How does Genesis 11:18 demonstrate God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises? Reading the Passage “When Peleg was 30 years old, he became the father of Reu.” (Genesis 11:18) Connecting to God’s Promises • Genesis 3:15—God pledged a “seed” who would crush the serpent. • Genesis 9:26—Noah blessed Shem: “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Shem.” • Genesis 12:2-3—God will soon promise Abram (a descendant of Peleg) a nation and worldwide blessing. Genesis 11:18 stands between these declarations, quietly proving that the promised line did not die out. Why the Genealogy Matters 1. Literal history, not legend – Real names, real ages, real births anchor the promise in time and space. 2. An unbroken chain – Peleg → Reu → Serug → Nahor → Terah → Abram (vv. 18-26). – Every link testifies that God keeps count and keeps covenant. 3. Faithfulness despite human rebellion – The Tower of Babel episode (11:1-9) shows humanity resisting God. – Immediately afterward, verse 18 records another birth in the covenant line—God’s plan moves forward undeterred. Faithfulness Through Generations • Psalm 33:11—“The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the purposes of His heart to all generations.” • Numbers 23:19—“God is not a man, that He should lie.” • Isaiah 46:10-11—He declares the end from the beginning and brings it to pass. • Luke 3:34-35—Peleg and Reu reappear in Jesus’ genealogy, proving the promise reached its climax in Christ. Key Takeaways – Genesis 11:18 is a small verse with a big message: God’s promises travel on the rails of history, one birth at a time. – Every generation listed confirms that the Creator is also the Preserver of His redemptive plan. – Because God kept His word from Peleg to Christ, we can trust Him to keep every word He has spoken to us (Hebrews 10:23). Living It Out Today • Rest in God’s timing—He works faithfully across centuries and in the details of daily life. • Trace His faithfulness—look back at your own “genealogy” of answered prayer and provision. • Pass the promise forward—teach the next generation about God’s unbroken record of keeping His word. |