Genesis 10:28

Genesis 10:28 KJV is a concise verse found within the comprehensive "Table of Nations", a pivotal genealogical record in the Bible. This particular verse lists three more of the thirteen sons of Joktan, a descendant of Shem, Noah's son.

Context

This verse is part of a detailed account in Genesis chapter 10 that meticulously traces the lineage of Noah's sons—Japheth, Ham, and Shem—after the great Flood. This "Table of Nations" outlines the repopulation of the earth and the formation of various peoples and geographical regions. Verses 25-29 specifically enumerate the sons of Joktan, a key figure in the lineage of Shem, from whom Abraham and later the nation of Israel would descend. The names Obal, Abimael, and Sheba here continue the list of tribes and peoples believed to have settled primarily in the Arabian Peninsula.

Key Themes

• Genealogical Precision: The inclusion of specific names like Obal, Abimael, and Sheba underscores the biblical emphasis on detailed lineage and historical accuracy. It highlights God's orderly plan for the repopulation of the earth and the establishment of distinct nations.
• Humanity's Common Origin: Despite the diversity of nations that emerged, this chapter powerfully illustrates that all humanity stems from a single family through Noah, emphasizing our shared ancestry under God.
• Fulfillment of God's Command: The expansion of Noah's family into various tribes and nations reflects the divine command given in Genesis 9:1 to "be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth."

Linguistic Insights

The names listed in Genesis 10 are not just historical figures but often represent the eponymous founders of tribes or regions. While the exact locations for all of Joktan's descendants are debated by scholars, they are generally associated with areas in southern Arabia. The name Sheba is particularly notable here, as it appears elsewhere in Scripture. This Sheba is distinct from the Sheba descended from Ham (Genesis 10:7) through Cush, and also from the Queen of Sheba who visited King Solomon (1 Kings 10:1). This illustrates how similar names could arise from different lineages or refer to different tribal groups or regions over time, reflecting the complexity of ancient demographics.

Practical Application

Even a seemingly simple list of names like those in Genesis 10:28 carries profound implications:

• Understanding Our Roots: It reminds us of the importance of origins and the historical foundations of faith. Every person, every nation, has a beginning within God's sovereign plan.
• God's Meticulous Care: The detailed nature of these genealogies speaks to God's precision and involvement in the unfolding of human history, from the earliest generations to the present day.
• Unity in Diversity: While nations diversify and spread, the Table of Nations underscores the fundamental unity of all humanity, originating from one source. This encourages a perspective of shared heritage and interconnectedness.