing the vastness and interconnectedness of his urban network in Assyria, even if its specific historical trajectory is not further elaborated in the biblical narrative.
What does "a great city" signify about Resen?
The description "a great city" (Hebrew: 'îr gĕdōlāh) indicates that Resen was a settlement of considerable size, importance, and likely strategic value. It suggests a well-developed urban center, possibly playing a role in administration, trade, or defense within the Assyrian region. This designation highlights the significant urban development occurring in the early post-Flood era and underscores the scale of Nimrod's kingdom-building achievements.
How does Genesis 10:12 contribute to our understanding of Nimrod?
This verse reinforces Nimrod's reputation as a powerful and ambitious kingdom-builder, expanding his influence beyond his initial domain in Shinar (Genesis 10:10) into Assyria. By listing Resen alongside major cities like Nineveh and Calah (Genesis 10:11), the verse underscores the scale and ambition of his urban development projects, portraying him as a significant figure in early post-Flood civilization and a pioneer of centralized human power structures.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
While Genesis 10:12 describes the establishment of earthly kingdoms and "great cities" by powerful figures like Nimrod, it subtly points to the broader biblical narrative of God's ultimate, eternal kingdom. These human-built empires, though "great" in their temporal influence, are ultimately fleeting and fall short of God's perfect and everlasting reign. Christ, as the true King, establishes a spiritual kingdom that is "not of this world" (John 18:36), a kingdom that transcends all human-built cities and empires. The ambition to build "great cities" and establish earthly dominion, seen in Nimrod, finds its counterpoint and ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who builds His church—a spiritual city whose "builder and maker is God" (Hebrews 11:10). The true "great city" is the New Jerusalem, the heavenly city where God dwells eternally with His redeemed people (Revelation 21:2-3), a city far surpassing any earthly metropolis in glory, permanence, and divine presence.