Genesis 10

Good morning, all!

Today's chapter is called the "Table of Nations," and tells of the beginnings of cultural anthropology. The Flood is over and now the three sons of Noah begin to move out to "fill the earth." Now, if you are interested in finding some male baby names, there is quite a selection here. Forget "Caeden," when you can name your son "Gomer" or "Ashkenaz!" Lots of people prefer just to skip right over these genealogies, but there are some important nuggets in here.

First are the sons of Japheth. These settled in the areas of Europe and Russia and Persia (current Iran). Magog, present-day Russia, figures in future Bible prophecy, invading Israel from the north. Meschech is the ancient name for Moscow. Ashkenaz is the group that settles in present-day Germany and Eastern Europe. After the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD, when the Jews were scatterered, those who settled in Eastern Europe became the Ashkenazi Jews. Those who settled in the Mediterranean area are the Sephardic Jews. Another descendant mentioned under Japheth is Tarshish, generally considered the area of Spain. You may remember that this was the intended destination of Jonah when he was trying to run away from God. This was the opposite direction from Ninevah, which is where the whale dumped him!

The sons of Ham are mentioned next. These people settled in Africa and the Middle East (Canaan). The Canaanites were so perverted, as Jon Courson points out, God finally annihilated them, but not before He gave them four centuries to repent. God's grace is ALWAYS offered before judgment!

Notable among Ham's descendants is Nimrod. According to Courson, the name literally means "rebel." Certainly, Nimrod is the prototype of the antichrist to come:

Cush was the father of Nimrod, who became a mighty warrior on the earth. He was a mighty hunter before the LORD; that is why it is said, “Like Nimrod, a mighty hunter before the LORD.” The first centers of his kingdom were Babylon, Uruk, Akkad and Kalneh, in Shinar. From that land he went to Assyria, where he built Nineveh, Rehoboth Ir, Calah and Resen, which is between Nineveh and Calah—which is the great city. (vs 8-12)

Note that he was not only a great warrior, but a builder of cities. On Monday we will read about the Tower of Babel that was built in the area of Shinar, mentioned above. This is the area of Babylon and Assyria, two empires that carried the Jews into captivity. Another people to note is the "Philistines" in verse 14. Remeber Goliath? He was one!

Finally, the third group mentioned is the people from Shem, the Semites. These are the Jews and Arabs (note "Eber" in verse 24, which is the root in "Hebrew"). This is the line from which comes Abraham, and eventually the Messiah, Jesus. WOW! A lot of names, with so much history!!! Now, wasn't that fun?? Have a great weekend pondering how our great God has moved throughout history to fulfill His plans - including the ones He has for you!