From One Many (Genesis 10)

E pluribus unum. “Out of many, one.” This Latin phrase is printed on the seal of the United States, and was once etched into the consciousness of Americans. E pluribus unum.

But today’s passage might be identified with a little different Latin phrase: Ex uno plures: “from one, many.”

Let’s take a look.

1. Genealogies and ancestries in the ancient world were markers of identity and social status.

In Ancient Near Eastern cultures, genealogies and ancestry were important markers of identity and social status. The detailed listing of the descendants of Noah in Genesis 10 would have been meaningful to the original audience, as it

established their connection with the patriarchs.

It confirmed in their hearts and minds the prominence of their God, Jehovah. He is not a regional god, not a national God, but the God of all nations, and that, although He set the boundaries of the nations, there are no boundaries to His sovereign power and authority.

Furthermore, it highlighted their place in the world. It was a reminder that of all the nations on the earth, they were the ones whom God chose, through whom He would demonstrate His power and His love, through whom He would bless all the nations. God did not choose Israel at the exclusion of all other nations but rather for the inclusion of all nations in His redemptive plan.

2. This genealogy gives the geographical breadth of the expansion of humankind following the flood.

The structure of the passage reflects the cultural practice of dividing the world according to regions and boundaries. The chapter is divided into sections based on the geographic locations of the descendants of Noahs sons, reflecting the importance of territory and land in Ancient Near Eastern societies.

Look at this map of the Middle East and Southern Europe. The chapter describes the movement of many peoples from the land of Canaan, today's Palestina, the center point from which the peoples spread in all directions. North to the Caucus Mountains; south down the Arabian peninsula; east to Iran; and far west to Spain.

How incredible: from one man many nations that spread rapidly all over the known world at that time. And this hints to us what is to come, regarding one man Abraham, and finally, one man Jesus.

3. This genealogy highlights the sovereignty of God over the nations, and their role in God’s redemptive plan.

Gods sovereignty over nations: Genesis 10 records the descendants of Noahs sons, specifically their dispersion and establishment of different nations and languages. This highlights Gods sovereignty in determining the boundaries and time of each nation, fulfilling His purposes for humanity.

There's an interesting use of sevens, including the number of nations listed -70. . In Luke 10:1-16, Jesus alluded to the number of 70 for the world's nations when sending out 70 disciples on a missionary journey. This emphasizes the church's mission to reach all the nations with the Good News of Jesus Christ. This is also reflected in Jesus' words in Matthew 24:14 “This good news of the kingdom will be proclaimed in all the world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” And in Revelation 7:9 “After this I looked, and there was a vast multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language, which no one could number, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes with palm branches in their hands.”

4. This genealogy displays theological themes and spiritual depth emphasized throughout Scripture.

Unity and diversity: Overall, the genealogy of Noah’s sons highlights the unity and diversity of humankind. Although the descendants of Noahs sons spread out and formed different nations, they all came from one family. This emphasizes the diversity within human unity and highlights Gods plan for all nations to ultimately find unity in Him.

Nimrod (8-11) Nimrod displays the depravity of humankind. In these verses, he is described as a king and mighty hunter. Nimrod is an example of powerful and influential figures in the ancient world. The verses describe Nimrod as possessing powerful leadership qualities, huge ambition, and creative innovation.

So significant were these abilities that Nimrod is credited for building some of the most significant cities in the ancient world.

As a reminder, these stories – and even this "table or map of the nations" – are set in the context of God's presence and providence in the ancient world, powerfully working both in and behind the scenes to accomplish his plan for the nations.

Nimrod’s abilities and skills were a gift from God. Note v. 9: “in the sight of the Lord.” God gifted Nimrod – and others in the ancient world – and used them to develop and progress humanity.

However, as Nimrod also demonstrates, people are often poor stewards of God's gifts. In Chapter 11, this story will take us to the valley of Shinar and the City of Babel. Who founded that city? Nimrod. So, as we see a people, founded and united by Nimrod, attempt to bring glory to themselves instead of, and in total dismissal, of God, Nimrod's influence on the ancient world is fully displayed.

Nimrod represents the sinful ambitions of human nature. Identifying and highlighting Nimrod points us to powerful, ambitious leadership that quite often leads humanity into spiritual rebellion against God. The world admires process and power. What does the Lord admire? Look back to Noah: he did everything God commanded.

Micah 6:8 “Mankind, he has told each of you what is good and what it is the Lord requires of you: to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God.”

Shem’s line displays the redemptive grace of God(21-32). In the list of Shem's sons, the writer begins to discuss the family of peoples who will be the main characters and God's great concern for the rest of the Old Testament.

Eber (v. 25), one of Shem's sons, is the root of the name Hebrew. Furthermore, the word Eber comes from a verb which means "to pass over.” Does that mean anything to us? Yes. It gives us a hint of what is to come in the history of God's people: their great rescue from Egypt on the night when God's death angels "passed over " the Hebrews who obeyed God's instructions about a special feast still celebrated today: The Passover.

And it points further to a Passover Feast in A. D. 29, when Jesus, God's perfect Lamb, gave his life for the ransom of the many. 1 Corinthians 15:20–22 “But as it is, Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead also comes through a man. For just as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive.”

What’s the take-away for us?

The problem of peace and unity in the world is a spiritual problem that can only be resolved by a spiritual solution: God’s redemption. Ephesians 2:14–16 “For he is our peace, who made both groups one and tore down the dividing wall of hostility. In his flesh, he made of no effect the law consisting of commands and expressed in regulations, so that he might create in himself one new man from the two, resulting in peace. He did this so that he might reconcile both to God in one body through the cross by which he put the hostility to death.”

God’s mercy and grace is greater than our sin. The passage lists the names of the descendants of each son of Noah and their settlements, demonstrating Gods providence in preserving and multiplying humanity despite the judgment of the flood. Verse 32 points to God's mercy and grace: "The nations on earth speed ... after the flood. Though the heart of humanity is bent on prideful and wicked rebellion in the sight of the Lord, he still blesses; he's still patient; he keeps his promises; he gifts humankind with the abilities to develop and make progress, to be fruitful and multiply over all the earth. God’s grace and mercy were completed in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 2:1–5 “And you were dead in your trespasses and sins in which you previously walked according to the ways of this world, according to the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit now working in the disobedient. We too all previously lived among them in our fleshly desires, carrying out the inclinations of our flesh and thoughts, and we were by nature children under wrath as the others were also. But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us, made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace!”

Jesus desires to be the sovereign ruler in your heart. Matthew 16:24 “Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.”

Deny. Take up a cross. Follow. Selflessness. Sacrifice. Surrender.

Those words communicate the central truth that Jesus cannot be simply a part of your life; he must the point of your your life, the direction of your life, the ambition of your life, the goal of your life, the greatest and only eternal possession of your life.

Jesus wants to be the ruler of your heart.

Old man and woman

Young parents

Teenagers