1 Chronicles 1:19 And to Eber were born two sons: the name of the one was Peleg; because in his days the earth was divided… In the midst of this genealogical table we have a statement that "the earth was divided." We are reminded of the same fact of the dispersion of mankind by the reference to different families and separate countries. But all are shown to spring from one source, to have a common origin in the first father whose name heads the list, and is the first word of the Book of Chronicles. We are thus admonished of that twofold fact which is daily confronting us. I. THE DIVERSITY WHICH MANKIND PRESENTS. These are distinguished from one another by many features, and are separated from one another by many barriers. Distinguishing or dividing us, man from man, are (1) physical obstacles (seas, mountains, varieties of climate); (2) colour; (3) creed; (4) language; (5) social habits, mental tastes, and moral dispositions. II. THE ESSENTIAL ONENESS OF THE HUMAN WORLD. Notwithstanding all interposing obstacles and all separating divergences, man is everywhere the same. The blood of one human father is in his veins. One human nature, bodily and spiritual, he inherits; above it he cannot rise, and beneath it he cannot fall. He is the son of Adam, and he "was the son of God" (Luke 3:38). Sin has scattered and slain him, but he may rise and be revivified. In him still are those germs of good which, under heavenly culture, may spring into the most perfect flowers that can adorn the garden of the Lord. In mankind, under all conceivable diversities, are (1) the same animal instincts, (2) the same family attachments, (3) the same capacity of mental culture, (4) the same spiritual nature, which is able to receive the truth and know the will and live the life of the eternal God himself. The unity and diversity of our kind suggest to us: 1. That there are variations and separations which are due to God's providence rather than to our sin. These are either to be cheerfully borne or bravely and intelligently overcome. They are given us either to try our faith and patience or to excite our enterprise and activity. 2. That there are separations and distinctions which are the penalty of sin; these should humble us. 3. That in the gospel of Christ we have resources which can raise the lowest and reunite the most spiritually distant. The hour will come when the" earth that was divided" so long ago will be united in one most blessed bond, worshipping one God, loving one Father, trusting one Saviour, living one life, travelling to one home. - C. Parallel Verses KJV: And unto Eber were born two sons: the name of the one was Peleg; because in his days the earth was divided: and his brother's name was Joktan. |
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