The genealogy from Shem to Abram is a significant lineage recorded in the Bible, tracing the descendants of Noah's son Shem down to Abram, who is later known as Abraham. This genealogy is primarily found in Genesis 11:10-26 and serves as a bridge between the post-flood world and the patriarchal narratives that follow. It highlights the continuity of God's covenantal promises through specific chosen individuals.

Shem

Shem, one of Noah's three sons, is the forefather of the Semitic peoples. After the flood, Shem's descendants are given prominence in the biblical narrative, emphasizing the line through which God's redemptive plan would unfold. Genesis 11:10 begins with Shem: "This is the account of Shem. Two years after the flood, when Shem was 100 years old, he became the father of Arphaxad."

Arphaxad

Arphaxad, the son of Shem, is noted for being born two years after the flood. He is an important link in the genealogy, as his line continues the narrative of God's chosen people. Genesis 11:12 states, "When Arphaxad was 35 years old, he became the father of Shelah."

Shelah

Shelah, the son of Arphaxad, continues the lineage. His name is mentioned in Genesis 11:14: "When Shelah was 30 years old, he became the father of Eber." The name Eber is significant, as it is associated with the term "Hebrew."

Eber

Eber is a pivotal figure in the genealogy, as his name is believed to be the root of the term "Hebrew," which later identifies the descendants of Abraham. Genesis 11:16 records, "When Eber was 34 years old, he became the father of Peleg."

Peleg

Peleg is noted for the division of the earth during his lifetime, as mentioned in Genesis 10:25. His genealogy is continued in Genesis 11:18: "When Peleg was 30 years old, he became the father of Reu."

Reu

Reu, the son of Peleg, is another link in the chain leading to Abram. Genesis 11:20 states, "When Reu was 32 years old, he became the father of Serug."

Serug

Serug, the son of Reu, is part of the genealogy that maintains the line of Shem. Genesis 11:22 records, "When Serug was 30 years old, he became the father of Nahor."

Nahor

Nahor, the son of Serug, is the grandfather of Abram. His mention in Genesis 11:24 is brief: "When Nahor was 29 years old, he became the father of Terah."

Terah

Terah, the father of Abram, is a significant figure as he represents the immediate family context from which Abram emerges. Genesis 11:26 states, "When Terah was 70 years old, he became the father of Abram, Nahor, and Haran."

Abram

Abram, later named Abraham, is the culmination of this genealogy. He is called by God to leave his homeland and is promised to be the father of a great nation. His account marks the beginning of the patriarchal narratives and the unfolding of God's covenant with Israel.

This genealogy not only serves as a historical record but also underscores the theological theme of God's sovereign choice and faithfulness in preserving a lineage through which He would bless all nations.