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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 10:21–32. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Two things especially are observable in this account of the posterity of Shem: -
I.The description of Shem, Gen 10:21.
We have not only his name, Shem, which signifies a name, but two titles to distinguish him by: -
1.He was the father of all the children of Eber. Eber was his great grandson; but why should he be called the father of all his children, rather than of all Arphaxad's, or Salah's, etc.? Probably because Abraham and his seed, God's covenant-people, not only descended from Heber, but from him were called Hebrews; Gen 14:13, Abram the Hebrew. Paul looked upon it as his privilege that he was a Hebrew of the Hebrews, Phi 3:5. Eber himself, we may suppose, was a man eminent for religion in a time of general apostasy, and a great example of piety to his family; and, the holy tongue being commonly called from him the Hebrew, it is probable that he retained it in his family, in the confusion of Babel, as a special token of God's favour to him; and from him the professors of religion were called the children of Eber. Now, when the inspired penman would give Shem an honourable title, he calls him the father of the Hebrews. Though when Moses wrote this, they were a poor despised people, bond-slaves in Egypt, yet, being God's people, it was an honour to a man to be akin to them. As Ham, though he had many sons, is disowned by being called the father of Canaan, on whose seed the curse was entailed (Gen 9:22), so Shem, though he had many sons, is dignified with the title of the father of Eber, on whose seed the blessing was entailed. Note, a family of saints is more truly honourable than a family of nobles, Shem's holy seed than Ham's royal seed, Jacob's twelve patriarchs than Ishmael's twelve princes, Gen 17:20. Goodness is true greatness.
2.He was the brother of Japheth the elder, by which it appears that, though Shem is commonly put first, he was not Noah's first-born, but Japheth was older. But why should this also be put as part of Shem's title and description, that he was the brother of Japheth, since it had been, in effect, said often before? And was he not as much brother to Ham? Probably this was intended to signify the union of the Gentiles with the Jews in the church. The sacred historian had mentioned it as Shem's honour that he was the father of the Hebrews; but, lest Japheth's seed should therefore be looked upon as for ever shut out from the church, he here reminds us that he was the brother of Japheth, not in birth only, but in blessing; for Japheth was to dwell in the tents of Shem. Note,
(1.)Those are brethren in the best manner that are so by grace, and that meet in the covenant of God and in the communion of saints.
(2.)God, in dispensing his grace, does not go by seniority, but the younger sometimes gets the start of the elder in coming into the church; so the last shall be first and the first last.
II.The reason of the name of Peleg (Gen 10:25):
Because in his days (that is, about the time of his birth, when his name was given him), was the earth divided among the children of men that were to inhabit it; either when Noah divided it by an orderly distribution of it, as Joshua divided the land of Canaan by lot, or when, upon their refusal to comply with that division, God, in justice, divided them by the confusion of tongues: whichsoever of these was the occasion, pious Heber saw cause to perpetuate the remembrance of it in the name of his son; and justly may our sons be called by the same name, for in our days, in another sense, is the earth, the church, most wretchedly divided.
Historical interpretation
Six Centuries of 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.
Shem, the third son of Noah, had five sons, who inhabited the land that began at Euphrates, and reached to the Indian Ocean. For Elam left behind him the Elamites, the ancestors of the Persians. Ashur lived at the city Nineve; and named his subjects Assyrians, who became the most fortunate nation, beyond others. Arphaxad named the Arphaxadites, who are now called Chaldeans. Aram had the Aramites, which the Greeks called Syrians; as Laud founded the Laudites, which are now called Lydians. Of the four sons of Aram, Uz founded Trachonitis and Damascus: this country lies between Palestine and Celesyria. Ul founded Armenia; and Gather the Bactrians; and Mesa the Mesaneans; it is now called Charax Spasini. Sala was the son of Arphaxad; and his son was Heber, from whom they originally called the Jews Hebrews. (18) Heber begat Joetan and Phaleg: he was called Phaleg, because he was born at the dispersion of the nations to their several countries; for Phaleg among the Hebrews signifies division. Now Joctan, one of the sons of Heber, had these sons, Elmodad, Saleph, Asermoth, Jera, Adoram, Aizel, Decla, Ebal, Abimael, Sabeus, Ophir, Euilat, and Jobab. These inhabited from Cophen, an Indian river, and in part of Asia adjoining to it. And this shall suffice concerning the sons of Shem.
(Verse 24.) Arphaxad begot Shelah, and Shelah begot Eber. From Eber were born two sons: one was named Peleg, because in his days the earth was divided, and his brother's name was Joktan. Eber, from whom the Hebrews are descended, gave his son Peleg the name which means 'division', because in his days the languages were divided in Babylon.
Eber, from whom the Hebrews descended, because of a prophecy gave his son the name Peleg, which means “division,” on account of the fact that in his days the languages were divided up in Babylon.
But indeed Arphaxad begat Salah, from whom Heber was born. From this Heber both Abraham and the people born from him, as we have mentioned before, are surnamed Hebrew.
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Summary
Genesis 10:24, a concise yet profoundly significant genealogical entry, meticulously traces the lineage from Arphaxad to Salah, and then to Eber, a pivotal figure from whom the "Hebrew" people derive their name. Situated within the broader "Table of Nations," this verse underscores God's precise and deliberate preservation of a specific family line through Shem, essential for the unfolding of His redemptive plan that would culminate in the call of Abraham and, ultimately, the advent of the Messiah.
Context
Literary Context
Genesis 10, often termed the "Table of Nations," provides a comprehensive genealogical account of the descendants of Noah's three sons—Shem, Ham, and Japheth—following the Great Flood. This chapter serves as a bridge between the universal judgment of the flood and the particularistic focus on Abraham's lineage, detailing the foundational origins and dispersion of various peoples and nations across the earth. Within this expansive record, the narrative progressively narrows its focus. While Genesis 10:2-5 details Japheth's descendants and Genesis 10:6-20 describes Ham's, Genesis 10:21-31 concentrates on Shem's line. Genesis 10:24, specifically, is a critical link within Shem's genealogy, establishing the direct, divinely preserved ancestral chain that will lead to Abraham, setting the stage for the covenant promises of Genesis 12.
Historical & Cultural Context
The "Table of Nations" reflects an ancient Near Eastern understanding of ethnic and geographical relationships, serving not merely as a historical record but also as a theological statement about the unity of humanity and the divine ordering of nations. Genealogies in this context were more than mere lists; they served to establish identity, legitimate claims, and trace the flow of divine blessing or curse. The post-Flood world was undergoing a repopulation and reorganization, with various peoples settling distinct regions. The emphasis on Shem's line, particularly the connection to Eber, highlights a distinct identity for the Hebrews, distinguishing them from the surrounding nations. This distinction would become increasingly significant as God prepared to call a specific people to Himself, setting them apart from the idolatrous practices prevalent in the region during the patriarchal period.
Key Themes
This verse contributes to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates Divine Sovereignty and Providence, demonstrating God's meticulous oversight in preserving a specific lineage despite the vast dispersion of humanity described elsewhere in Genesis 10. Secondly, it highlights the Importance of Lineage in God's Redemptive Plan, showing that God works through specific families and individuals to bring about His purposes, a theme that continues through the patriarchal narratives and beyond. Thirdly, the mention of Eber foreshadows the Emergence of a Distinct People, the "Hebrews," who would be the recipients of God's covenant promises and the vehicle for His revelation to the world, as seen in the subsequent narrative of Abraham's call. This meticulous tracing of ancestry underscores God's faithfulness and long-term vision for salvation.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This primitive root signifies "to bear young" or, causatively, "to beget." In genealogical contexts, it denotes the act of fathering a child, establishing a direct lineage. Its repeated use in this verse emphasizes the unbroken, generation-by-generation succession that is crucial for tracing the promised line. It highlights the natural, yet divinely directed, process of procreation that ensures the continuation of the family tree.
Identified as a son of Shem (Genesis 10:22), Arphaxad is a significant figure in the post-Flood genealogy. His name, likely of foreign origin, marks the continuation of the chosen line after Shem. His inclusion here is not merely for historical record but to show the specific branch through which God's redemptive plan is progressing.
This name is profoundly significant as it is the etymological root of the term "Hebrew" (עִבְרִי, ‘Ivrî). The name itself is related to the concept of "passing over" or "the region beyond." Eber thus represents the ancestral figure from whom the distinct identity of Abraham and his descendants, the "Hebrews," would emerge. His presence in this lineage solidifies the foundation of a unique people chosen by God.
Verse Breakdown
"And Arphaxad begat Salah"
This clause establishes the first link in the specific, divinely preserved lineage after Arphaxad, a son of Shem. It signifies the continuation of the patriarchal line through natural procreation, yet within the context of God's overarching plan for humanity. Arphaxad, though not as prominent as Noah or Shem, is a vital link, ensuring the unbroken chain of descent.
"and Salah begat Eber"
This second clause continues the direct succession, introducing Salah as the son of Arphaxad and the father of Eber. The introduction of Eber is particularly crucial, as his name serves as the linguistic origin for the term "Hebrew." This simple statement carries profound implications for the identity of God's chosen people, marking the point where their distinct ethnic and spiritual designation begins to solidify within the biblical narrative.
Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Genesis 10:24 is Genealogy. This verse is a concise, formulaic entry within a larger genealogical list, serving to establish a direct, unbroken line of descent. The Repetition of the verb "begat" (yâlad) reinforces the continuity and precision of the lineage, emphasizing that each generation is explicitly connected to the next. This repetitive structure provides a sense of certainty and divine oversight in the unfolding of history. Furthermore, there is an element of Foreshadowing, particularly with the mention of Eber. While seemingly just another name in a list, Eber's name subtly anticipates the distinct identity of the "Hebrew" people, who will play a central role in God's redemptive narrative, setting them apart from the surrounding nations. The brevity and directness of the verse also contribute to its impact, highlighting the importance of this specific link without unnecessary elaboration.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Genesis 10:24, though a brief genealogical note, profoundly illustrates God's meticulous sovereignty and unwavering faithfulness in orchestrating human history for His redemptive purposes. It demonstrates that even in the seemingly mundane details of lineage, God is actively at work, carefully preserving a specific ancestral line through which His covenant promises will be revealed and ultimately fulfilled. This verse serves as a critical bridge, narrowing the focus from the broad "Table of Nations" to the precise lineage that will lead to Abraham, the patriarch of Israel, and through whom the Messiah would come. It underscores the biblical principle that God's plan unfolds through specific individuals and families, chosen not for their inherent merit, but for His divine purpose.
Reflection and Application
Though a concise genealogical note, Genesis 10:24 is profoundly significant, serving as a vital link in the chain of God's unfolding plan of salvation. It reminds us that God's faithfulness extends across generations, meticulously preserving the lineage that would eventually lead to the call of Abraham and, ultimately, to the Messiah. For believers today, this verse encourages a deep trust in God's sovereign hand, recognizing that even the seemingly minor details of life, and indeed the grand sweep of history, are woven into His meticulously designed tapestry. It assures us that God's promises are secure and that His purposes will be accomplished, regardless of the vastness or complexity of human events. Just as He preserved a specific line for His redemptive work, He continues to work in our lives with precision and purpose, inviting us to find our place within His ongoing narrative of grace and redemption.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is this specific genealogy important within the "Table of Nations"?
This genealogy, though brief, is critically important because it narrows the expansive "Table of Nations" to the specific lineage of Shem, which is the direct ancestral line leading to Abraham. It demonstrates God's precise and intentional preservation of a particular family through whom His covenant promises and redemptive plan would unfold, culminating in the nation of Israel and, ultimately, the Messiah. It highlights God's selective focus within the broader human family to achieve His redemptive purposes, as seen in Genesis 11:10-26.
What is the significance of the name "Eber"?
The name "Eber" (Hebrew: ‘Ēber, H5677) is highly significant as it is the root from which the term "Hebrew" (‘Ivrî) is derived. It is commonly understood to mean "the region beyond" or "to cross over." This linguistic connection highlights the distinct identity of Abraham and his descendants as a people who "crossed over"—whether geographically from Mesopotamia to Canaan (as Abraham did in Genesis 12:1-5) or conceptually, distinguishing themselves as God's chosen people set apart from the nations.
Does "begat" imply a direct father-son relationship in all biblical genealogies?
While "begat" (Hebrew: yalad, H3205) often indicates a direct father-son relationship, in biblical genealogies, it can sometimes signify a broader ancestral connection, meaning "was the ancestor of" or "fathered the line of," potentially skipping generations for conciseness or thematic emphasis. However, in the immediate context of Genesis 10:24 and the surrounding genealogies in Genesis 10 and 11, the succession of Arphaxad to Salah to Eber is generally understood as a direct father-son lineage, emphasizing the unbroken and precise chain leading to Abraham.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The seemingly simple genealogical record in Genesis 10:24 serves as a foundational stone in the grand narrative of Christ-centered fulfillment. By meticulously preserving the lineage through Shem, Arphaxad, Salah, and Eber, God was providentially preparing the way for the call of Abraham, through whom all the families of the earth would be blessed. This unbroken chain, carefully recorded through generations, ultimately culminates in the birth of Jesus Christ, the promised Seed (as prophesied in Genesis 3:15), the Son of David (as affirmed in Matthew 1:1), and the Messiah. The precise tracing of this lineage underscores God's unwavering faithfulness across millennia to bring about the salvation of humanity through His Son, Jesus, who, as the ultimate "Hebrew" in His human lineage, fulfills the promise made to Abraham and embodies the "crossing over" from death to life for all who believe, as described in John 3:16.