Topical Encyclopedia The genealogy from Shem to Abram is a significant lineage in the Bible, tracing the descent from Noah's son Shem to Abram, who is later named Abraham, the patriarch of the Israelites. This genealogy is primarily found in the Book of Genesis and is crucial for understanding the biblical narrative of God's covenantal promises.Shem Shem is one of Noah's three sons, and he is often considered the ancestor of the Semitic peoples. After the flood, Noah's sons repopulated the earth, and Shem's descendants are particularly noted for their role in the biblical narrative. Genesis 10:21-31 provides an account of Shem's descendants, emphasizing his position as the forefather of the line leading to Abram. Arphaxad Arphaxad is the son of Shem, born two years after the flood. Genesis 11:10-11 states, "Two years after the flood, when Shem was 100 years old, he became the father of Arphaxad. And after he had become the father of Arphaxad, Shem lived 500 years and had other sons and daughters." Arphaxad is a key link in the genealogy leading to Abram. Shelah Shelah is the son of Arphaxad. Genesis 11:12-13 records, "When Arphaxad was 35 years old, he became the father of Shelah. And after he had become the father of Shelah, Arphaxad lived 403 years and had other sons and daughters." Shelah continues the line that will eventually lead to Abram. Eber Eber is the son of Shelah and is often associated with the term "Hebrew," which is believed to be derived from his name. Genesis 11:14-17 states, "When Shelah was 30 years old, he became the father of Eber. And after he had become the father of Eber, Shelah lived 403 years and had other sons and daughters." Eber's significance is underscored by his position in the genealogy. Peleg Peleg is the son of Eber. Genesis 11:18-19 notes, "When Eber was 34 years old, he became the father of Peleg. And after he had become the father of Peleg, Eber lived 430 years and had other sons and daughters." The name Peleg is associated with the division of the earth, as mentioned in Genesis 10:25. Reu Reu is the son of Peleg. Genesis 11:20-21 records, "When Peleg was 30 years old, he became the father of Reu. And after he had become the father of Reu, Peleg lived 209 years and had other sons and daughters." Reu continues the line leading to Abram. Serug Serug is the son of Reu. Genesis 11:22-23 states, "When Reu was 32 years old, he became the father of Serug. And after he had become the father of Serug, Reu lived 207 years and had other sons and daughters." Serug's place in the genealogy is crucial for the continuation of the line. Nahor Nahor is the son of Serug. Genesis 11:24-25 notes, "When Serug was 30 years old, he became the father of Nahor. And after he had become the father of Nahor, Serug lived 200 years and had other sons and daughters." Nahor is an important figure in the genealogy, as his descendants play a significant role in the biblical narrative. Terah Terah is the son of Nahor and the father of Abram. Genesis 11:26 states, "When Terah was 70 years old, he became the father of Abram, Nahor, and Haran." Terah's family is pivotal in the transition from the post-flood world to the era of the patriarchs. Abram (Abraham) Abram, later named Abraham, is the son of Terah and a central figure in the Bible. Genesis 11:27-32 provides details about Abram's family and his journey from Ur of the Chaldeans to the land of Canaan. God's call to Abram marks the beginning of a new covenantal relationship, as seen in Genesis 12:1-3, where God promises to make Abram a great nation and to bless all the families of the earth through him. This genealogy from Shem to Abram is not merely a list of names but a testament to God's unfolding plan of redemption and His faithfulness to His promises. Each name represents a link in the chain that leads to the establishment of the nation of Israel and the coming of the Messiah. |