Genesis 10:9

He was a mighty hunter before the LORD: wherefore it is said, Even as Nimrod the mighty hunter before the LORD.

He was a mighty {H1368} hunter {H6718} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}: wherefore {H3651} it is said {H559}, Even as Nimrod {H5248} the mighty {H1368} hunter {H6718} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}.

He was a mighty hunter before Adonai — this is why people say, “Like Nimrod, a mighty hunter before Adonai.”

He was a mighty hunter before the LORD; so it is said, “Like Nimrod, a mighty hunter before the LORD.”

He was a mighty hunter before Jehovah: wherefore it is said, Like Nimrod a mighty hunter before Jehovah.

Commentary

Genesis 10:9 introduces Nimrod, a prominent figure in the post-Flood world, describing him as "a mighty hunter before the LORD." This verse highlights his exceptional prowess and significance, even noting that his reputation became a common saying in antiquity. Nimrod stands out as a powerful individual in the early formation of human societies and kingdoms.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse appears within the "Table of Nations" in Genesis chapter 10, which details the descendants of Noah's sons (Shem, Ham, and Japheth) and the dispersal of peoples after the great flood. Nimrod, a descendant of Ham through Cush, is portrayed as a foundational figure in the Mesopotamian region. In ancient societies, hunting was not merely for sustenance but also a demonstration of strength, leadership, and the ability to protect communities from wild animals. A "mighty hunter" would have commanded significant respect and authority, often leading to political power and the establishment of settlements and cities. His influence was crucial in the early development of urban centers in lands like Shinar (Babylonia), as mentioned in the following verse.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Nimrod's Power and Influence: The description "mighty hunter" (gibbor tsayid in Hebrew) suggests someone of great strength and skill, not just in hunting animals but likely in dominating people and establishing control. This power extended to kingdom building, as seen in Genesis 10:10, where he founded significant cities like Babel.
  • The Ambiguity of "Before the LORD": The phrase lipney YHWH (Hebrew for "before the LORD") carries a dual meaning. It can mean "in the sight of the LORD," implying God observed his greatness. However, many commentators interpret it as "in defiance of the LORD" or "against the LORD." This interpretation gains weight when considering Nimrod's association with the Tower of Babel project, which is described as an act of human rebellion and self-exaltation against God's command to scatter and fill the earth.
  • A Proverbial Figure: The phrase "wherefore it is said, Even as Nimrod the mighty hunter before the LORD" indicates that Nimrod's reputation was so profound that it became a common saying or proverb, solidifying his legendary status as a powerful, perhaps even notorious, figure.

Linguistic Insights

The name "Nimrod" itself is thought by some to be derived from the Hebrew verb marad, meaning "to rebel" or "to revolt." While not explicitly stated in the text, this etymological connection aligns with the traditional interpretation of Nimrod as a figure who challenged divine authority. The term "mighty hunter" (Hebrew: gibbor tsayid) implies not just skill but a heroic or powerful individual, often associated with leadership and dominion.

Practical Application

Nimrod's story serves as a timeless reminder about the nature of power and ambition. While strength and capability are gifts, the crucial question is how one wields them. Is one's might used to serve God's purposes, or does it lead to self-exaltation and rebellion against divine will? The phrase "before the LORD" challenges us to consider that all our actions, whether great or small, are performed in God's sight. Our ultimate posture should be one of humility and obedience, not defiance, as we seek to build lives and communities that honor Him, rather than our own names, a theme powerfully explored in the narrative of the scattering from Babel.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 28:22 (3 votes)

    And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against the LORD: this [is that] king Ahaz.

  • Psalms 52:7 (3 votes)

    Lo, [this is] the man [that] made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, [and] strengthened himself in his wickedness.

  • Genesis 25:27 (2 votes)

    And the boys grew: and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob [was] a plain man, dwelling in tents.

  • Genesis 6:11 (2 votes)

    ¶ The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.

  • Genesis 27:30 (2 votes)

    ¶ And it came to pass, as soon as Isaac had made an end of blessing Jacob, and Jacob was yet scarce gone out from the presence of Isaac his father, that Esau his brother came in from his hunting.

  • Genesis 13:13 (2 votes)

    But the men of Sodom [were] wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly.

  • Genesis 6:4 (2 votes)

    ¶ There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare [children] to them, the same [became] mighty men which [were] of old, men of renown.