1 Chronicles 1:6
The sons of Gomer: Ashkenaz, Riphath, and Togarmah.
The sons of Gomer:
Gomer is identified as one of the sons of Japheth, who was a son of Noah. This places Gomer among the nations that spread out after the flood, as described in Genesis 10. Gomer is often associated with the Cimmerians, an ancient people who lived in what is now southern Russia and Ukraine. This connection is supported by historical records and archaeological findings that trace the movements of these tribes. Gomer's descendants are believed to have migrated into Europe, influencing various cultures and peoples.

Ashkenaz:
Ashkenaz is traditionally linked to the Scythians, a group of ancient nomadic tribes known for their skills in horseback riding and warfare. The name Ashkenaz has also been associated with the region of Germany in later Jewish tradition, giving rise to the term "Ashkenazi Jews." This connection highlights the spread and influence of Gomer's descendants across different regions and cultures. The mention of Ashkenaz in Jeremiah 51:27 as a kingdom that would come against Babylon further emphasizes its historical significance.

Riphath:
Riphath is less clearly identified in historical records, but some scholars suggest a connection to the ancient peoples of the Carpathian region or the Riphean Mountains, which were thought to be in the northern part of Europe. The lack of detailed historical and archaeological evidence makes Riphath a more enigmatic figure, but it underscores the widespread dispersion of Japheth's descendants across Europe and Asia.

Togarmah:
Togarmah is often associated with the Armenians or the region of Anatolia (modern-day Turkey). Ezekiel 38:6 mentions Togarmah as part of the coalition that will come against Israel in the prophetic "Gog and Magog" war, indicating its role in future eschatological events. The connection to Anatolia is supported by historical records that link Togarmah to the Phrygians or other ancient Anatolian peoples. This highlights the enduring influence of Gomer's lineage in both historical and prophetic contexts.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Gomer
Gomer is the son of Japheth, one of Noah's three sons. Gomer is considered the progenitor of several nations and tribes, particularly those in the regions of Europe and Asia Minor.

2. Ashkenaz
Ashkenaz is the first son of Gomer. Historically, Ashkenaz is associated with the Scythians and later with the Germanic tribes. The name is also linked to the Ashkenazi Jews, who settled in Central and Eastern Europe.

3. Riphath
Riphath is the second son of Gomer. Some historical sources associate Riphath with the ancient peoples of the Carpathian region or the Paphlagonians in Asia Minor.

4. Togarmah
Togarmah is the third son of Gomer. Togarmah is often associated with the Armenians and other tribes in the region of modern-day Turkey and the Caucasus.
Teaching Points
Understanding Our Roots
Genealogies in the Bible remind us of the importance of understanding our spiritual and historical roots. They connect us to God's overarching plan throughout history.

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
The listing of nations and tribes demonstrates God's sovereignty and His orchestration of history. Each nation has a role in God's redemptive plan.

Unity in Diversity
The descendants of Noah spread across the earth, forming diverse nations. This diversity is part of God's design, and we are called to unity in Christ despite our differences.

Prophetic Fulfillment
The genealogies often have prophetic significance, pointing to future events and God's unfolding plan. We should be attentive to how God fulfills His promises through history.

Legacy and Influence
Our spiritual and familial legacies have lasting impacts. We should strive to leave a legacy of faithfulness and obedience to God.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the genealogies in 1 Chronicles 1:6 help us appreciate the historical context of the Bible?

2. In what ways do the descendants of Gomer illustrate the spread of nations and cultures? How does this relate to the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20?

3. How can we see God's sovereignty in the genealogies and the unfolding of history? Reflect on Romans 8:28 in this context.

4. What lessons can we learn from the diversity of nations and tribes listed in the Bible? How does this inform our approach to cultural and ethnic diversity within the church?

5. How can we ensure that our personal and spiritual legacies align with God's purposes? Consider the examples of faithfulness in Hebrews 11.
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 10:2-3
This passage parallels 1 Chronicles 1:6, listing the descendants of Japheth, including Gomer and his sons. It provides a broader context for understanding the genealogical records in Chronicles.

Ezekiel 38:6
Togarmah is mentioned in the context of a prophecy against Gog, indicating the historical and prophetic significance of these genealogies.

Jeremiah 51:27
Ashkenaz is mentioned in a prophecy against Babylon, highlighting the historical interactions between these ancient peoples.
Natural and Spiritual PaternityW. Clarkson 1 Chronicles 1:1-27
GenealogiesF. Whitfield 1 Chronicles 1:1-54
Genealogies as Symbols of the Solidarity of Our RaceW. H. Bennett, M. A.1 Chronicles 1:1-54
Genealogies in Relation to ChristF. Whitfield 1 Chronicles 1:1-54
Genealogies in Relation to the Church and the WorldF. Whitfield 1 Chronicles 1:1-54
Israelite DescentW. H. Bennett, M. A.1 Chronicles 1:1-54
NamesW. H. Bennett, M. A.1 Chronicles 1:1-54
The Antiquity and Unity of ManJ. Parker, D. D.1 Chronicles 1:1-54
The Genealogies and HeredityW. H. Bennett, M. A.1 Chronicles 1:1-54
The Genealogies Indicative of Universal BrotherhoodW. H. Bennett, M. A.1 Chronicles 1:1-54
The Genealogies: What We Owe to the PastW. H. Bennett, M. A.1 Chronicles 1:1-54
On the Genealogical TablesR. Glover 1 Chronicles 1-6
GenealogiesJ.R. Thomson 1 Chronicles 1-9
People
Abida, Abimael, Abram, Achbor, Adam, Adbeel, Aholibamah, Aiah, Ajah, Akan, Aliah, Alian, Almodad, Alvah, Alvan, Amalek, Amorites, Amram, Anah, Anamim, Anamites, Aram, Aran, Arkite, Arkites, Arphaxad, Arvadite, Arvadites, Ashchenaz, Ashkenaz, Baalhanan, Bedad, Bela, Beor, Bilhan, Cainan, Caphthorim, Caphtorim, Caphtorites, Casluhim, Casluhites, Cheran, Dedan, Diklah, Dishan, Dishon, Dodanim, Dumah, Eber, Elah, Elam, Eldaah, Eliphaz, Elisha, Elishah, Enoch, Enosh, Ephah, Epher, Esau, Eshban, Ezar, Ezer, Gatam, Gether, Girgashite, Girgashites, Gomer, Hadad, Hadoram, Ham, Hamathite, Hamathites, Hanan, Hanoch, Havilah, Hazarmaveth, Hemdan, Henoch, Heth, Hittites, Hivite, Hivites, Homam, Hori, Hul, Husham, Iram, Isaac, Ishbak, Ishmael, Israelites, Ithran, Jaalam, Jakan, Japheth, Jared, Javan, Jebusites, Jerah, Jered, Jetheth, Jetur, Jeush, Jobab, Jokshan, Joktan, Kedar, Kedemah, Kenan, Kenaz, Keturah, Kittim, Korah, Lamech, Lehabim, Lehabites, Lotan, Lud, Ludim, Ludites, Madai, Magdiel, Magog, Mahalaleel, Manahath, Massa, Matred, Medan, Mehetabel, Meshech, Methuselah, Mezahab, Mibsam, Mibzar, Mishma, Mizraim, Mizzah, Nahath, Nahor, Naphish, Naphtuhim, Naphtuhites, Nebaioth, Nimrod, Noah, Omar, Onam, Ophir, Pathrusim, Peleg, Phut, Pinon, Reu, Reuel, Riphath, Sabta, Sabtecha, Samlah, Saul, Seba, Seir, Serug, Seth, Shammah, Shaul, Shelah, Sheleph, Shem, Shephi, Shepho, Sheth, Shobal, Shuah, Sinite, Sinites, Tarshish, Tema, Teman, Temanites, Terah, Timna, Timnah, Tiras, Togarmah, Tubal, Uzal, Zaavan, Zavan, Zemarite, Zemarites, Zephi, Zepho, Zerah, Zibeon, Zidon, Zimran
Places
Avith, Babylon, Bozrah, Dinhabah, Edom, Euphrates River, Masrekah, Midian, Moab, Pai, Rehoboth
Topics
Ashchenaz, Ashkenaz, Ash'kenaz, Diphath, Gomer, Riphath, Sons, Togarmah, Togar'mah
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 1:1-4

     5106   Noah

Library
Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
1 Chronicles 1:6 NIV
1 Chronicles 1:6 NLT
1 Chronicles 1:6 ESV
1 Chronicles 1:6 NASB
1 Chronicles 1:6 KJV

1 Chronicles 1:6 Commentaries

Bible Hub
1 Chronicles 1:5
Top of Page
Top of Page