Genesis 11:17
And after he had become the father of Peleg, Eber lived 430 years and had other sons and daughters.
And after he had become the father of Peleg
This phrase marks a significant genealogical point in the lineage from Shem, Noah's son, to Abraham. The name "Peleg" is noteworthy because it is associated with the division of the earth (Genesis 10:25). The Hebrew root of "Peleg" means "division," which some scholars interpret as a reference to a significant event, possibly the division of languages at Babel or a geological division. This highlights the interconnectedness of human history and divine intervention, reminding us of God's sovereignty over the affairs of humanity.

Eber lived 430 years
The longevity of Eber, as recorded here, is a testament to the antediluvian and early postdiluvian lifespans. Eber is a significant figure as he is considered the ancestor of the Hebrews. The Hebrew root of "Eber" is associated with "to cross over," which can symbolize transition and movement, perhaps foreshadowing the journey of the Hebrew people. The extended lifespan signifies a period of stability and continuity in the early generations after the flood, emphasizing God's grace in preserving humanity.

and had other sons and daughters
This phrase underscores the continuation of the human family and the fulfillment of God's command to "be fruitful and multiply" (Genesis 1:28). The mention of "other sons and daughters" indicates that the biblical narrative focuses on specific lineages for theological reasons, rather than providing an exhaustive genealogical record. It serves as a reminder of the broader human account and God's ongoing work through all peoples, not just the highlighted individuals. This inclusivity reflects the universal scope of God's plan for redemption and the importance of every life in His creation.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Eber
A descendant of Shem, Eber is an important figure in the genealogies of Genesis. He is considered the ancestor of the Hebrews, as his name is often associated with the term "Hebrew."

2. Peleg
Eber's son, whose name means "division." His lifetime is noted for the division of the earth, which some scholars associate with the Tower of Babel event.

3. Genealogy
This passage is part of the genealogical record in Genesis 11, which traces the lineage from Shem to Abram, highlighting the continuity of God's plan through specific family lines.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Genealogy in Scripture
Genealogies in the Bible are not mere historical records; they demonstrate God's faithfulness and the unfolding of His redemptive plan through specific family lines.

God's Sovereignty in History
The mention of Eber and Peleg reminds us that God is sovereign over historical events, such as the division of the earth, and uses them to fulfill His purposes.

Legacy and Faithfulness
Eber's long life and the continuation of his lineage through Peleg encourage us to consider the legacy we leave and the importance of faithfulness in our own families.

Understanding Our Spiritual Heritage
As spiritual descendants of Abraham, understanding our roots in the faith can strengthen our identity and purpose as followers of Christ.
Bible Study Questions
1. What significance does the genealogy from Shem to Abram hold in the broader account of Genesis, and how does it reflect God's faithfulness?

2. How does the mention of Peleg and the division of the earth relate to the events of the Tower of Babel, and what can we learn about God's intervention in human affairs?

3. In what ways does understanding our spiritual heritage, as seen in the genealogies, impact our identity and mission as Christians today?

4. How can we ensure that we are leaving a legacy of faithfulness for future generations, similar to the lineage of Eber?

5. Reflect on the sovereignty of God in your own life. How can recognizing His control over history and personal circumstances encourage you in your faith journey?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 10:25
This verse mentions Peleg and the division of the earth, providing context for the significance of his name and the events during his lifetime.

Luke 3:35
Eber is listed in the genealogy of Jesus, showing the fulfillment of God's promises through the lineage of Shem.

Hebrews 11:8-10
This passage speaks of Abraham's faith, connecting back to the lineage of Eber and the faithfulness of God's promises through generations.
LessonsG. Hughes, B. D.Genesis 11:10-26
Post-Diluvial GenealogyG. Hughes, B. D.Genesis 11:10-26
Race of ManMerle D'Aubigne.Genesis 11:10-26
The Generations of ShemT. H. Leale.Genesis 11:10-26
The Order of Grace is -W. Roberts Genesis 11:10-26
Divine TraditionsR.A. Redford Genesis 11:10-32
People
Abram, Arphaxad, Eber, Haran, Iscah, Lot, Milcah, Nahor, Peleg, Reu, Salah, Sarai, Serug, Shelah, Shem, Terah
Places
Babel, Canaan, Haran, Mesha, Shinar, Ur
Topics
430, Begetteth, Begetting, Begot, Begotten, Birth, Daughters, Eber, Hundred, Peleg, Sons, Thirty
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Genesis 11:10-25

     5726   old age, attainment

Genesis 11:10-32

     1655   hundreds and thousands
     7230   genealogies

Library
The Church.
FROM THE PREFACE TO THE "HOLY CITY." UPON a certain First-day, I being together with my brethren in our prison-chamber, they expected that, according to our custom, something should be spoken out of the word for our mutual edification; but at that time I felt myself--it being my turn to speak--so empty, spiritless, and barren, that I thought I should not have been able to speak among them so much as five words of truth, with life and evidence: but at last it so fell out that providentially I cast
John Bunyan—The Riches of Bunyan

Meditations to Stir us up to Morning Prayer.
1. If, when thou art about to pray, Satan shall suggest that thy prayers are too long, and that therefore it were better either to omit prayers, or else to cut them shorter, meditate that prayer is thy spiritual sacrifice, wherewith God is well pleased (Heb. xiii. 15, 16;) and therefore it is so displeasing to the devil, and so irksome to the flesh. Bend therefore thy affections (will they, nill they) to so holy an exercise; assuring thyself, that it doth by so much the more please God, by how much
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

He Does Battle for the Faith; He Restores Peace among those who were at Variance; He Takes in Hand to Build a Stone Church.
57. (32). There was a certain clerk in Lismore whose life, as it is said, was good, but his faith not so. He was a man of some knowledge in his own eyes, and dared to say that in the Eucharist there is only a sacrament and not the fact[718] of the sacrament, that is, mere sanctification and not the truth of the Body. On this subject he was often addressed by Malachy in secret, but in vain; and finally he was called before a public assembly, the laity however being excluded, in order that if it were
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh

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 Promise to the Patriarchs.
A great epoch is, in Genesis, ushered in with the history of the time of the Patriarchs. Luther says: "This is the third period in which Holy Scripture begins the history of the Church with a new family." In a befitting manner, the representation is opened in Gen. xii. 1-3 by an account of the first revelation of God, given to Abraham at Haran, in which the way is opened up for all that follows, and in which the dispensations of God are brought before us in a rapid survey. Abraham is to forsake
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology 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

Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes
ONLY those who have made study of it can have any idea how large, and sometimes bewildering, is the literature on the subject of Jewish Proselytes and their Baptism. Our present remarks will be confined to the Baptism of Proselytes. 1. Generally, as regards proselytes (Gerim) we have to distinguish between the Ger ha-Shaar (proselyte of the gate) and Ger Toshabh (sojourner,' settled among Israel), and again the Ger hatstsedeq (proselyte of righteousness) and Ger habberith (proselyte of the covenant).
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Cain Murders his Brother; Called to Account.
IV. CAIN MURDERS HIS BROTHER; CALLED TO ACCOUNT. A. HOW CAIN MURDERED HIS BROTHER. 1. What moved Cain to commit murder 107. 2. Cain's hypocritical actions in concealing his anger that he might the more easily commit the murder 108-109. * Cain the picture of all hypocrites 110-129. * The attitude of hypocrites to their neighbors. Also, how we are to view the efforts of the pope and bishops in behalf of peace and unity 111-112. * Against what people we should most guard 112. 3. How Cain listened to
Martin Luther—Commentary on Genesis, Vol. II

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of the Eleventh
An unfinished commentary on the Bible, found among the author's papers after his death, in his own handwriting; and published in 1691, by Charles Doe, in a folio volume of the works of John Bunyan. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR Being in company with an enlightened society of Protestant dissenters of the Baptist denomination, I observed to a doctor of divinity, who was advancing towards his seventieth year, that my time had been delightfully engaged with John Bunyan's commentary on Genesis. "What,"
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

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

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