Topical Bible: The Earth: First Division of

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Topical Encyclopedia

The division of the earth is a significant event in biblical history, marking a pivotal moment in the post-Flood world. This division is primarily associated with the account of Peleg, a descendant of Shem, one of Noah's sons. The Bible provides insight into this event, which has been the subject of much interpretation and discussion among scholars and theologians.

Biblical Account

The primary reference to the division of the earth is found in the genealogical records of Genesis. In Genesis 10:25 , it is written: "Two sons were born to Eber: One was named Peleg, because in his days the earth was divided, and his brother was named Joktan." This verse suggests that during Peleg's lifetime, a significant division occurred, which has been traditionally understood as either a physical or a linguistic division.

Interpretations

1. Linguistic Division: One of the most common interpretations is that the division refers to the confusion of languages at the Tower of Babel, as described in Genesis 11. This event led to the scattering of people across the earth, as God confused their language to prevent them from completing the tower. This interpretation aligns with the chronological placement of Peleg in the genealogical record, suggesting that the division of languages and subsequent dispersion of peoples occurred during his lifetime.

2. Geographical Division: Another interpretation posits that the division was a physical or geographical separation of the earth's landmasses. Some scholars suggest that this could refer to tectonic activity or the separation of continents. While this view is less commonly held, it reflects the understanding that the earth underwent significant changes post-Flood, which could have included shifts in the earth's surface.

3. Cultural and Tribal Division: The division may also be understood in terms of the formation of distinct tribes and nations. As the descendants of Noah spread out, they formed distinct groups with unique cultures and identities. This division into nations is further elaborated in the Table of Nations in Genesis 10, which outlines the descendants of Noah's sons and their respective territories.

Theological Significance

The division of the earth during Peleg's time is significant in understanding the development of human civilization and the fulfillment of God's command to "fill the earth" (Genesis 9:1). It underscores the sovereignty of God in directing the course of human history and the establishment of nations. This event also sets the stage for the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, as it leads to the calling of Abraham and the formation of Israel, through whom the Messiah would come.

Historical Context

The genealogical records in Genesis place Peleg several generations after the Flood, during a time when the earth was being repopulated. The mention of Peleg and the division of the earth serves as a chronological marker within the biblical narrative, linking the post-Flood world to the subsequent events at Babel and the dispersion of peoples.

In summary, the division of the earth in the days of Peleg is a multifaceted event with linguistic, geographical, and cultural implications. It highlights the dynamic nature of the early post-Flood world and the unfolding of God's purposes for humanity.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 10:25
And to Eber were born two sons: the name of one was Peleg; for in his days was the earth divided; and his brother's name was Joktan.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Period ii. The Church from the Permanent Division of the Empire ...
... The Church From The Permanent Division Of The Empire Until ... but even dashed him to
the earth with His ... them recognize in his case Christ's first compelling and ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period ii the church from.htm

The Sixth vision "On Earth"
... worshippers are to "have no rest day and night" upon the earth (xiv.11 ... The structure
of this first division "V," shows that these seven Vials are divided into ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the sixth vision on earth.htm

The Parables of the Kingdom.
... Those of the first division relate in a general manner to "The Kingdom of Heaven ...
parables describing the Kingdom as it may be seen on earth; some expressing the ...
/.../burbidge/the kingdom of heaven what is it/chapter iii the parables of.htm

Naasseni Ascribe their System, through Mariamne, to James the ...
... as they say, "the whole family named on earth and in ... of the Assyrians, perceiving
the threefold division of the man; for the Assyrians first advanced the ...
/.../the refutation of all heresies/chapter ii naasseni ascribe their system.htm

The Lord's Prayer.
... his life without a revelation.] 4 I glorified thee on the earth, having accomplished ...
Thus Jesus ends the first division of his prayer which is a petition for ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cxxii the lords prayer.htm

That the Original Language in Use among Men was that which was ...
... of tongues occurred, and the consequent division of the earth. ... after his brother
Peleg, since the earth was divided ... that, though Peleg is named first, he was ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 11 that the original language.htm

Whether the Production of Light is Fittingly Assigned to the First ...
... there were neither men nor animals on the earth at that ... it is, that in the account
of the first day the ... above ([578]Q[62], A[3]). Thus the division of light ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the production of light.htm

Address in Lambeth Chapel, at the First Session of the Lambeth ...
... is opened." There is no country on the earth where we ... In a day of division and unrest
there will be many ... no room for differences if Christ be first, Christ be ...
//christianbookshelf.org/whipple/five sermons/iv address in lambeth chapel.htm

A Detached Account of the Descent into Hell.
... worlds; and I felt that they were round, and that each division was separated ... I likewise
beheld his soul in different parts of the earth, first inside the tomb ...
/.../chapter lix a detached account.htm

The Host of Heaven and of Earth.
... present in the dust of the earth, that the ... as a work performed in successive
stages"first by the ... There is distribution, no division in the divine activities ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/vi the host of heaven.htm