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Commentary on Genesis 10 verses 21–32
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.
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 26.) Jectan begat Helmodad, and Saleph, and Asermoth, and Jare, and Aduram, and Uzal, and Decla, Ebal, Abimael, Seba, Ophir, Evila, and Jobab. I could not find the names of the twelve other nations; but up to the present time, because they are far from us, or because they are called by different names, or because they have been changed, they are unknown. However, they possessed the whole region of India, which is called Hieria, from the river Cophene.
All these are the sons of Joktan. And their dwelling was from Mesha as you go toward Sephar, the mountain of the east. We previously said that Shem, the first-born of Noah, signifies those believing from the ancient people of God, Japheth signifies those believing from the gentiles; Ham, mocking the nakedness of his father and for this cursed, insinuates that part of the same people which, as remaining in the middle, neither firstly with their fellow tribesmen, nor afterwards wanted to be associated with the gentiles in faith. Therefore, the figures and places of habitation of these are most fittingly congruent; surely the sons of Eber, who is shown to be predominant among the descendants of Shem, are said to have extended their habitation from Mesha to the eastern mountain called Sephar. Now Mesha is a region of India which, when interpreted, is called Elevation, which signifies not a reprehensible pride, but rather that elevating of the mind to which the Apostle exhorts us saying: If you have risen with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God; set your mind on things that are above, not on things on the earth (Colossians 3:1). But what is the eastern mountain, if not that of which Isaiah says: Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob (Isaiah 2:3)? which is rightly called a mountain because it raises all those climbing up it from the desire for lowly things to the longing for heavenly things. It is rightly called the Eastern Mountain, because it reveals the rising of the true light to all those flocking to it. It is also rightly named Sephar, that is, Book. For it is the book of life, in which all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden, in which the names of all the elect are written. Therefore, the dwelling of the sons of Joktan, who is interpreted as Little One, was from Mesha, that is, Elevation, going towards the eastern mountain which is called Book, because all the saints following the humility of the earlier just ones, of whom it is said: The Lord preserves the simple (Psalm 114:6), at the beginning of a religious conversation uplift their minds from earthly contagions, so that they may be deemed worthy to ascend to see the brightness of the eternal Sun, and to be instructed from the very book of life, which is the Lord Christ, with the pages of eternal wisdom revealed. Similarly, concerning the sons of Japheth, when it is said, from these the coastlands of the nations were divided in their lands, does it not most manifestly indicate by this very name the churches of the gentiles throughout the world, which, like islands, are continually beaten by the waves of the sea, that is, the swollen and bitter storms of the world, yet are not overcome; and now indeed, with the world flattering, they glide as if on gentle waves, now with it raging, they are struck by the upraised waves of adversities; but in the state of their faith, they nonetheless endure invincible? But on the other hand, the sons of Ham have the beginning of their kingdom in Babylon, that is, Confusion, which is in the land of Shinar, that is, their stench; and this on a plain, because neither do the reprobrates ascend the mountain of contemplation to seek the higher things, nor do they reach the tranquility of the intellectual islands, by which they might transcend with higher freedom of spirit the cares of the passing world; but they rather delight in being carried around in unrestrained wantonness in earthly desires alone; where indeed a fitting end follows this beginning, when it is said that the borders of Canaan were from Sidon as you go towards Gerar as far as Gaza until you enter Sodom and Gomorrah and Admah and Zeboiim as far as Lasha. For Sidon is called the Hunting of Sorrow, because nothing else ought to be understood here than that by which the ancient enemy hunts souls to destruction; hence it is rightly called the Hunting of Sorrow, because all those whom he captures, he subjects to eternal pains: such a one indeed is Nimrod the giant, who is called a mighty hunter against the Lord. Concerning Sodom and Gomorrah and the neighboring cities, there is no doubt that they portend the eternal torments of the impious.
Joktan begot Almodad, and Sheleph, and Hazarmaveth, Jerah, and Hadoram, and Uzal, and Diklah, and Obal, and Abimael, Sheba, and Ophir, and Havilah, and Jobab. All these are the sons of Joktan. Jerome testifies that he could not find the later names of these nations. "But until the present," he says, "because they are far from us, either they are called the same as at first, or those that have been changed are unknown." We read above that Pishon, one of the four rivers of paradise, which our people call the Ganges, and it is not doubted to be in India, surrounds all the land of Havilah; this land seems to have taken its name from this Havilah. Josephus narrates that he, with his brothers, possessed the whole region of India called Hiera, but the Chronicles also tell that Solomon's servants went to Ophir by the Red Sea, and brought from there gold, and almug wood, and precious stones, which are believed to be from the region of India, and to have taken their name from Ophir, the son of Joktan.
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SUMMARY
Genesis 10:26 is a pivotal entry within the "Table of Nations," meticulously documenting four of Joktan's thirteen sons: Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, and Jerah. As integral members of the Shemitic lineage, these individuals represent foundational tribal and national groups that emerged in the post-Flood world, illustrating the early dispersion and diversification of humanity across the earth in direct fulfillment of God's divine command to populate the planet.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 10:26 presents four names from the extensive lineage of Joktan, a key figure in the Shemitic line, stating, "And Joktan begat Almodad, and Sheleph, and Hazarmaveth, and Jerah." This seemingly simple list is rich with historical and theological implications.
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Genesis 10:26, and indeed throughout the "Table of Nations," is Genealogy (or Annalistic Listing). This meticulous enumeration of names and their paternal connections serves a crucial function in biblical narrative: it establishes historical continuity, demonstrates the fulfillment of divine commands to multiply, and provides a framework for understanding the origins and relationships of various peoples. The repetitive use of "begat" (or implied "and") creates a rhythmic, almost litany-like quality, emphasizing the unbroken chain of descent. Furthermore, the inclusion of names with potential Etymological Significance or clear geographical links, such as Hazarmaveth, functions as a form of Verisimilitude, lending credibility and historical grounding to the biblical account by connecting these ancient records to identifiable places and peoples. This detailed listing is not merely a dry record but a foundational Historical Narrative that sets the stage for God's unfolding plan of redemption through specific lineages.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 10:26, as a fragment of the Table of Nations, profoundly illustrates God's sovereign hand in orchestrating the dispersion and diversification of humanity while maintaining a unified origin. It reveals that the formation of distinct peoples and nations is not a random process but part of a divine blueprint to populate the earth and establish the stage for His redemptive narrative. This verse underscores the meticulous nature of God's providence, demonstrating His care for every generation and every branch of humanity, even those seemingly distant from the direct line of covenant promise. It reminds us that every person, regardless of their ethnic or national origin, traces their lineage back to a common ancestor, highlighting the inherent dignity and shared humanity of all people under God's watchful eye.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Genesis 10:26 might initially appear as a mere historical record of names, it offers profound insights for contemporary reflection and application. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's meticulous attention to detail and His overarching sovereignty in human history. Every individual, every family, and every nation holds significance in His grand design, demonstrating that our origins and diversity are part of a divine plan, not a cosmic accident. This understanding should cultivate a deep sense of trust in God's providence, knowing that He is actively involved in the unfolding of history and the lives of all peoples. Furthermore, recognizing the common ancestry of all humanity, as meticulously detailed in the Table of Nations, compels us to embrace unity, understanding, and mutual respect across cultural and ethnic divides. It challenges us to see beyond superficial differences and recognize the shared image of God in every person, fostering a spirit of reconciliation and global community. The historical accuracy embedded in these ancient records also reinforces the reliability of Scripture, encouraging us to place our faith in its account of God's unfolding work from creation and dispersion to ultimate redemption.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why are these genealogies so detailed in Genesis?
Answer: The detailed genealogies in Genesis, including Genesis 10:26, serve several crucial purposes within the biblical narrative. Firstly, they establish the historical reality of the events and people described, demonstrating that the Bible's account is rooted in actual history, not myth. Secondly, they meticulously trace the lineage of humanity from a common ancestor (Noah), powerfully highlighting the unity of all people despite their subsequent dispersion and diversification. Thirdly, and perhaps most crucially from a theological perspective, these genealogies meticulously preserve the specific line through which God's covenant promises would be passed down, ultimately leading to the lineage of Abraham and, eventually, the Messiah. They are a testament to God's faithfulness in preparing the way for His redemptive plan.
What is the significance of Joktan's descendants specifically?
Answer: Joktan's descendants hold particular significance primarily because they are traditionally associated with the early settlement of the Arabian Peninsula. Names like Hazarmaveth, mentioned in Genesis 10:26, have strong and widely accepted geographical links to regions such as Hadhramaut in modern-day Yemen. This provides tangible, extra-biblical evidence that aligns with the biblical account of early human migration patterns and the formation of distinct peoples. As part of the Shemitic line, Joktan's lineage contributes to the broader narrative of God's chosen people and the preservation of the messianic line, even as it illustrates the vast and rapid spread of humanity across the globe in fulfillment of God's command to "fill the earth" (Genesis 9:1).
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 10:26, while detailing the descendants of Joktan, holds profound Christ-centered significance as an integral part of the broader "Table of Nations." Joktan belongs to the lineage of Shem, the son through whom God's redemptive covenant would ultimately be established. It is from Shem's line that Abraham, the patriarch of Israel and the recipient of God's foundational covenant promises, would eventually arise (Genesis 12:1-3). This meticulous preservation of a specific lineage through countless generations, even in seemingly minor details like the enumeration of Joktan's sons, underscores God's providential care and sovereign orchestration in preparing the historical and theological pathway for the ultimate fulfillment of His promises in Jesus Christ. The New Testament genealogies, such as those found in Matthew 1:1-17 and Luke 3:23-38, explicitly trace Jesus' ancestry back through Shem, demonstrating how these ancient records meticulously preserved the historical and theological path leading directly to the birth of the Savior of the world, through whom all the families of the earth would ultimately be blessed (Galatians 3:8).