21 JUNE GENESIS 10

The Table of Nations – God's Plan for Peoples and Boundaries

Genesis 10 is often referred to as “The Table of Nations.” It records the descendants of Noah’s sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth, who repopulated the earth after the flood. Though presented as a genealogy, this chapter reveals God’s sovereign design over the birth of nations, languages, territories, and prophetic destinies.

Genesis 10:1–2 (NIV)" This is the account of Shem, Ham and Japheth, Noah’s sons, who themselves had sons after the flood. The sons of Japheth: Gomer, Magog, Madai, Javan, Tubal, Meshek and Tiras." Japheth’s line is often associated with the Gentile nations of Europe and parts of Asia. Among his descendants are peoples later referenced in prophetic texts.

Ezekiel 38:2–3 (NIV)" Son of man, set your face against Gog, of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshek and Tubal; prophesy against him and say: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am against you, Gog, chief prince of Meshek and Tubal.’" The biblical narrative anticipates not only the emergence of nations, but also their eschatological roles. Even in genealogy, prophecy whispers. Next, the text records the descendants of Ham:

Genesis 10:6–7 (NIV) "The sons of Ham: Cush, Egypt, Put and Canaan. The sons of Cush: Seba, Havilah, Sabtah, Raamah and Sabteka. The sons of Raamah: Sheba and Dedan." Ham's lineage includes Egypt and Canaan—two peoples who later figure prominently in Israel’s history of bondage and conquest. Yet within this same line are those like Cush (Ethiopia) and Sheba, who would one day bring tribute and wisdom to the Lord. Psalm 68:31 (NIV) "Envoys will come from Egypt; Cush will submit herself to God." Isaiah 60:6 (NIV) "Herds of camels will cover your land, young camels of Midian and Ephah. And all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and incense and proclaiming the praise of the Lord." Out of the nations descended from Ham, God will one day receive worship and honour. The most infamous descendant in this list is Nimrod:

Genesis 10:8–9 (NIV) "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.’" Nimrod established kingdoms like Babel and Nineveh, centres of pride, rebellion, and idolatry. His ambition foreshadowed the attempt to unify humanity against God’s will, which would unfold in Genesis 11. Then we come to Shem:

Genesis 10:21–22 (NIV) "Sons were also born to Shem, whose older brother was Japheth; Shem was the ancestor of all the sons of Eber. The sons of Shem: Elam, Ashur, Arphaxad, Lud and Aram." Shem’s line leads to Eber, from whom the Hebrew people descend. Shem’s legacy is spiritual, it is through his line that the promises of God would unfold, culminating in the person of Jesus Christ. Luke 3:36 (NIV) " the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech," The genealogical list concludes with a statement that frames all these nations within divine order:

Genesis 10:32 (NIV) "These are the clans of Noah’s sons, according to their lines of descent, within their nations. From these the nations spread out over the earth after the flood." Even amid lists of names, God’s providence is evident. He oversees boundaries, languages, and destinies. Paul later affirms this truth to the Athenians:

Acts 17:26–27 (NIV) "From one man He made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from any one of us."

Genesis 10 reminds us that every nation matters to God. The spread of peoples was not random, it was redemptive. Through every tribe and tongue, He is gathering worshippers for His name’s sake.