Genesis 10:16

And the Jebusite, and the Amorite, and the Girgasite,

And the Jebusite {H2983}, and the Amorite {H567}, and the Girgasite {H1622},

the Y’vusi, the Emori, the Girgashi,

the Jebusites, the Amorites, the Girgashites,

and the Jebusite, and the Amorite, and the Girgashite,

Commentary

Genesis 10:16 is part of the "Table of Nations" (Genesis 10:1-32), a unique biblical record detailing the descendants of Noah's three sons—Shem, Ham, and Japheth—after the Great Flood. This verse specifically names three of the eleven sons of Canaan, who was a son of Ham.

Context of Genesis 10:16

This verse, "And the Jebusite, and the Amorite, and the Girgasite," continues the enumeration of Canaan's lineage, following the Sidonian and Heth (Hittite) in the preceding verses (Genesis 10:15). These three groups represent significant inhabitants of the land that would later be known as Canaan, the very land promised by God to Abraham and his descendants (Genesis 12:7). The descendants of Ham, particularly the Canaanites, would play a crucial role in the future history of Israel.

Key Tribes and Their Significance

  • The Jebusite: This ancient tribe inhabited the city of Jebus, which would later become Jerusalem. They maintained control of this strong fortress until King David conquered it centuries later, establishing it as the capital of Israel (2 Samuel 5:6-9).
  • The Amorite: Often mentioned prominently in the Old Testament, the Amorites were a powerful and widespread group. Their territory extended throughout Canaan and even into Transjordan. The Bible frequently refers to them as a dominant force among the pre-Israelite inhabitants of the land, particularly in the context of Israel's conquest (Numbers 21:21-35).
  • The Girgasite: While less frequently mentioned than the Jebusites or Amorites, the Girgasites are consistently listed among the seven nations whose land God promised to give to Israel. Their inclusion here underscores the comprehensive nature of the biblical record of these ancient peoples.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Sovereignty over Nations: This genealogical record highlights God's overarching plan and control over the formation and dispersion of peoples, laying the groundwork for future interactions between Israel and these nations. It illustrates the origin of diverse ethnic groups.
  • Historical Foundation: The Table of Nations provides a crucial historical and geographical backdrop for the subsequent narratives of the Old Testament, particularly the conquest of the land of Canaan.
  • Foreshadowing of Conflict: The presence of these tribes in the land of Canaan implicitly foreshadows the future conflicts and divine judgments that would occur as Israel sought to inherit their promised territory, as described in books like Joshua and Judges.

Reflection and Application

Though seemingly a simple list of names, Genesis 10:16 reminds us that God's plan unfolds across generations and involves the rise and fall of nations. It underscores the meticulous detail of God's Word, which provides a historical framework for understanding the unfolding of His redemptive purposes. For believers today, it reinforces the truth that God is sovereign over all human history, guiding events toward His ultimate goals, including the establishment of His kingdom and the fulfillment of His promises.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 24:18 (2 votes)

    ¶ And Gad came that day to David, and said unto him, Go up, rear an altar unto the LORD in the threshingfloor of Araunah the Jebusite.

  • Judges 1:21 (2 votes)

    ¶ And the children of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites that inhabited Jerusalem; but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Benjamin in Jerusalem unto this day.

  • Zechariah 9:7 (2 votes)

    And I will take away his blood out of his mouth, and his abominations from between his teeth: but he that remaineth, even he, [shall be] for our God, and he shall be as a governor in Judah, and Ekron as a Jebusite.