1 Chronicles 1:19
Two sons were born to Eber: One was named Peleg, because in his days the earth was divided, and his brother was named Joktan.
Two sons were born to Eber
This phrase introduces the lineage of Eber, a significant figure in the genealogies of the Bible. Eber is often associated with the term "Hebrew," which is derived from his name. The mention of "two sons" highlights the continuation of the Semitic line, which is crucial in the unfolding of God's plan for humanity. Eber's descendants are pivotal in the biblical narrative, as they lead to the formation of the Hebrew people, through whom God would reveal His covenant and ultimately bring forth the Messiah.

one was named Peleg
The name "Peleg" is significant because it is associated with a major event in biblical history. In Hebrew, "Peleg" means "division," which is directly referenced in the subsequent phrase. The naming of Peleg serves as a marker in the genealogical record, indicating a time of significant change or event. This reflects the biblical tradition of names carrying prophetic or descriptive meanings, often revealing God's purposes or the character of the individual.

because in his days the earth was divided
This phrase is often interpreted as referring to a significant geographical or social event. The "division" could be understood in several ways, including the division of languages at the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11) or a literal geological division, such as the separation of land masses. Theologically, this division signifies a moment of divine intervention in human history, where God actively shapes the course of nations and peoples. It underscores the theme of God's sovereignty over creation and history, orchestrating events according to His divine will.

and his brother was named Joktan
Joktan is the other son of Eber, and his lineage is also significant in the biblical narrative. The name "Joktan" is believed to mean "small" or "insignificant," which may reflect his role in the genealogical record compared to Peleg. However, Joktan's descendants are numerous and include many tribes and nations, emphasizing the biblical theme that God often works through what seems small or insignificant to accomplish His purposes. Joktan's lineage is detailed in the following verses, highlighting the spread and diversity of peoples that trace their origins back to Eber.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Peleg
A descendant of Shem, Peleg is noted for the division of the earth during his lifetime. His name means "division," which is significant in understanding the historical and genealogical context of this passage.

2. Joktan
Peleg's brother, Joktan is also a descendant of Shem. He is the progenitor of several tribes in the Arabian Peninsula, as listed in the genealogies of Genesis and Chronicles.

3. The Division of the Earth
This event is often interpreted as a reference to the division of languages and peoples at the Tower of Babel, as described in Genesis 11. It marks a significant moment in biblical history where humanity was scattered across the earth.
Teaching Points
Understanding God's Sovereignty
The division of the earth during Peleg's time highlights God's control over human history. Just as He scattered the nations, He continues to guide the course of history today.

The Importance of Genealogies
Genealogies in the Bible, such as those in 1 Chronicles, serve to connect us to God's overarching plan. They remind us of our place in God's account and the continuity of His promises.

Unity and Diversity in God's Plan
While the division of the earth led to the scattering of peoples, it also set the stage for the diversity of nations. This diversity is part of God's design, and believers are called to unity in Christ despite cultural differences.

Lessons from the Past
Reflecting on events like the division in Peleg's time can teach us about the consequences of human pride and disobedience, as seen in the Tower of Babel account.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the division of the earth during Peleg's time reflect God's sovereignty over human history?

2. In what ways do genealogies in the Bible, such as the one in 1 Chronicles, help us understand God's plan for humanity?

3. How can the account of the Tower of Babel inform our understanding of cultural diversity and unity in the church today?

4. What lessons can we learn from the division of the earth that apply to our personal lives and communities?

5. How does Acts 17:26 enhance our understanding of God's role in the establishment and movement of nations throughout history?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 10:25
This verse parallels 1 Chronicles 1:19, providing additional context about Peleg and the division of the earth. It is part of the Table of Nations, which outlines the descendants of Noah's sons.

Genesis 11:1-9
The account of the Tower of Babel provides a account backdrop for the division mentioned in Peleg's time, explaining how God confused the languages and scattered the people.

Acts 17:26
This verse speaks to God's sovereignty in determining the times and places for nations, which can be related to the division of the earth in Peleg's time.
The Divided EarthR. Tuck 1 Chronicles 1:19
The Division of the Earth1 Chronicles 1:19
The Human Race; Unity and DivisionW. Clarkson 1 Chronicles 1:19
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
Born, Brother, Brother's, Divided, Division, Eber, Joktan, Named, Peleg, Sons
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 1:19

     5044   names, giving of

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

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