Genesis 10-11
In a book titled “Genesis” we should not be surprised to find phrases like, “These are the generations of…” In fact, we’ve seen that phrase (or something very close to it) six times thus far (including today):
- Genesis 2:4 – The generations of the heavens and the earth
- Genesis 5:1 – The generations of Adam
- Genesis 6:9 – The generations of Noah
- Genesis 10:1 – The generations of the sons of Noah
- Genesis 11:10 – The generations of Shem
- Genesis 11:27 – The generations of Terah
These genealogies tell us where we came from and populate the landscape. They record the origins of whole people groups and nations, framing the context of the entire Biblical narrative that comes after. Although the human family tree obviously branches out in these genealogies (though somewhat severely pruned at the Flood!), note that each “node” listed above serves to narrow the scope down to the branches of particular interest. As we move through the Scriptures we will see further genealogies, focusing us closer in on the people of Israel, then the lineage of David.
It can be tempting to breeze past the names in our rush to get through our readings, but I would encourage us all not to do that, at least not every time. Some of these characters (or the nations that arise from them) figure significantly into Israel’s history, and these genealogies help us gain an understanding of who is who, where they live, and how they relate to one another. These genealogies also root us to reality. These are real people living real lives in real places.
But that is not all. In the end these genealogies point us to the One Who came to save us, our Lord Jesus Christ.