of foreign derivation; Obal, a son of Joktan; Obal.
Transliteration:ʻÔwbâl
Pronunciation:o-bawl'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H5745}}`, transliterated as ʻÔwbâl (עוֹבָל), is a proper noun. Its base definition identifies it as "of foreign derivation" and specifically names "Obal, a son of Joktan." As a personal name, its semantic range is inherently restricted to its referent: a specific individual within the biblical genealogies. The note regarding its "foreign derivation" suggests that the name's etymology is not rooted in common Hebrew linguistic patterns, though its precise foreign origin or meaning is not provided within the biblical text itself. Thus, its meaning is primarily its identity as a particular person.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Obal appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, both times within the genealogical records:
* [[Genesis 10:28]]: Obal is listed as one of the thirteen sons of Joktan, who was a descendant of Shem. This verse is part of the "Table of Nations" in Genesis 10, which systematically charts the descendants of Noah's three sons—Shem, Ham, and Japheth—after the Great Flood. The purpose of this comprehensive genealogy is to demonstrate the spread of humanity across the earth and to establish the foundational kinship of all nations. Joktan's sons, including Obal, are described as inhabiting a region stretching "from Mesha as you go toward Sephar, the mountain of the east."
* [[1 Chronicles 1:22]]: This verse reiterates the genealogy found in Genesis 10, listing Obal among the sons of Joktan. The book of Chronicles often recapitulates and expands upon earlier biblical narratives, particularly focusing on genealogies to establish lineage, heritage, and the continuity of God's covenant people. The inclusion of Obal in this later genealogical account underscores the importance of these records for the Israelite understanding of their place within the broader human family and divine history.
In both contexts, Obal's mention is purely genealogical, serving to fill out the roster of Joktan's descendants. He is not associated with any specific actions, narratives, or prophetic utterances, but rather functions as a crucial link in the chain of human lineage.
### Related Words & Concepts
As a proper noun, `{{H5745}}` does not have directly related verbal or adjectival forms. However, it is intrinsically linked to several key biblical concepts and names:
* **Genealogy:** Obal's existence in the biblical text is solely within the context of genealogical lists. This highlights the biblical emphasis on lineage, heritage, and the historical unfolding of God's plan through specific families and nations.
* **Table of Nations:** The broader literary unit in [[Genesis 10]] to which Obal belongs. This table is foundational for understanding the biblical view of ethnography and the divine ordering of human societies.
* **Joktan:** Obal's father, `{{H3355}}`, whose other sons (e.g., Sheba, Ophir, Havilah) are also listed alongside Obal, forming a collective unit of nations or tribes descended from him. These names are often associated with regions in the Arabian Peninsula.
* **Shem:** The patriarch `{{H8035}}` from whom Joktan and thus Obal descended. This places Obal within the Semitic lineage, which is significant as it is through Shem that the line leading to Abraham and ultimately to the Messiah is traced.
* **Geographical Naming:** While Obal himself is a person, the names of Joktan's sons often correspond to geographical regions, suggesting that these individuals were eponymous ancestors of tribes or nations that settled in specific territories.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Obal, like other minor figures in biblical genealogies, lies not in any personal action but in his contribution to the overarching biblical narrative of creation, human spread, and God's sovereign plan.
1. **Divine Order and Historicity:** Obal's inclusion underscores the meticulous detail and historical grounding of the biblical record. It testifies to God's orderly creation and the systematic spread of humanity across the earth, demonstrating a divine hand in the establishment of nations.
2. **Unity of Humanity:** As a descendant of Noah, Obal represents a branch of the single human family, emphasizing the common origin of all peoples from a single ancestral line. This theological truth counters any notion of separate origins for different races or ethnicities.
3. **Preparation for Redemption:** While Obal is not in the direct messianic line, his presence in the Table of Nations is part of the broader narrative that sets the stage for God's redemptive plan. The comprehensive listing of nations highlights the global scope of God's concern and the eventual reach of His salvation to "all the families of the earth" ([[Genesis 12:3]]). The genealogies demonstrate God's faithfulness in preserving a lineage through which His covenant promises would ultimately be fulfilled.
4. **Sovereignty of God:** The detailed record of human lineage, even of seemingly obscure figures, speaks to the sovereignty of God over human history, governing the rise and spread of peoples according to His divine purpose.
### Summary
`{{H5745}}`, ʻÔwbâl, is a proper noun referring to a son of Joktan, a descendant of Shem. Mentioned in the genealogical records of [[Genesis 10:28]] and [[1 Chronicles 1:22]], Obal's significance is primarily as a link in the vast "Table of Nations." His inclusion highlights the biblical emphasis on historical lineage, the common origin and spread of humanity from Noah, and the meticulous detail of God's providential ordering of nations. Though not a figure of prominent narrative action, Obal's presence contributes to the theological framework of the Bible, affirming the unity of humanity, the historicity of God's Word, and the global scope of His redemptive plan unfolding through specific families and peoples.
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