What is the meaning of Genesis 11:19? And after he had become the father of Reu “And after he had become the father of Reu…” (Genesis 11:19) • This phrase firmly places Peleg in the line that will lead to Abraham (Genesis 11:26) and, ultimately, to Christ (Luke 3:35–36). • The wording echoes the rhythm of earlier genealogy entries (Genesis 11:12–18), reminding us that Scripture traces an unbroken, literal lineage from Adam through Noah to the patriarchs of Israel (1 Chronicles 1:17–19). • By naming Reu specifically, Scripture highlights God’s choice of a particular family through whom He will unfold His redemptive plan, much as Seth was highlighted after Abel (Genesis 4:25–26). Peleg lived 209 years “…Peleg lived 209 years…” (Genesis 11:19) • The number is given as a factual lifespan—no symbolism, just literal history, aligning with earlier post-Flood ages such as Arphaxad’s 438 years (Genesis 11:13) and Serug’s 230 years (Genesis 11:23). • Notice the decline in longevity after the Flood compared with the antediluvian fathers like Methuselah (Genesis 5:27). This steady shortening of lifespans fulfills God’s earlier word in Genesis 6:3 that human years would dwindle. • Even at 209 years, Peleg enjoyed a life long enough to pass along a rich testimony of God’s faithfulness, much as later patriarchs did (Genesis 25:7-8). And had other sons and daughters “…and had other sons and daughters.” (Genesis 11:19) • This brief clause assures us that Peleg’s household was fruitful, echoing God’s command to “be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 9:1; Genesis 1:28). • The text does not name these children, underscoring that the inspired record focuses on the chosen line while still affirming the full, literal family tree (Genesis 5:4; 1 Chronicles 1:18). • Each unnamed son or daughter helped populate the earth, setting the stage for the dispersion described earlier in Peleg’s own lifetime—“in his days the earth was divided” (Genesis 10:25). summary Genesis 11:19 serves three purposes: (1) it anchors Reu—and therefore Abraham—in a reliable, historical lineage; (2) it records Peleg’s literal 209-year lifespan as part of the gradual post-Flood decline in human longevity; and (3) it testifies that God’s mandate to multiply continued through “other sons and daughters.” Together, these details reinforce the trustworthiness of Scripture’s genealogies and spotlight God’s faithful preservation of the messianic line. |
    |