He was a mighty hunter before the LORD; so it is said, "Like Nimrod, a mighty hunter before the LORD." He was a mighty hunterThe phrase "mighty hunter" in Hebrew is "גִּבּוֹר צַיִד" (gibbor tsayid). The term "gibbor" often denotes a person of great strength or valor, frequently used in the context of warriors or heroes. This suggests that Nimrod was not just a hunter of animals but possibly a conqueror of men, a figure of significant power and influence. The word "tsayid" refers to hunting, which in ancient times was a skill necessary for survival and a demonstration of prowess. Nimrod's reputation as a "mighty hunter" indicates his exceptional abilities and perhaps his leadership in establishing early civilizations. before the LORD
The Hebrew phrase "לִפְנֵי יְהוָה" (lifnei YHWH) can be translated as "in the presence of the LORD" or "before the LORD." This expression implies that Nimrod's actions were notable in the sight of God, suggesting a level of divine acknowledgment or scrutiny. In the conservative Christian perspective, this could mean that Nimrod's might and actions were significant enough to be recorded in the divine narrative, highlighting the importance of living a life that is conscious of God's omnipresence. so it is said
This phrase indicates that Nimrod's reputation was well-known and proverbial. The use of "so it is said" suggests that his legacy was not just a historical account but had become a part of the cultural lore, a benchmark for others. It reflects the oral tradition of passing down accounts and the impact of Nimrod's life on subsequent generations. Like Nimrod
The comparison "Like Nimrod" signifies that Nimrod had become a standard or archetype for might and hunting prowess. His name itself became synonymous with strength and skill, indicating the lasting impression he left on history and culture. In a broader sense, this comparison serves as a reminder of the influence one individual can have on society and history. a mighty hunter before the LORD
The repetition of this phrase emphasizes its importance. It reinforces the idea that Nimrod's might and his role as a hunter were significant in the context of his relationship with God. In the conservative Christian view, this repetition could serve as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging God's presence in all aspects of life, including one's achievements and reputation. It also suggests that true might and success are ultimately recognized in the context of one's standing before God. Persons / Places / Events 1. NimrodA descendant of Ham, son of Cush, and a prominent figure in Genesis 10. He is described as a "mighty hunter before the LORD," indicating his prowess and possibly his leadership or influence. 2. CushThe father of Nimrod, Cush is a son of Ham, who is one of Noah's three sons. Cush's descendants are associated with regions in Africa and the Middle East. 3. The LORDThe covenant name of God, Yahweh, indicating the personal and relational aspect of God with His creation and His people. Teaching Points Understanding Influence and LeadershipNimrod's description as a "mighty hunter before the LORD" suggests a person of significant influence. Reflect on how leadership and influence should be exercised in alignment with God's will. The Dual Nature of AmbitionNimrod's account can be seen as a cautionary tale about ambition. While ambition can lead to great achievements, it must be tempered with humility and submission to God. Legacy and ReputationThe phrase "like Nimrod" became a saying, indicating the lasting impact of one's actions. Consider what kind of legacy you are building through your actions and character. God's Sovereignty Over Human AffairsDespite human ambition and power, God's sovereignty remains supreme. Trust in God's ultimate plan and purpose, even when human leaders seem powerful. Bible Study Questions 1. What does it mean to be a "mighty hunter before the LORD," and how can this concept be applied to modern-day leadership and influence? 2. How does Nimrod's account relate to the events at the Tower of Babel, and what lessons can we learn about human ambition and pride? 3. In what ways can we ensure that our ambitions align with God's will, and how can we guard against the pitfalls of pride? 4. How does the legacy of Nimrod challenge us to think about the impact of our actions and the reputation we leave behind? 5. Reflect on a time when you witnessed or experienced the tension between human ambition and God's sovereignty. How did you see God's hand at work in that situation? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 11:1-9The account of the Tower of Babel, which is traditionally associated with Nimrod's kingdom, showing the spread of human pride and ambition. Micah 5:6Refers to the "land of Nimrod," indicating the historical and geographical significance of Nimrod's influence. 1 Chronicles 1:10Reiterates Nimrod's status as a mighty man on earth, emphasizing his historical importance. 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 Begun, Bowman, Hero, Hunter, Hunting, Mighty, Nimrod, Saying, WhereforeDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 10:9 5342 hunting Genesis 10:1-32 7230 genealogies Genesis 10:8-10 4215 Babylon Genesis 10:8-12 5956 strength, human 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 10:9 NIVGenesis 10:9 NLTGenesis 10:9 ESVGenesis 10:9 NASBGenesis 10:9 KJV
Genesis 10:9 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
