Topical Encyclopedia Shem, one of the three sons of Noah, holds a significant place in biblical history as the progenitor of many nations and peoples. According to the genealogical records in the Bible, Shem's descendants are pivotal in the unfolding narrative of God's plan for humanity. The lineage of Shem is detailed primarily in the Book of Genesis, where his descendants are listed and their roles in biblical history are outlined.Biblical Genealogy The genealogy of Shem is first introduced in Genesis 10, often referred to as the Table of Nations. This chapter provides a comprehensive list of the descendants of Noah's sons, including Shem. Genesis 10:21-31 states: "21 And sons were also born to Shem, the older brother of Japheth; Shem was the forefather of all the sons of Eber. 22 The sons of Shem: Elam, Asshur, Arphaxad, Lud, and Aram. 23 The sons of Aram: Uz, Hul, Gether, and Mash. 24 Arphaxad was the father of Shelah, and Shelah was the father of Eber. 25 Two sons were born to Eber: One was named Peleg, because in his days the earth was divided, and his brother was named Joktan. 26 Joktan was the father of Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, Jerah, 27 Hadoram, Uzal, Diklah, 28 Obal, Abimael, Sheba, 29 Ophir, Havilah, and Jobab. All these were sons of Joktan. 30 Their territory extended from Mesha to Sephar, in the eastern hill country. 31 These are the sons of Shem, according to their clans, languages, lands, and nations." Significant Descendants 1. Elam: The Elamites, descendants of Elam, are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament. They inhabited the region known today as southwestern Iran. Elam is often associated with the early civilizations that interacted with the Israelites. 2. Asshur: Asshur is recognized as the ancestor of the Assyrians, a powerful empire that played a significant role in the history of Israel and Judah. The Assyrians are known for their military prowess and their eventual conquest of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. 3. Arphaxad: Arphaxad is a key figure in the lineage leading to Abraham, the patriarch of the Israelites. Through Arphaxad, the line continues to Eber, from whom the term "Hebrew" is derived. 4. Lud: The Ludites are less prominently featured in biblical texts, but they are believed to have settled in regions of Asia Minor. 5. Aram: Aram is the forefather of the Arameans, who settled in the region of modern-day Syria. The Arameans are frequently mentioned in the context of their interactions and conflicts with Israel. The Line of Eber Eber, a descendant of Arphaxad, is particularly noteworthy as the ancestor of the Hebrews. Genesis 11:10-26 traces the line from Shem to Abram (later Abraham), highlighting the continuity of God's covenantal promises through this lineage: "10 This is the account of Shem. Two years after the flood, when Shem was 100 years old, he became the father of Arphaxad. 11 And after he had become the father of Arphaxad, Shem lived 500 years and had other sons and daughters. 12 When Arphaxad was 35 years old, he became the father of Shelah. 13 And after he had become the father of Shelah, Arphaxad lived 403 years and had other sons and daughters. 14 When Shelah was 30 years old, he became the father of Eber. 15 And after he had become the father of Eber, Shelah lived 403 years and had other sons and daughters. 16 When Eber was 34 years old, he became the father of Peleg. 17 And after he had become the father of Peleg, Eber lived 430 years and had other sons and daughters. 18 When Peleg was 30 years old, he became the father of Reu. 19 And after he had become the father of Reu, Peleg lived 209 years and had other sons and daughters. 20 When Reu was 32 years old, he became the father of Serug. 21 And after he had become the father of Serug, Reu lived 207 years and had other sons and daughters. 22 When Serug was 30 years old, he became the father of Nahor. 23 And after he had become the father of Nahor, Serug lived 200 years and had other sons and daughters. 24 When Nahor was 29 years old, he became the father of Terah. 25 And after he had become the father of Terah, Nahor lived 119 years and had other sons and daughters. 26 When Terah was 70 years old, he became the father of Abram, Nahor, and Haran." Covenantal Significance The descendants of Shem are central to the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of God's covenant with Abraham. Through Shem's line, God establishes a people set apart for His purposes, ultimately leading to the birth of Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan for humanity. The Semitic lineage, therefore, is not only a record of ancestry but also a testament to God's faithfulness and the unfolding of His divine promises throughout history. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 10:1,21-31Now these are the generations of the sons of Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth: and to them were sons born after the flood. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 11:10-29 1 Chronicles 1:17-54 Strong's Hebrew 5867. Eylam -- a son of Shem, also his desc. and their country... Jeremiah 49:36) {o-lawm'}; probably from alam; hidden, ie Distant; Elam, a son of Shem and his descendants, with their country; also of six Israelites -- Elam. ... /hebrew/5867.htm - 5k 804. Ashshuwr -- step, going 8062. Shemidai -- descendant of Shemida Library The Blessings, and Also the Curse, Pronounced by Noah were ... Of the Generations of the Three Sons of Noah. Of the Genealogy of Shem, in Whose Line the City of God is ... The Blessings of Noah Upon Shem and Japheth. (Gen. Ix. 18-27. ) Chapter x How the Lands from which the Canaanites were Expelled, had Been ... From the Flood to Abraham The Messianic Prophecies in the Pentateuch. That the Original Language in Use among Men was that which was ... Now of These one Fell under a Curse, and the Two Others Inherited ... Resources Who was Ham in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgQuestions about People in the Bible (All) | GotQuestions.org What is the tablet theory of Genesis authorship, and is it biblical? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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