From that land he went forth into Assyria, where he built Nineveh, Rehoboth-Ir, Calah, From that landThis phrase indicates a movement or migration from a specific location. In the context of Genesis 10, this refers to the descendants of Noah spreading out after the flood. The "land" here is Shinar, where Nimrod, a mighty hunter and ruler, established his kingdom. The movement signifies the expansion of human civilization and the fulfillment of God's command to "fill the earth" ( Genesis 9:1). he went to Assyria
The Hebrew root for "Assyria" is "Ashur," which is both a person (a son of Shem) and a place. Assyria would later become a powerful empire known for its military prowess and significant role in biblical history. This movement to Assyria marks the beginning of its establishment as a major center of civilization and power. It is noteworthy that Assyria would later become an instrument of God's judgment against Israel, highlighting the complex interplay of divine sovereignty and human history. where he built Nineveh
Nineveh, one of the most ancient and significant cities in the Assyrian Empire, is first mentioned here. The Hebrew root for Nineveh is "Ninweh," and it is often associated with the goddess Ishtar. Archaeological discoveries have confirmed Nineveh's grandeur, with its impressive walls and palaces. Biblically, Nineveh is most famously known from the Book of Jonah, where it is depicted as a city in need of repentance. Its construction here signifies the early development of urban centers that would play crucial roles in biblical narratives. Rehoboth-Ir
This name means "broad places" or "wide streets," suggesting a city with expansive areas or perhaps a place of prosperity and growth. The exact location of Rehoboth-Ir is uncertain, but its mention indicates the spread of urbanization and the establishment of organized societies. Theologically, it reflects humanity's creative capacity to build and develop, a reflection of being made in the image of a creative God. Calah
Calah, known in modern times as Nimrud, was another significant city in ancient Assyria. The Hebrew root "Kalach" suggests a place of completion or fortification. Calah would become one of the major cities of the Assyrian Empire, known for its architectural and cultural achievements. Its mention here underscores the early formation of cities that would later become centers of power and influence in the ancient Near East. Persons / Places / Events 1. AssyriaA significant ancient Mesopotamian kingdom and empire, known for its powerful military and advanced civilization. It played a crucial role in biblical history, often as an adversary to Israel. 2. NinevehOne of the most prominent cities in ancient Assyria, later becoming its capital. It is famously known for its size and as the city to which the prophet Jonah was sent. 3. Rehoboth-IrA lesser-known city mentioned in this passage. The name can be translated as "broad places of the city," indicating a place of expansion or growth. 4. CalahAnother significant city in Assyria, known for its archaeological importance and as a center of power during the Assyrian Empire. 5. NimrodAlthough not directly mentioned in this verse, Nimrod is the figure associated with the founding of these cities. He is described earlier in Genesis as a mighty hunter and a king. Teaching Points The Rise and Fall of EmpiresThe establishment of cities like Nineveh and Calah reminds us of the temporal nature of human power and achievement. While these cities were once great, they eventually fell, illustrating the biblical truth that only God's kingdom is eternal. God's Sovereignty Over NationsThe mention of Assyria and its cities underscores God's control over the rise and fall of nations. Despite Assyria's power, it was ultimately subject to God's will and purposes. Repentance and JudgmentNineveh's account, later expanded in the book of Jonah, serves as a powerful reminder of God's mercy and the opportunity for repentance. However, it also warns of the consequences of returning to wickedness, as seen in Nahum. The Role of LeadersNimrod's role as a builder and leader highlights the influence leaders have in shaping societies. It challenges us to consider how leadership can be used for both good and ill. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the establishment of cities like Nineveh and Calah reflect the ambitions and capabilities of human leaders like Nimrod? 2. In what ways does the account of Nineveh, as seen in Jonah and Nahum, illustrate the themes of repentance and divine judgment? 3. How can the rise and fall of ancient empires like Assyria inform our understanding of current global powers and their place in God's plan? 4. What lessons can we learn from the account of Nineveh about God's willingness to forgive and the importance of genuine repentance? 5. How does the account of Genesis 10:11 challenge us to consider the legacy we are building in our own communities and the impact of our leadership? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 10:8-10Provides context about Nimrod, who is credited with establishing these cities. This passage highlights his role as a powerful leader and builder. Jonah 1:1-2Connects to Nineveh, where God sends Jonah to call the city to repentance, demonstrating God's concern for even the most powerful and wicked cities. Nahum 1:1Offers a prophetic message against Nineveh, showcasing the eventual downfall of the city due to its wickedness, despite its earlier repentance. People Abimael, Almodad, Amorites, Anamim, Anamites, Aram, Arkite, Arkites, Arphaxad, Arvadite, Ashkenaz, Ashur, Canaanites, Caphtorim, Caphtorites, Casluhim, Casluhites, Dedan, Diklah, Dodanim, Eber, Elam, Elishah, Gether, Girgashite, Girgashites, Girgasite, Gomer, Hadoram, Ham, Hamathite, Hamathites, Havilah, Hazarmaveth, Heth, Hittites, Hivite, Hivites, Hul, Japheth, Javan, Jerah, Jobab, Joktan, Kittim, Lehabim, Lehabites, Lud, Ludim, Ludites, Madai, Magog, Mash, Mesha, Meshech, Mizraim, Naphtuhim, Naphtuhites, Nimrod, Noah, Obal, Ophir, Pathrusim, Peleg, Phut, Riphath, Sabtah, Sabtecha, Sabtechah, Salah, Seba, Shelah, Sheleph, Shem, Sinite, Sinites, Tarshish, Tiras, Togarmah, Tubal, Uzal, Zemarite, Zemarites, ZidonPlaces Accad, Admah, Assyria, Babel, Calah, Calneh, Canaan, Erech, Gaza, Gerar, Gomorrah, Lasha, Mesha, Nineveh, Rehoboth-Ir, Resen, Sephar, Shinar, Sidon, Sodom, Tigris-Euphrates Region, ZeboiimTopics Ashur, Asshur, Assyria, Broad, Builded, Buildeth, Building, Built, Calah, Forth, Ir, Nineveh, Nin'eveh, Places, Rehoboth, Rehoboth-ir, Reho'both-ir, Streets, WideDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 10:1-32 7230 genealogies Genesis 10:8-12 5956 strength, human Genesis 10:10-12 5256 city Library Ancient Chaldaea
The Creation, the Deluge, the history of the gods--The country, its cities its inhabitants, its early dynasties. [Illustration: 002a.jpg] "In the time when nothing which was called heaven existed above, and when nothing below had as yet received the name of earth,* Apsu, the Ocean, who first was their father, and Chaos-Tiamat, who gave birth to them all, mingled their waters in one, reeds which were not united, rushes which bore no fruit."** Life germinated slowly in this inert mass, in which the …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 3Moses and his Writings
[Illustration: (drop cap W) Clay letter tablet of Moses' time.] We now begin to understand a little of the very beginning of God's Book--of the times in which it was written, the materials used by its first author, and the different kinds of writing from which he had to choose; but we must go a step farther. How much did Moses know about the history of his forefathers, Abraham and Jacob, and of all the old nations and kings mentioned in Genesis, before God called him to the great work of writing …
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making Healing a Phoenician Woman's Daughter.
(Region of Tyre and Sidon.) ^A Matt. XV. 22-28; ^B Mark VII. 24-30. ^b And he entered into a house, and would have no man know it [Jesus sought concealment for the purposes noted in the last section. He also, no doubt, desired an opportunity to impact private instruction to the twelve]; and he could not be hid. [The fame of Jesus had spread far and wide, and he and his disciples were too well known to escape the notice of any who had seen them or heard them described.] 25 But { ^a 22 And} behold, …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Sea of Sodom
The bounds of Judea, on both sides, are the sea; the western bound is the Mediterranean,--the eastern, the Dead sea, or the sea of Sodom. This the Jewish writers every where call, which you may not so properly interpret here, "the salt sea," as "the bituminous sea." In which sense word for word, "Sodom's salt," but properly "Sodom's bitumen," doth very frequently occur among them. The use of it was in the holy incense. They mingled 'bitumen,' 'the amber of Jordan,' and [an herb known to few], with …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
SYRIA AT THE BEGINNING OF THE EGYPTIAN CONQUEST NINEVEH AND THE FIRST COSSAEAN KINGS-THE PEOPLES OF SYRIA, THEIR TOWNS, THEIR CIVILIZATION, THEIR RELIGION-PHOENICIA. The dynasty of Uruazagga-The Cossseans: their country, their gods, their conquest of Chaldaea-The first sovereigns of Assyria, and the first Cossaean Icings: Agumhakrime. The Egyptian names for Syria: Khara, Zahi, Lotanu, Kefatiu-The military highway from the Nile to the Euphrates: first section from Zalu to Gaza-The Canaanites: …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 4 The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
Assur-nazir-pal (885-860) and Shalmaneser III. (860-825)--The kingdom of Urartu and its conquering princes: Menuas and Argistis. Assyria was the first to reappear on the scene of action. Less hampered by an ancient past than Egypt and Chaldaea, she was the sooner able to recover her strength after any disastrous crisis, and to assume again the offensive along the whole of her frontier line. Image Drawn by Faucher-Gudin, from a bas-relief at Koyunjik of the time of Sennacherib. The initial cut, …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7 The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
Syria: the part played by it in the ancient world--Babylon and the first Chaldaean empire--The dominion of the Hyksos: Ahmosis. Some countries seem destined from their origin to become the battle-fields of the contending nations which environ them. Into such regions, and to their cost, neighbouring peoples come from century to century to settle their quarrels and bring to an issue the questions of supremacy which disturb their little corner of the world. The nations around are eager for the possession …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 4 The Pioneer's Influence Upon a Nation's Ideals.
ABRAHAM, THE TRADITIONAL FATHER OF HIS RACE.--Gen. 12:1-8; 13:1-13; 16; 18, 19; 21:7; 22:1-19. Parallel Readings. Hist. Bible I, 73-94. Prin of Pol., 160-175. Jehovah said to Abraham, Go forth from thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, to the land that I will show thee, that I may make of thee a great nation; and I will surely bless thee, and make thy name great, so that thou shalt be a blessing, I will also bless them that bless thee, and him that curseth thee will …
Charles Foster Kent—The Making of a Nation The Interpretation of the Early Narratives of the Old Testament
[Sidenote: Importance of regarding each story as a unit] Of all the different groups of writings in the Old Testament, undoubtedly the early narratives found in the first seven books present the most perplexing problems. This is primarily due to the fact that they have been subject to a long process of editorial revision by which stories, some very old and others very late and written from a very different point of view, have been closely joined together. While there is a distinct aim and unity …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament Sargon of Assyria (722-705 B. C. )
SARGON AS A WARRIOR AND AS A BUILDER. The origin of Sargon II.: the revolt of Babylon, Merodach-baladan and Elam--The kingdom of Elam from the time of the first Babylonian empire; the conquest's of Shutruh-nalkunta I.; the princes of Malamir--The first encounter of Assyria and Elam, the battle of Durilu (721 B.C.)--Revolt of Syria, Iaubidi of Hamath and Hannon of Gaza--Bocchoris and the XXIVth Egyptian dynasty; the first encounter of Assyria with Egypt, the battle of Raphia (720 B.C.). Urartu …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7 Genealogy According to Luke.
^C Luke III. 23-38. ^c 23 And Jesus himself [Luke has been speaking about John the Baptist, he now turns to speak of Jesus himself], when he began to teach, was about thirty years of age [the age when a Levite entered upon God's service--Num. iv. 46, 47], being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the son [this may mean that Jesus was grandson of Heli, or that Joseph was counted as a son of Heli because he was his son-in-law] of Heli, 24 the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Blessings of Noah Upon Shem and Japheth. (Gen. Ix. 18-27. )
Ver. 20. "And Noah began and became an husbandman, and planted vineyards."--This does not imply that Noah was the first who began to till the ground, and, more especially, to cultivate the vine; for Cain, too, was a tiller of the ground, Gen. iv. 2. The sense rather is, that Noah, after the flood, again took up this calling. Moreover, the remark has not an independent import; it serves only to prepare the way for the communication of the subsequent account of Noah's drunkenness. By this remark, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Influences that Gave Rise to the Priestly Laws and Histories
[Sidenote: Influences in the exile that produced written ceremonial laws] The Babylonian exile gave a great opportunity and incentive to the further development of written law. While the temple stood, the ceremonial rites and customs received constant illustration, and were transmitted directly from father to son in the priestly families. Hence, there was little need of writing them down. But when most of the priests were carried captive to Babylonia, as in 597 B.C., and ten years later the temple …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament The Book of the First Generations of Man, and the Glory of the Cainites.
I. THE BOOK OF THE FIRST GENERATIONS OF MAN, AND THE GLORY OF THE CAINITES. A. THE BOOK OF THE FIRST GENERATIONS OF MAN. 1. The reasons why Moses records the generations of Adam 1. 2. Why he so particularly gives the years, and in the case of each patriarch adds "and he died" 1-2. 3. Why Enoch is placed in the records of the dead 3-4. * Was Enoch a sinner, and do sinners have hope of eternal life 4. * Of death. a. How we are to comfort ourselves against death 5. b. How reason views death, and how …
Martin Luther—Commentary on Genesis, Vol. II Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Genesis 10:11 NIVGenesis 10:11 NLTGenesis 10:11 ESVGenesis 10:11 NASBGenesis 10:11 KJV
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