Genesis 11:21
And after he had become the father of Serug, Reu lived 207 years and had other sons and daughters.
And after he had become the father of Reu
This phrase marks a continuation of the genealogical record, emphasizing the lineage from Shem to Abraham. The name "Reu" in Hebrew is רְעוּ (Re'u), which means "friend" or "shepherd." This reflects the pastoral culture of the time, where names often signified roles or characteristics. The act of becoming a father in biblical times was not only a personal milestone but also a communal event, ensuring the continuation of the family line and the fulfillment of God's promise to multiply humanity.

Peleg lived 209 years
The longevity of Peleg, whose name means "division" in Hebrew (פֶּלֶג, Peleg), is significant in the context of the biblical narrative. His lifespan, 209 years, is a testament to the antediluvian and postdiluvian ages where human lifespans were considerably longer. This period is marked by the division of the earth, possibly referring to the division of languages at Babel or the physical division of the continents. Peleg's life serves as a bridge between the ancient world and the emerging nations.

and had other sons and daughters
This phrase underscores the biblical theme of fruitfulness and multiplication. The mention of "other sons and daughters" indicates that the genealogical records in Genesis are selective, focusing on the line leading to Abraham. It reflects the cultural importance of family and progeny in ancient times, where large families were seen as a blessing from God. This also highlights the communal nature of biblical genealogies, where the focus is not solely on individual achievement but on the collective growth and continuity of God's people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Peleg
A descendant of Shem, Peleg is noted in the genealogies of Genesis as an ancestor of Abraham. His name is significant because it is associated with the division of the earth, possibly referring to a significant event or change during his lifetime.

2. Reu
The son of Peleg, Reu continues the genealogical line that leads to Abraham. His mention signifies the continuation of God's plan through specific family lines.

3. Genealogies
The genealogies in Genesis 11 serve to connect the post-flood world to the patriarchs, showing the continuity of God's promise and the unfolding of His plan through specific individuals.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Genealogies
Genealogies in the Bible are not mere lists of names; they demonstrate God's faithfulness in preserving His people and fulfilling His promises through generations.

God's Sovereignty in History
The mention of specific individuals like Peleg and Reu reminds us that God is actively involved in the unfolding of history, guiding events according to His divine plan.

Legacy and Faithfulness
Peleg's life, though briefly mentioned, is part of a larger account that leads to the coming of Christ. Our lives, too, are part of God's account, and we are called to be faithful in our generation.

Continuity of God's Promise
The genealogies show the continuity of God's promise from Adam through to Christ, encouraging us to trust in God's unchanging nature and His promises to us.
Bible Study Questions
1. What significance do you find in the genealogies of Genesis, and how do they impact your understanding of God's plan throughout history?

2. How does the mention of Peleg and the division of the earth in Genesis 10:25 enhance your understanding of Genesis 11:21?

3. In what ways can you see God's sovereignty at work in your own family history or personal life?

4. How does the inclusion of Peleg and Reu in the genealogy of Jesus (Luke 3:35-36) affect your view of the Old Testament's relevance to the New Testament?

5. Reflect on the legacy you are leaving for future generations. How can you ensure that it aligns with God's purposes and promises?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 10:25
This verse mentions Peleg and the division of the earth, providing context for his name and the significance of his time.

Luke 3:35-36
The genealogy of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke includes Peleg and Reu, highlighting the importance of these individuals in the lineage of Christ.

1 Chronicles 1:19
Chronicles also references Peleg, reinforcing the historical and theological significance of genealogies in the Old Testament.
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
207, Begetteth, Begetting, Begot, Begotten, Birth, Daughters, Hundred, Reu, Re'u, Serug, Seven, Sons
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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