18. The Table of Nations (Gen 10:1-32)

Now, as God had blessed, Noah's three sons became ancestors of all nations. And this genealogy focuses on the nations related to the Israelites, the first readers of Genesis.

Read Gen 10:1-32 (NET) or Gen 10:1-32 (ESV)


Questions for Observation

Who are they? Fill in the blanks

(            ): a Valiant warrior, king of Babel in the land of Shinar

(            ): the father of Sidon, Heth, the Jebusites, and Amorites.

(            ): the father of Assur, Arphaxad, and Aram

(            ): in his days, the earth was divided

After the flood, the descendants of Noah were spread over the earth according to their (                ) and by their (               ).

 

Meditation for Application

 All nations are a family descended from Noah and blessed by God. The whole world is God's care. We should have this view. 70 means all nations. 70 nations from Noah, 70 of Jacob's family went down to Egypt (Gen 46:17), and 70 disciples were sent by Jesus (Luke 10)

The author mentions several names that would catch the readers' attention. The first readers of Genesis were the Israelites who came from Egypt and went to Canaan. Mizraim is the Hebrew name of Egypt. Verse 15 lists the Canaanite tribes that the Israelites should drive out. Shem was the ancestor of Abraham. The Bible explains where we stand and who we are from God's viewpoint. We belong to God's family in Jesus and are to reach out to all nations. 

The Bible repeats, "separated into their lands, every one according to it language, according to their families, by their nations" (verses 5, 20, 31) In God's blessing and command, they were spread to occupy the land. Families and nations were given languages (culture of each race) and land by God. In the same way, the Israelites will be given their land. We should respect God's providence over each nation and family.

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