Genesis 10 28

Genesis 10:28 kjv

And Obal, and Abimael, and Sheba,

Genesis 10:28 nkjv

Obal, Abimael, Sheba,

Genesis 10:28 niv

Obal, Abimael, Sheba,

Genesis 10:28 esv

Obal, Abimael, Sheba,

Genesis 10:28 nlt

Obal, Abimael, Sheba,

Genesis 10 verses

Genesis 10 28 Meaning

Genesis 10:28 records three additional sons of Joktan: Obal, Abimael, and Sheba. This verse is part of the comprehensive "Table of Nations," which systematically enumerates the seventy ancestral lines originating from Noah's three sons—Japheth, Ham, and Shem—demonstrating God's orchestrating hand in the dispersal and settlement of humanity across the post-flood earth. Specifically, this verse extends the genealogy of Shem through Joktan, whose descendants are primarily associated with the peoples of the Arabian peninsula, marking significant early tribal and regional formations.

Genesis 10 28 Context

Genesis chapter 10, often referred to as the "Table of Nations," provides a systematic overview of how the descendants of Noah's three sons—Japheth, Ham, and Shem—repopulated the world following the Great Flood. It details their tribal groupings and geographical spread. Verse 28 specifically continues the lineage of Shem, focusing on Joktan's line. The immediate context of verses 26-30 enumerates Joktan's thirteen sons, distinct from his brother Peleg through whom Abraham's lineage is traced. This detailed genealogy explains the origins and spread of various peoples, particularly those who settled in Southern Arabia and the surrounding regions, demonstrating a biblical understanding of world geography and ethnic distribution. Historically and culturally, this list affirmed God's sovereign organization of peoples in contrast to chaotic pagan origin myths. The detailed listing underscores the systematic way in which early humanity expanded, setting the stage for subsequent interactions between nations recorded in the Old Testament.

Genesis 10 28 Word analysis

• Obal (עוּבָל - ‘Uvāl): This is a unique name, appearing only in the Table of Nations (Gen 10:28) and its parallel in 1 Chronicles 1:22. While its precise geographical identification remains less certain compared to other names, Obal is consistently positioned within the context of Joktan's descendants who primarily settled in the Arabian Peninsula. The name's potential etymology from a root suggesting "flowing" or "stream" might subtly connect it to a region known for ancient water sources or trade routes in the south. Its inclusion highlights the meticulous nature of the biblical genealogies in accounting for various significant early human settlements.

• and Abimael (וַאֲבִֽימָאֵל - wa’ăḇîmā’ēl): The name "Abimael" translates as "my father is God" or "father of God." This a theophoric name, which integrates a divine name (here, 'El,' for God), was common in ancient Semitic cultures. Such a name suggests a religious worldview, a declaration of faith, or a parental devotion to God even within the broader, unchosen family of humanity post-Flood. Abimael's sole appearance in these genealogies marks him as an important early ancestor in a lineage associated with the Arabian Peninsula, indicating the pervasive recognition of a higher power among diverse peoples.

• and Sheba (וּשְׁבָֽא - ûšəḇāʾ): This is arguably the most prominent name in the verse, significant both historically and prophetically. Meaning "oath" or "seven," this Sheba is linked to the ancient, prosperous kingdom of Saba (often referred to as Sheba) located in what is now modern Yemen, South Arabia. It is crucial to distinguish this Joktanic Sheba from the Cushite Sheba (Gen 10:7) and Abrahamic Sheba (Gen 25:3), underscoring the precise record-keeping in biblical genealogies. The Sabeans were renowned across the ancient world for their control over invaluable trade routes, especially in frankincense and myrrh. Their wealth and strategic importance culminated in the famous visit of the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon (1 Kgs 10), solidifying this name's real-world impact and its role in connecting biblical narrative with broader historical currents.

Genesis 10 28 Bonus section

The genealogical detail presented in Genesis 10:28 and the surrounding Table of Nations provides critical anchors for the biblical narrative, establishing its historicity and providing context for future ethnic and international relations within the Old Testament. The meticulous nature of these lists reflects an emphasis on continuity and divine planning for humanity's population of the earth after the Flood. Furthermore, the identification of Joktan's descendants, including those in this verse, with distinct regions of Southern Arabia underscores the profound geographical knowledge inherent in the early biblical writings. This early mapping of the world's peoples under a single, unified divine origin challenged and contradicted the fragmented, polytheistic origin myths prevalent among Israel's contemporary nations, promoting a monotheistic worldview even through simple genealogical data. The distinctions between different individuals named Sheba throughout Scripture (e.g., from Cush, Keturah, and Joktan) are crucial examples of the Bible's precision in handling similar names with different ancestral attributions, requiring careful hermeneutics to avoid conflation and appreciate the biblical author's accuracy.

Genesis 10 28 Commentary

Genesis 10:28, part of the extensive Table of Nations, serves as more than a mere roster; it is a profound theological and historical statement about God's ordering of human civilization. The precise naming and tracing of lineages, even those leading to groups like Obal and Abimael who have left scant extrabiblical records, underline the divine authorship and meticulous detail in recording humanity's beginnings. The inclusion of "Abimael," a name signifying "my father is God," subtly implies that even among dispersed peoples not directly in the covenant line, there was a foundational knowledge or acknowledgement of the Creator. Most notably, "Sheba" firmly places this biblical account within a known ancient geopolitical landscape, linking the text to the powerful and wealthy Sabean civilization. This historical grounding provides authenticity and also prefigures future interactions, like the Queen of Sheba's quest for wisdom, and more importantly, prophetic images of distant nations bringing tribute and worship to the Messiah, demonstrating God's ultimate plan for all peoples to acknowledge His reign. Thus, the verse reveals God's sovereignty over the spread of nations and His long-term redemptive purpose for humanity.