How does Peleg's lineage connect to God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 12? The Key Verse: 1 Chronicles 1:19 “Two sons were born to Eber: the name of the one was Peleg, because in his days the earth was divided, and his brother’s name was Joktan.” From Peleg to Abraham—Step-by-Step The Chronicler immediately continues the line of Peleg (vv. 24-27), showing an unbroken chain to Abram (later Abraham): • Shem • Arphaxad • Shelah • Eber • Peleg • Reu • Serug • Nahor • Terah • Abram (Abraham) Compare Genesis 11:16-26 and Luke 3:34-35. These parallel lists confirm Peleg as Abraham’s direct ancestor. The Meaning of Peleg’s Name • “Peleg” (Hebrew, “division”) points to the scattering of nations after Babel (Genesis 10:25; 11:1-9). • God responded to human pride by dispersing people groups, yet He never abandoned His plan to bless them all. From Division to Blessing Genesis 12:1-3 records the turning point: “Go from your country… I will make you into a great nation… in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.” Notice the contrast: • In Peleg’s lifetime, nations were divided. • Through Peleg’s descendant Abraham, those same nations would be blessed. Why the Lineage Matters • Continuity of Promise—The genealogies prove God preserved a particular family line, safeguarding the covenant seed. • Historical Reliability—Multiple books record the same names in the same order, underscoring the trustworthiness of Scripture. • Missionary Heart of God—The path from Peleg to Abraham shows God moving history from scattering to gathering, preparing for the ultimate fulfillment in Christ (Galatians 3:8, 16). Key Takeaways for Today • God’s promises are rooted in real people and real history; Peleg’s name is stamped on the timeline. • Even when the world is fragmented, the Lord is weaving a redemptive thread. • The blessing announced to Abraham begins with the genealogical faithfulness displayed in Peleg’s line and culminates in salvation offered to “all the families of the earth.” |
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