The sons of Gomer:
Gomer is identified as one of the sons of Japheth, who was a son of Noah. This positions Gomer as a progenitor of certain peoples after the flood. Gomer is often associated with the Cimmerians, an ancient people who lived in what is now southern Russia and Ukraine. The descendants of Gomer are believed to have migrated into Europe, contributing to the population of the Indo-European peoples. This lineage is significant in understanding the spread of nations and languages post-flood, as described in the Table of Nations in Genesis 10.

Ashkenaz:
Ashkenaz is traditionally linked to the Scythians, a group of ancient tribes known for their skills in horseback riding and warfare, who inhabited the steppes of Central Asia and Eastern Europe. The name Ashkenaz later became associated with the Jewish communities in Germany and Northern Europe, known as Ashkenazi Jews. This connection highlights the historical movement and influence of these peoples across regions. In Jeremiah 51:27, Ashkenaz is mentioned in a prophecy against Babylon, indicating its recognized identity among ancient nations.

Riphath:
Riphath is less clearly identified in historical records, but some scholars associate Riphath with the ancient peoples of the Carpathian region or the Paphlagonians in Asia Minor. The mention of Riphath in the genealogical record underscores the diversity and spread of Japheth's descendants. The lack of extensive historical data on Riphath suggests the possibility of smaller or less dominant tribes that contributed to the cultural and genetic mosaic of the ancient world.

Togarmah:
Togarmah is often associated with the Armenians or the peoples of Anatolia, particularly in the region of modern-day Turkey. Ezekiel 38:6 mentions Togarmah in the context of a coalition of nations, indicating its significance in the prophetic landscape. Togarmah's descendants are thought to have played a role in the development of early civilizations in the Near East. The mention of Togarmah in biblical prophecy suggests a continued relevance of these peoples in the unfolding of God's plan throughout history.

1. Gomer
Gomer is the first son of Japheth, one of Noah's sons. Gomer's descendants are traditionally associated with the peoples who settled in the regions around the Black Sea, including parts of modern-day Turkey and Eastern Europe.

2. Ashkenaz
Ashkenaz is the first son of Gomer. Historically, the name Ashkenaz has been associated with the Scythians and later with the Jewish communities in Germany and Northern Europe, known as Ashkenazi Jews.

3. Riphath
Riphath is the second son of Gomer. There is less historical information about Riphath, but some traditions link his descendants to the ancient peoples of the Carpathian region.

4. Togarmah
Togarmah is the third son of Gomer. Togarmah is often associated with the Armenians and other groups in the Caucasus region. In biblical prophecy, Togarmah is mentioned in connection with the nations that will come against Israel.Understanding Our Roots
The genealogies in Genesis remind us of the importance of understanding our spiritual and historical roots. They provide context for the unfolding of God's plan throughout history.

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
The descendants of Gomer, like all nations, are under God's sovereign control. This reminds us that God is actively involved in the affairs of nations and uses them to accomplish His purposes.

Prophetic Significance
The mention of these names in later prophetic texts shows that God's word is interconnected and that His plans span across generations. We should study prophecy with an understanding of its historical and future implications.

Cultural and Spiritual Heritage
Just as the descendants of Gomer had a significant impact on the regions they settled, we too have a cultural and spiritual heritage that can influence the world around us. We should seek to understand and steward this heritage wisely.(3) Gomer has three main divisions:--

1. Ashkenaz, a region in the neighbourhood of Armenia (Jeremiah 51:27), whence, following the course of Japhethite migration, the race seems to have wandered into Germany. The derivations are all most uncertain; but the Jews call the Germans Ashkenazites, and are probably right.

2. Riphath, in 1Chronicles 1:6, is called Diphath (see Dodanim, below). Riphath is probably right, and the, inhabitants of the Riphaean Mountains (the Carpathians?) are the people meant. They were Celts.

3. Togarmah. Certainly Armenia.

Verse 3. - And the sons of Gomer; Ash-kenaz. Axenus, the ancient name of the Euxine, is supposed to favor Phrygia and Bithynia as the locality possessed by Aske-naz (Bochart); Iskus; equivalent to Ask, Ascanios, the oldest son of the Germanic Mannus, to point out Germany as his abode (Jewish commentators); but Jeremiah 51:27 seems to indicate the region between the Euxine and the Caspian. Kalisch, following Josephus, identifies the name with the ancient town Rhagae, one day's journey to the south of the Caspian. Murphy and Peele, on the authority of Diodorus Siculus, believe the Germans may have been a colony of the Ashkenians. And Riphath. Diphath (1 Chronicles 1:6) - the Paphlagonians (Josephus); more generally the tribes about the Riphaean mountains, on the north of the Caspian (Knobel, Kalisch, Clericus, Rosenmüller, Murphy, ' Speaker's Commentary'); but both are uncertain (Keil). And Togarmah. Mentioned again in Ezekiel 27:14; Ezekiel 38:6; the Phrygians (Josephus), the Cappadocians (Bochart), the Armenians (Michaelis, Gesenius, Rosenmüller), the Taurians, inhabiting the Crimea (Kalisch). The tradition preserved by Moses Chorensis, that the ancestor of the Armenians was the son of Thorgom, the son of Comer, is commonly regarded as deciding the question.

Parallel Commentaries ...


The sons
וּבְנֵ֖י (ū·ḇə·nê)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Gomer:
גֹּ֑מֶר (gō·mer)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1586: Gomer -- a son of Japheth, also his descendants, also the wife of Hosea

Ashkenaz,
אַשְׁכֲּנַ֥ז (’aš·kă·naz)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 813: Ashkenaz -- a son of Gomer, also his descendants and their land

Riphath,
וְרִיפַ֖ת (wə·rî·p̄aṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7384: Riphath -- a son of Gomer, also his desc

and Togarmah.
וְתֹגַרְמָֽה׃ (wə·ṯō·ḡar·māh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8425: Beth-togarmah -- a son of Gomer, also his descendants and their land


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OT Law: Genesis 10:3 The sons of Gomer: Ashkenaz Riphath (Gen. Ge Gn)