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:
Eber is a significant figure in the genealogies of Genesis and Chronicles, often associated with the origin of the term "Hebrew." His lineage is crucial as it connects to the line of Shem, one of Noah's sons, and ultimately to Abraham, the patriarch of Israel. The mention of Eber's sons highlights the continuation of the Semitic line, which is central to the biblical narrative.

One was named Peleg:
The name Peleg means "division" or "split," which is significant in the context of the biblical narrative. Peleg's name is a direct reference to a major event during his lifetime, which is further explained in the following phrase. This naming convention reflects the ancient practice of naming children after significant events or characteristics.

because in his days the earth was divided:
This phrase is often interpreted as referring to the division of the peoples and languages at the Tower of Babel, as described in Genesis 11. The division could also imply a geographical or political separation. The event marks a pivotal moment in human history, where God intervened to scatter humanity across the earth, leading to the formation of different nations and cultures.

and his brother was named Joktan:
Joktan is the ancestor of several Arabian tribes, as listed in Genesis 10. His descendants are associated with the regions in the southern Arabian Peninsula. The mention of Joktan alongside Peleg emphasizes the branching out of human families and the spread of different peoples across the earth. This genealogical detail underscores the diversity and expansion of humanity post-flood.

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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