Genesis 10:19

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.

And the border {H1366} of the Canaanites {H3669} was from Sidon {H6721}, as thou comest {H935} to Gerar {H1642}, unto Gaza {H5804}; as thou goest {H935}, unto Sodom {H5467}, and Gomorrah {H6017}, and Admah {H126}, and Zeboim {H6636}, even unto Lasha {H3962}.

The border of the Kena‘ani was from Tzidon, as you go toward G’rar, to ‘Azah; as you go toward S’dom, ‘Amora, Admah and Tzvoyim, to Lesha.

and the borders of Canaan extended from Sidon toward Gerar as far as Gaza, and then toward Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim, as far as Lasha.

And the border of the Canaanite was from Sidon, as thou goest toward Gerar, unto Gaza; as thou goest toward Sodom and Gomorrah and Admah and Zeboiim, unto Lasha.

Commentary

Context of Genesis 10:19

Genesis 10 is often referred to as the "Table of Nations," providing a comprehensive genealogical and geographical account of the descendants of Noah's three sons—Shem, Ham, and Japheth—after the great flood. This chapter outlines how the various nations and peoples spread across the earth, each with their own territories and languages. Verse 19 specifically details the geographical boundaries of the Canaanites, who were descendants of Canaan, the son of Ham. This meticulous detailing of borders highlights the ancient world's understanding of territorial claims and sets the stage for future interactions and conflicts, particularly with the nation of Israel.

Key Themes and Geographical Significance

  • Defined Boundaries: The primary purpose of this verse is to precisely delineate the extent of the Canaanite territory. This demonstrates a divinely ordered distribution of peoples across the earth, even for nations whose land would later be promised to Abraham's descendants.
  • Strategic Locations: The verse lists key cities and regions that were highly significant in ancient times:
    • Sidon: Located on the northern Phoenician coast, marking the northernmost reach.
    • Gerar and Gaza: Situated in the southwestern coastal plain, these were major Philistine cities in later biblical history. Abraham and Isaac both sojourned in Gerar.
    • Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboim: These are the infamous "cities of the plain," located near the Dead Sea. Their inclusion here is notable because this verse describes their existence *before* their dramatic destruction due to their wickedness, as recorded in Genesis 19:24-25. This chronological detail underscores the accuracy and historical depth of the biblical narrative.
    • Lasha: Likely a location near the Dead Sea, possibly modern Callirhoe, marking the eastern boundary.
    This extensive border description shows that the Canaanite land was a vast and fertile region, strategically positioned.
  • Foreshadowing Future Events: The detailed description of Canaan's borders, especially including the cities of the plain, subtly foreshadows future divine judgments and God's plan for the land. The Canaanites themselves would later be dispossessed due to their profound wickedness, as God promised the land to Israel (e.g., Genesis 15:16).

Practical Application and Reflection

Even a seemingly technical verse about geographical borders holds profound implications. It reminds us of God's meticulous oversight of human history and the distribution of nations. God is sovereign not only over people but also over the land they inhabit. The inclusion of cities like Sodom and Gomorrah within this "Table of Nations" before their destruction serves as a powerful reminder that God's judgment is often preceded by a period of grace and an opportunity for repentance. This verse, though a geographical marker, contributes to the grand narrative of God's plan, His promises, and His justice, providing foundational knowledge for understanding the subsequent history of Israel and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 14:2 (3 votes)

    [That these] made war with Bera king of Sodom, and with Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, and Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela, which is Zoar.

  • Genesis 19:24 (3 votes)

    ¶ Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven;

  • Genesis 19:25 (3 votes)

    And he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground.

  • Genesis 18:20 (2 votes)

    And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous;

  • Genesis 13:10 (2 votes)

    ¶ And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it [was] well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, [even] as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar.

  • Genesis 13:17 (2 votes)

    Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it unto thee.

  • Joshua 14:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ And these [are the countries] which the children of Israel inherited in the land of Canaan, which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel, distributed for inheritance to them.