1 Chronicles 1:6
The sons of Gomer: Ashkenaz, Riphath, and Togarmah.
The sons of Gomer
This phrase introduces the descendants of Gomer, who is a significant figure in the genealogies of the Bible. Gomer is the eldest son of Japheth, one of Noah's three sons, as outlined in Genesis 10. The name "Gomer" in Hebrew (גֹּמֶר) is thought to mean "completion" or "perfection." This genealogical listing serves to connect the post-flood world to the pre-flood world, emphasizing the continuity of God's plan through the generations. It also highlights the spread of nations and peoples from a biblical perspective, showing how God's promise to Noah to repopulate the earth is being fulfilled.

Ashkenaz
Ashkenaz is the first son of Gomer mentioned here. The name "Ashkenaz" (אַשְׁכְּנַז) is often associated with the ancestors of the Scythians, a group of ancient tribes known for their skills in warfare and horsemanship. Historically, Ashkenaz is linked to regions in what is now Eastern Europe, and the name has been used to refer to Jewish communities in Germany and Northern Europe, known as Ashkenazi Jews. This connection underscores the dispersion of peoples and the diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds that trace their origins back to the biblical genealogies.

Riphath
The second son, Riphath (רִיפַת), is less well-documented in historical and archaeological records. Some scholars suggest a connection to the ancient peoples of the Carpathian region or the Paphlagonians, an ancient group in what is now modern-day Turkey. The mention of Riphath in the genealogies serves as a reminder of the many nations and tribes that have existed throughout history, each playing a role in the unfolding of God's plan for humanity.

Togarmah
Togarmah (תּוֹגַרְמָה) is the third son of Gomer listed in this verse. Togarmah is often associated with the Armenians or the Phrygians, ancient peoples who lived in the region of modern-day Turkey and Armenia. In Ezekiel 38:6, Togarmah is mentioned as a nation that will join Gog in a future battle, indicating its significance in biblical prophecy. The name Togarmah is thought to mean "thou wilt break her," suggesting themes of strength and resilience. This highlights the enduring nature of God's promises and the intricate tapestry of nations that have emerged from these early genealogies.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Gomer
Gomer is the son of Japheth, one of Noah's three sons. Gomer is considered the progenitor of several nations and tribes, particularly those in the regions of Europe and Asia Minor.

2. Ashkenaz
Ashkenaz is the first son of Gomer. Historically, Ashkenaz is associated with the Scythians and later with the Germanic tribes. The name is also linked to the Ashkenazi Jews, who settled in Central and Eastern Europe.

3. Riphath
Riphath is the second son of Gomer. Some historical sources associate Riphath with the ancient peoples of the Carpathian region or the Paphlagonians in Asia Minor.

4. Togarmah
Togarmah is the third son of Gomer. Togarmah is often associated with the Armenians and other tribes in the region of modern-day Turkey and the Caucasus.
Teaching Points
Understanding Our Roots
Genealogies in the Bible remind us of the importance of understanding our spiritual and historical roots. They connect us to God's overarching plan throughout history.

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
The listing of nations and tribes demonstrates God's sovereignty and His orchestration of history. Each nation has a role in God's redemptive plan.

Unity in Diversity
The descendants of Noah spread across the earth, forming diverse nations. This diversity is part of God's design, and we are called to unity in Christ despite our differences.

Prophetic Fulfillment
The genealogies often have prophetic significance, pointing to future events and God's unfolding plan. We should be attentive to how God fulfills His promises through history.

Legacy and Influence
Our spiritual and familial legacies have lasting impacts. We should strive to leave a legacy of faithfulness and obedience to God.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the genealogies in 1 Chronicles 1:6 help us appreciate the historical context of the Bible?

2. In what ways do the descendants of Gomer illustrate the spread of nations and cultures? How does this relate to the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20?

3. How can we see God's sovereignty in the genealogies and the unfolding of history? Reflect on Romans 8:28 in this context.

4. What lessons can we learn from the diversity of nations and tribes listed in the Bible? How does this inform our approach to cultural and ethnic diversity within the church?

5. How can we ensure that our personal and spiritual legacies align with God's purposes? Consider the examples of faithfulness in Hebrews 11.
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 10:2-3
This passage parallels 1 Chronicles 1:6, listing the descendants of Japheth, including Gomer and his sons. It provides a broader context for understanding the genealogical records in Chronicles.

Ezekiel 38:6
Togarmah is mentioned in the context of a prophecy against Gog, indicating the historical and prophetic significance of these genealogies.

Jeremiah 51:27
Ashkenaz is mentioned in a prophecy against Babylon, highlighting the historical interactions between these ancient peoples.
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
Ashchenaz, Ashkenaz, Ash'kenaz, Diphath, Gomer, Riphath, Sons, Togarmah, Togar'mah
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 1:1-4

     5106   Noah

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

Links
1 Chronicles 1:6 NIV
1 Chronicles 1:6 NLT
1 Chronicles 1:6 ESV
1 Chronicles 1:6 NASB
1 Chronicles 1:6 KJV

1 Chronicles 1:6 Commentaries

Bible Hub
1 Chronicles 1:5
Top of Page
Top of Page