Week 6: Genesis 11:10-26

Week 6: Genesis 11:10-26

At A Glance:

Author: Moses or P

Form: Ancient Genealogy

Themes: The genealogy of Shem to Abram.  The equation of Abram to the righteous Shem and Noah.  Anticipation of the continued blessings in Abram and the journey to his divinely appointed land.

Summary:  This is the last of the 5 genealogies in primordial history.  The genealogy is similar to the previous priestly genealogy in chapter 5 in that it mentions the patriarchs name, the age they begot their heir, and the remaining years of their life after the birth of their heir.  This genealogy omits the final age of death that is present in the genealogy in Chapter 5 but it is meant to be a continuation of this genealogy. 

Commentary

11:10-26 – The genealogy begins with the line of Shem, the most righteous of Noah’s sons and the one whose line will carry on the covenantal promises made by God in Gen 9:1-17 of progeny, land, divine fidelity and mercy. 

11:12 – In the Greek Septuagint (LXX) the name Cainan is listed between Arpachshad and Shelah, and Luke follows this line in his genealogy in Lk 3:36

11:14 – Eber is once again mentioned here.  It is probable that the designation Hebrew originated from this patriarch. 

11:26 – Like the priestly genealogy in chapter 5 this genealogy ends with three “executive” sons.  Since Shem was the heir to the promises of the covenant from Noah’s three sons (listed in 5:32 as “Shem, Ham, and Japheth”) the listing of “Abram, Nahor, and Haran” in 11:26 anticipates Abram as the one to carry on the covenant promises.  However in this genealogy ends with Terah in the ninth generation whereas Noah was the tenth generation.  The purpose is to relate Abram to Shem as descendant and the righteous Noah as the tenth descendant. 

Final Thoughts

            The aftermath of the flood led to God’s command to “abound on the earth” (9:7).  Noah and his descendants were meant to fill the earth according to how God laid it out in the Table of Nations (10:1-32), but rather than abounding on the earth they decided to create a city and a tower where they could all live “otherwise we shall be scattered all over the earth” (11:4).  They did not want to follow God’s command to fill the earth. Now with the ushering in of Abram, tenth in the genealogical line from Shem just the righteous Noah, the stage is set for someone who will obey God’s command.  Genesis 11:27-25:18 is the story of how Abram set out from his land, entered into a covenant with God, and through this covenantal relationship became a true friend of God.

            On a quick reading of the first 11 chapters of Genesis many people are thrown off by the figurative language, the theology mixed with history, and the curses incurred by humanity due to sin.  Many feel that a righteous God would not punish his children in such a way.  What I’ve experienced in these first 11 chapters of primordial history is the abounding mercy of God.  I see a God who refused to give up on his creation, waiting through rebellion even till the tenth generation.  It reminds me of how patient God is with me.  Although I try to be obedient, I find that more often than not I am not trying hard enough.  Rather than giving up on me, or turning me away, he is patient with me desiring my greater conversion and waiting for me to respond to him. 

            In my rebellion I deserve the flood, but instead I receive “grace in place of grace.” Rather than being washed in the waters of oblivion I am washed in the blood of the lamb.  Instead of justice, I receive mercy.  How great is our God! 

Please feel free to share your additional thoughts and insights on this passage…