Topical Encyclopedia Eber is a significant figure in the genealogical records of the Bible, often regarded as the probable founder of the Hebrew race. His name is mentioned in the genealogies of Genesis, and he is considered an ancestor of the Israelites, through whom the Hebrew identity is traced.Genealogical Background Eber is introduced in the Table of Nations in Genesis 10, which outlines the descendants of Noah's sons after the flood. Eber is a descendant of Shem, Noah's son, and is listed as the great-grandson of Shem. The genealogy in Genesis 10:21-25 states: "Sons were also born to Shem, the older brother of Japheth; Eber was one of his descendants. The sons of Shem: Elam, Asshur, Arphaxad, Lud, and Aram. The sons of Aram: Uz, Hul, Gether, and Mash. Arphaxad was the father of Shelah, and Shelah was the father of Eber." Eber's lineage is further detailed in Genesis 11:14-17 , which provides a more focused genealogy: "When Shelah was 30 years old, he became the father of Eber. And after he had become the father of Eber, Shelah lived 403 years and had other sons and daughters. When Eber was 34 years old, he became the father of Peleg. And after he had become the father of Peleg, Eber lived 430 years and had other sons and daughters." Significance of Eber Eber's significance is underscored by the fact that his name is believed to be the root of the term "Hebrew." The Hebrew word for Hebrew, "Ivri" (עִבְרִי), is thought to be derived from Eber's name, suggesting that the Hebrews, or Israelites, are his descendants. This connection is further supported by the mention of Eber in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles 1:18-19 , which reiterates his place in the lineage leading to Abraham: "Arphaxad was the father of Shelah, and Shelah was the father of Eber. Two sons were born to Eber: One was named Peleg, because in his days the earth was divided, and his brother was named Joktan." Eber's Descendants Eber's descendants include two notable sons, Peleg and Joktan. Peleg is particularly significant because it is during his lifetime that "the earth was divided" (Genesis 10:25), a phrase that has been interpreted in various ways, including the division of languages at the Tower of Babel or a geographical division. Peleg's lineage leads directly to Abraham, the patriarch of the Israelites, further cementing Eber's role as a foundational figure in the Hebrew lineage. Joktan, Eber's other son, is associated with a number of tribes and regions in the Arabian Peninsula, as listed in Genesis 10:26-30. These descendants are often linked to various Semitic peoples, indicating Eber's broader influence beyond the immediate Hebrew lineage. Eber in Jewish Tradition In Jewish tradition, Eber is revered as a righteous man who maintained the worship of the one true God amidst a world that was increasingly turning to idolatry. Some rabbinic sources suggest that Eber was a prophet and that he established a school for the study of God's laws, which was later attended by the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Conclusion Eber's role as the probable founder of the Hebrew race is rooted in his genealogical position as an ancestor of Abraham and the etymological connection of his name to the term "Hebrew." His legacy is reflected in the enduring identity of the Hebrew people and their foundational place in the biblical narrative. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 10:21-25To Shem also, the father of all the children of Eber, the brother of Japheth the elder, even to him were children born. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 11:14 1 Chronicles 1:19,25 Luke 3:35 Library The Book of Jubilees [Endnotes] An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ... Resources Who was Shem in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the shortest verse in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who are Semites? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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