Genesis 10:15
And Canaan was the father of Sidon his firstborn, and of the Hittites,
And Canaan
The name "Canaan" is derived from the Hebrew root "כְּנַעַן" (Kena'an), which is often associated with the idea of "humiliation" or "subjugation." Canaan is a significant figure in the Bible, representing the ancestral lineage of the Canaanites, who inhabited the land promised to the descendants of Abraham. From a historical perspective, Canaan was a region known for its diverse cultures and peoples, often seen as a land of both promise and conflict. Theologically, Canaan's descendants are often depicted as adversaries to the Israelites, symbolizing the spiritual battles believers face in their journey of faith.

was the father of
This phrase indicates a genealogical relationship, emphasizing the importance of lineage and heritage in the biblical narrative. In Hebrew culture, being a "father" signifies more than biological parentage; it denotes the passing down of traditions, beliefs, and divine promises. The patriarchal system was central to the social and religious structure of ancient Israel, highlighting the continuity of God's covenant through generations.

Sidon his firstborn
Sidon, derived from the Hebrew "צִידוֹן" (Tzidon), means "fishing" or "fishery," reflecting the city's historical role as a major maritime and trade center. As Canaan's firstborn, Sidon holds a place of prominence, often associated with the Phoenicians, known for their seafaring and commercial prowess. The mention of Sidon underscores the spread of Canaan's descendants and their influence across the Mediterranean. Spiritually, Sidon represents the worldly allure and challenges that God's people must navigate, reminding believers of the need for discernment and faithfulness.

and of the Hittites
The Hittites, or "חִתִּי" (Chitti) in Hebrew, were an ancient people known for their powerful empire in Anatolia (modern-day Turkey) and their interactions with the biblical patriarchs. Archaeological discoveries have shed light on the Hittites' advanced civilization, including their legal systems and treaties, which parallel some biblical covenants. In the biblical context, the Hittites are often portrayed as inhabitants of the Promised Land, representing the obstacles and opposition faced by the Israelites. Theologically, the Hittites symbolize the spiritual warfare and perseverance required to claim God's promises, encouraging believers to trust in God's sovereignty and provision.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Canaan
The son of Ham and grandson of Noah, Canaan is the progenitor of the Canaanites, a group of ancient people who lived in the land that would later become Israel. The Canaanites are often depicted in the Bible as adversaries of the Israelites.

2. Sidon
Sidon is identified as the firstborn son of Canaan. The city of Sidon, located in modern-day Lebanon, was a significant Phoenician city known for its trade and maritime prowess.

3. Hittites
A group of people descended from Canaan, the Hittites were an ancient Anatolian people who established an empire in what is now Turkey. They are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament as inhabitants of the land promised to the Israelites.
Teaching Points
Understanding Lineage and Legacy
The genealogies in Genesis remind us of the importance of lineage and the impact of our ancestors on our present circumstances. Reflect on how your spiritual heritage influences your faith journey.

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
The mention of various nations descending from Canaan illustrates God's sovereignty over the rise and fall of nations. Trust in God's ultimate plan and purpose for the world, even when it seems chaotic.

The Consequences of Sin
Canaan's descendants often opposed Israel, reflecting the consequences of sin and disobedience that began with Ham's actions. Consider how personal choices can have long-lasting effects on future generations.

Cultural Interactions and Influence
The interactions between Israel and the Canaanite tribes, including the Hittites and Sidonians, show the complexities of cultural influence. Be mindful of how the culture around you influences your values and beliefs.

God's Faithfulness to His Promises
Despite the opposition from Canaan's descendants, God remained faithful to His promise to give the land to Israel. Trust in God's faithfulness to fulfill His promises in your life.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the lineage of Canaan help us comprehend the historical context of the Old Testament?

2. In what ways do the interactions between Israel and the Canaanite tribes reflect the challenges of living a life of faith in a diverse world?

3. How can we apply the lesson of God's sovereignty over nations to our current global context?

4. What are some ways we can ensure that our cultural influences align with our Christian values?

5. How does the faithfulness of God to His promises in the Bible encourage you in your personal walk with Him?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Joshua 11:3
This verse mentions the Hittites as part of the coalition of Canaanite tribes that opposed Israel during the conquest of Canaan, highlighting their role as adversaries to God's people.

1 Kings 5:6
Sidon is noted for its skilled workers, particularly in the context of providing materials for Solomon's temple, indicating the city's significance in trade and craftsmanship.

Deuteronomy 7:1
This passage lists the Hittites among the nations that God commands the Israelites to drive out of the Promised Land, underscoring the ongoing conflict between the Israelites and the descendants of Canaan.
A Chapter of GenealogiesT. H. Leale.Genesis 10:1-32
Circumstances Attendant on ManT. Carlyle.Genesis 10:1-32
Gospel ArcheryDr. Talmage.Genesis 10:1-32
Ham's PosterityG. Hughes, B. D.Genesis 10:1-32
LessonsG. Hughes, B. D.Genesis 10:1-32
LessonsG. Hughes, B. D.Genesis 10:1-32
NimrodG. Gilfillan.Genesis 10:1-32
Oneness of HumanityJ. Parker, D. D.Genesis 10:1-32
The Characteristics of a NationProf. J. G. Murphy.Genesis 10:1-32
The Planting of Nations Great ResponsibilityBishop Samuel Wilberforce.Genesis 10:1-32
The CanaanitesW. Roberts Genesis 10:15-19
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, Zidon
Places
Accad, Admah, Assyria, Babel, Calah, Calneh, Canaan, Erech, Gaza, Gerar, Gomorrah, Lasha, Mesha, Nineveh, Rehoboth-Ir, Resen, Sephar, Shinar, Sidon, Sodom, Tigris-Euphrates Region, Zeboiim
Topics
Begat, Begot, Begotten, Born, Canaan, Firstborn, First-born, Heth, Hittites, Oldest, Sidon, Zidon
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Genesis 10:15

     5688   firstborn

Genesis 10:1-32

     7230   genealogies

Genesis 10:15-16

     7240   Jerusalem, history

Genesis 10:15-20

     5671   clan

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 3

Moses 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

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