This chapter is called the “Table of Nations” – it contains names of 70 patriarchs that are direct descendants of Shem, Ham and Japheth (Noah’s three sons). Though the list is not exhaustive, these 70 names were hand-picked by the compiler/editor of Genesis (probably Moses) since they were forefathers to the current nation of Isreal, and its Mesopotamian neighbors.
“The sons of Shem: Elam, Ashur, Arphaxad, Lud and Aram. Arphaxad was the father of Shelah, and Shelah the father of Eber. Two sons were born to Eber: One was named Peleg, because in his time the earth was divided; his brother was named Joktan. The region where they lived stretched from Mesha toward Sephar, in the eastern hill country. These are the sons of Shem by their clans and languages, in their territories and nations.” (v22,24,25,30-31)
The abbreviated lineage of Shem (the Semites) was quoted for a specific reason – in chapter 11 we will learn that Abram (later Abraham) is from this lineage, so these specific names (Shem->Arphaxad->Shelah->Eber->Peleg) are in the genealogy of Jesus.
I have recently learned just how important, and unimportant, lineage is to who we are as individuals. Modern psychologists will tell us “we are products of our upbringing” and the Bible says “You shall not bow down to [idols] or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.” (Ex 20:5-6) In the sense of inheritance, and in the sense of built-in community and belonging, our families are critical to shaping who we are as people.
That being said, through repentance, we can be freed from any less-than-optimal (or downright horrible) generational issues from our past. Even though Israel turned to idols (more than once), when they eventually repented they were delivered almost instantly (not after 3-4 generations like Ex 20:5 says). Examples include Jud 3:9; Jud 3:15; 1 Sam 12:10-11. In addition to the OT examples, the New Covenant says “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Cor 5:17) and “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” (Rom 8:1-2)
There is fantastic news for those who have experienced circumstances beyond their control, and find themselves trapped by their past (even if that past had nothing to do with their family, such as an addiction or poor life choices). Yes, our families have a powerful influence over us and we cannot choose our blood relatives, but Jesus offers us a way to choose our blood brothers and sisters – those purchased with the blood of Christ.
My prayer for today is that any bondage in my life be revealed by God, and God work in my heart to free me from it, no matter what the source of the bondage is. I will also celebrate that God’s love and grace are exponentially more powerful than His wrath (Ex 20:5-6, Psa 30:5) and we can rest in that promise.
Side Note: I realize I said I’d talk about my theory of the pre-flood lifespans at chapter 10, but I decided to wait until chapter 11, it is more fitting.
~ Conqueror in Training