When Shelah was 30 years old, he became the father of Eber. When Shelah was 30 years oldThe name "Shelah" in Hebrew is שֵׁלָח (Shelach), which can mean "sent" or "branch." This name may symbolize the continuation of a lineage or a mission, reflecting the divine purpose in the genealogical records of Genesis. The age of 30 is significant in biblical terms, often representing maturity and readiness for responsibility. For instance, Joseph was 30 when he entered Pharaoh's service ( Genesis 41:46), and David was 30 when he became king ( 2 Samuel 5:4). This age marks a pivotal moment in Shelah's life, indicating a transition into a role of significance within the unfolding narrative of God's people. he became the father of Eber
The phrase "became the father of" is a translation of the Hebrew verb יָלַד (yalad), which means "to beget" or "to bring forth." This verb is central to the genealogical accounts in Genesis, emphasizing the continuity of God's covenantal promises through successive generations. Eber, or עֵבֶר (Ever) in Hebrew, is a significant figure as he is considered the ancestor of the Hebrews. The name Eber is associated with the root word עָבַר (avar), meaning "to cross over" or "to pass through," which can symbolize transition, movement, and the journey of faith. Eber's lineage is crucial as it leads to the patriarch Abraham, through whom God would establish His covenant and ultimately bring forth the nation of Israel. This verse, therefore, not only records a genealogical fact but also underscores the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through history, highlighting the faithfulness of God in preserving His chosen line. Persons / Places / Events 1. ShelahA descendant of Shem, the son of Noah. Shelah is part of the genealogical line leading to Abraham, which is significant in the biblical account as it traces the lineage through which God’s covenant promises are fulfilled. 2. EberThe son of Shelah, Eber is an important figure as his name is often associated with the term "Hebrew," which later becomes the designation for the descendants of Abraham. 3. GenealogyThis verse is part of the genealogical record in Genesis 11, which traces the lineage from Shem to Abram (later Abraham). This genealogy is crucial for understanding the biblical account of God's chosen people. Teaching Points The Importance of Genealogy in ScriptureGenealogies in the Bible are not mere lists of names; they serve to connect God's promises across generations. They remind us of God's faithfulness and the unfolding of His redemptive plan. Understanding Our Spiritual HeritageJust as the genealogies connect the past to the present, Christians are encouraged to understand their spiritual heritage. This includes recognizing the faith of those who have gone before us and how it shapes our identity in Christ. God's Sovereignty in HistoryThe genealogical records demonstrate God's sovereignty over history. Despite human failings, God's purposes prevail, and His promises are fulfilled through the generations. The Significance of NamesIn biblical times, names often carried significant meaning. Eber's name is linked to the term "Hebrew," which later identifies the people of God. This reminds us of the importance of identity in God's plan. Faithfulness Across GenerationsThe genealogies encourage believers to be faithful in their generation, knowing that their faithfulness can impact future generations. This is a call to live lives that honor God and pass on a legacy of faith. Bible Study Questions 1. What role do genealogies play in the Bible, and how do they help us understand God's plan for humanity? 2. How does the inclusion of Shelah and Eber in the genealogy of Jesus (Luke 3:35-36) enhance our understanding of God's redemptive plan? 3. In what ways can understanding our spiritual heritage strengthen our faith and identity as Christians? 4. How does the concept of God's sovereignty, as seen in the genealogies, provide comfort and assurance in our personal lives? 5. What practical steps can we take to ensure that we are passing on a legacy of faith to the next generation, as seen in the genealogical records of the Bible? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 10:24This verse also mentions Shelah and Eber, providing additional context to their place in the genealogical record. Luke 3:35-36The genealogy of Jesus in the New Testament includes Shelah and Eber, showing the continuity of God's plan from the Old Testament to the New Testament. Hebrews 11:8-12This passage highlights the faith of Abraham, a descendant of Eber, emphasizing the importance of faith in the lineage of God's people. People Abram, Arphaxad, Eber, Haran, Iscah, Lot, Milcah, Nahor, Peleg, Reu, Salah, Sarai, Serug, Shelah, Shem, TerahPlaces Babel, Canaan, Haran, Mesha, Shinar, UrTopics 30, Begetteth, Begot, Eber, Salah, Shelah, ThirtyDictionary 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 BunyanMeditations 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 Links Genesis 11:14 NIVGenesis 11:14 NLTGenesis 11:14 ESVGenesis 11:14 NASBGenesis 11:14 KJV
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