His kingdom began in Babylon, Erech, Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar. The beginning of his kingdomThis phrase marks the inception of Nimrod's dominion, a significant moment in biblical history. The Hebrew word for "beginning" is "רֵאשִׁית" (reshit), which often denotes the first or primary instance of something. In this context, it signifies the establishment of the first organized kingdom post-Flood. Nimrod's kingdom is a precursor to the great empires that would later arise, illustrating humanity's shift from tribal societies to structured governance. This transition is pivotal in understanding the development of civilization and the centralization of power, which often leads to both progress and moral challenges. was Babel
Babel, later known as Babylon, is derived from the Hebrew "בָּבֶל" (Bavel), meaning "confusion." This city becomes a symbol of human pride and rebellion against God, as seen in the subsequent narrative of the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11). Archaeologically, Babel is identified with the ancient city of Babylon, located in modern-day Iraq. It was a center of culture and power, known for its impressive architecture and the infamous ziggurat, which some scholars associate with the biblical tower. Babel's mention here foreshadows its role as a recurring antagonist in biblical prophecy and literature, representing the epitome of human arrogance and divine judgment. Erech
Erech, or Uruk, is one of the earliest cities in Mesopotamia, located in present-day Warka, Iraq. The Hebrew "אֶרֶךְ" (Erek) reflects its historical significance as a major urban center. Uruk is often credited as one of the first cities to develop writing, monumental architecture, and complex social structures. Its inclusion in Nimrod's kingdom highlights the spread of civilization and the rise of urbanization in the ancient Near East. Erech's historical and archaeological prominence underscores the Bible's accuracy in depicting the early development of human societies. Accad
Accad, or Akkad, is associated with the Akkadian Empire, one of the first ancient empires in Mesopotamia. The Hebrew "אַכַּד" (Akkad) points to a region known for its Semitic-speaking people and significant contributions to culture and governance. The Akkadian Empire, founded by Sargon the Great, is renowned for its military prowess and administrative innovations. Accad's mention in Genesis 10:10 situates Nimrod's kingdom within a broader historical context, emphasizing the interconnectedness of early civilizations and the spread of cultural and technological advancements. and Calneh
Calneh, though less well-known, is believed to be a city in the region of Shinar. The Hebrew "כַּלְנֵה" (Kalneh) suggests a place of strength or fortification. While its exact location remains uncertain, some scholars associate it with Nippur or another significant Mesopotamian city. Calneh's inclusion in the list of Nimrod's cities indicates the extent of his influence and the strategic importance of these urban centers in the ancient world. It reflects the consolidation of power and the establishment of a network of cities that would facilitate trade, communication, and cultural exchange. in the land of Shinar
Shinar, or "שִׁנְעָר" (Shinar) in Hebrew, refers to the region encompassing southern Mesopotamia, often identified with Sumer. This fertile area between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers is known as the cradle of civilization, where some of the earliest known cities and cultures emerged. Shinar's mention in Genesis 10:10 situates Nimrod's kingdom within this historically rich and influential region. The land of Shinar becomes a backdrop for significant biblical events, including the Tower of Babel and the Babylonian exile, symbolizing both human achievement and the consequences of defying divine authority. Persons / Places / Events 1. NimrodAlthough not mentioned directly in Genesis 10:10, Nimrod is the central figure in the surrounding verses. He is described as a mighty hunter and a powerful ruler whose kingdom began with Babel, Erech, Accad, and Calneh. 2. BabelKnown later as Babylon, Babel is the first city mentioned in Nimrod's kingdom. It is significant for the Tower of Babel event, which symbolizes human pride and the subsequent scattering of people by God. 3. ErechAn ancient city in southern Mesopotamia, also known as Uruk. It was one of the major cities in Nimrod's kingdom and is often associated with early civilization and culture. 4. AccadAnother city in Nimrod's kingdom, associated with the Akkadian Empire, which played a significant role in ancient Mesopotamian history. 5. CalnehA city whose exact location is uncertain, but it is considered part of Nimrod's early kingdom in the land of Shinar. 6. ShinarThe region where these cities were located, often identified with southern Mesopotamia. It is a significant area in biblical history, particularly in the context of early post-flood civilization. Teaching Points The Rise of Human KingdomsGenesis 10:10 marks the beginning of organized human kingdoms post-flood. It serves as a reminder of humanity's tendency to build empires and seek power, often apart from God. The Consequences of PrideThe mention of Babel foreshadows the events of Genesis 11, where human pride leads to God's intervention. This teaches us the importance of humility and reliance on God rather than our own achievements. God's Sovereignty Over NationsDespite human efforts to establish kingdoms, God remains sovereign. The scattering at Babel and the eventual fall of Babylon in Revelation illustrate that God's purposes prevail over human plans. Cultural and Historical ContextUnderstanding the historical and cultural context of these ancient cities helps us appreciate the Bible's account and its relevance to human history. Legacy and InfluenceNimrod's kingdom set a precedent for future empires. Reflecting on this can prompt us to consider the legacy we are building and its alignment with God's kingdom. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the establishment of Nimrod's kingdom in Genesis 10:10 reflect humanity's desire for power and control, and how can we guard against similar tendencies in our own lives? 2. In what ways does the account of Babel in Genesis 11:1-9 serve as a warning against pride and self-reliance? How can we apply this lesson in our daily walk with God? 3. How does the concept of God's sovereignty over nations, as seen in the rise and fall of kingdoms like Babel, influence our understanding of current world events? 4. What can we learn from the historical and cultural significance of cities like Erech and Accad in understanding the broader account of the Bible? 5. Considering the legacy of Nimrod's kingdom, what steps can we take to ensure that our personal and communal legacies align with God's purposes and values? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 11:1-9This passage describes the Tower of Babel event, which is directly connected to the city of Babel mentioned in Genesis 10:10. It highlights the themes of human pride and divine intervention. Micah 5:6Refers to the land of Nimrod, connecting the historical figure to later biblical prophecy and emphasizing the enduring influence of his kingdom. Revelation 17-18These chapters describe the fall of Babylon, symbolically linked to Babel, representing human rebellion against God and the ultimate judgment. People Abimael, Almodad, Amorites, Anamim, Anamites, Aram, Arkite, Arkites, Arphaxad, Arvadite, Ashkenaz, Ashur, Canaanites, Caphtorim, Caphtorites, Casluhim, Casluhites, Dedan, Diklah, Dodanim, Eber, Elam, Elishah, Gether, Girgashite, Girgashites, Girgasite, Gomer, Hadoram, Ham, Hamathite, Hamathites, Havilah, Hazarmaveth, Heth, Hittites, Hivite, Hivites, Hul, Japheth, Javan, Jerah, Jobab, Joktan, Kittim, Lehabim, Lehabites, Lud, Ludim, Ludites, Madai, Magog, Mash, Mesha, Meshech, Mizraim, Naphtuhim, Naphtuhites, Nimrod, Noah, Obal, Ophir, Pathrusim, Peleg, Phut, Riphath, Sabtah, Sabtecha, Sabtechah, Salah, Seba, Shelah, Sheleph, Shem, Sinite, Sinites, Tarshish, Tiras, Togarmah, Tubal, Uzal, Zemarite, Zemarites, ZidonPlaces Accad, Admah, Assyria, Babel, Calah, Calneh, Canaan, Erech, Gaza, Gerar, Gomorrah, Lasha, Mesha, Nineveh, Rehoboth-Ir, Resen, Sephar, Shinar, Sidon, Sodom, Tigris-Euphrates Region, ZeboiimTopics Accad, Akkad, Babel, Ba'bel, Babylon, Beginning, Calneh, Erech, Kingdom, ShinarDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 10:1-32 7230 genealogies Genesis 10:8-10 4215 Babylon Genesis 10:8-12 5956 strength, human Genesis 10:10-12 5256 city Library Ancient Chaldaea
The Creation, the Deluge, the history of the gods--The country, its cities its inhabitants, its early dynasties. [Illustration: 002a.jpg] "In the time when nothing which was called heaven existed above, and when nothing below had as yet received the name of earth,* Apsu, the Ocean, who first was their father, and Chaos-Tiamat, who gave birth to them all, mingled their waters in one, reeds which were not united, rushes which bore no fruit."** Life germinated slowly in this inert mass, in which the …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 3Moses and his Writings
[Illustration: (drop cap W) Clay letter tablet of Moses' time.] We now begin to understand a little of the very beginning of God's Book--of the times in which it was written, the materials used by its first author, and the different kinds of writing from which he had to choose; but we must go a step farther. How much did Moses know about the history of his forefathers, Abraham and Jacob, and of all the old nations and kings mentioned in Genesis, before God called him to the great work of writing …
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making Healing a Phoenician Woman's Daughter.
(Region of Tyre and Sidon.) ^A Matt. XV. 22-28; ^B Mark VII. 24-30. ^b And he entered into a house, and would have no man know it [Jesus sought concealment for the purposes noted in the last section. He also, no doubt, desired an opportunity to impact private instruction to the twelve]; and he could not be hid. [The fame of Jesus had spread far and wide, and he and his disciples were too well known to escape the notice of any who had seen them or heard them described.] 25 But { ^a 22 And} behold, …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Sea of Sodom
The bounds of Judea, on both sides, are the sea; the western bound is the Mediterranean,--the eastern, the Dead sea, or the sea of Sodom. This the Jewish writers every where call, which you may not so properly interpret here, "the salt sea," as "the bituminous sea." In which sense word for word, "Sodom's salt," but properly "Sodom's bitumen," doth very frequently occur among them. The use of it was in the holy incense. They mingled 'bitumen,' 'the amber of Jordan,' and [an herb known to few], with …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
SYRIA AT THE BEGINNING OF THE EGYPTIAN CONQUEST NINEVEH AND THE FIRST COSSAEAN KINGS-THE PEOPLES OF SYRIA, THEIR TOWNS, THEIR CIVILIZATION, THEIR RELIGION-PHOENICIA. The dynasty of Uruazagga-The Cossseans: their country, their gods, their conquest of Chaldaea-The first sovereigns of Assyria, and the first Cossaean Icings: Agumhakrime. The Egyptian names for Syria: Khara, Zahi, Lotanu, Kefatiu-The military highway from the Nile to the Euphrates: first section from Zalu to Gaza-The Canaanites: …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 4 The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
Assur-nazir-pal (885-860) and Shalmaneser III. (860-825)--The kingdom of Urartu and its conquering princes: Menuas and Argistis. Assyria was the first to reappear on the scene of action. Less hampered by an ancient past than Egypt and Chaldaea, she was the sooner able to recover her strength after any disastrous crisis, and to assume again the offensive along the whole of her frontier line. Image Drawn by Faucher-Gudin, from a bas-relief at Koyunjik of the time of Sennacherib. The initial cut, …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7 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 Pioneer's Influence Upon a Nation's Ideals.
ABRAHAM, THE TRADITIONAL FATHER OF HIS RACE.--Gen. 12:1-8; 13:1-13; 16; 18, 19; 21:7; 22:1-19. Parallel Readings. Hist. Bible I, 73-94. Prin of Pol., 160-175. Jehovah said to Abraham, Go forth from thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, to the land that I will show thee, that I may make of thee a great nation; and I will surely bless thee, and make thy name great, so that thou shalt be a blessing, I will also bless them that bless thee, and him that curseth thee will …
Charles Foster Kent—The Making of a Nation The Interpretation of the Early Narratives of the Old Testament
[Sidenote: Importance of regarding each story as a unit] Of all the different groups of writings in the Old Testament, undoubtedly the early narratives found in the first seven books present the most perplexing problems. This is primarily due to the fact that they have been subject to a long process of editorial revision by which stories, some very old and others very late and written from a very different point of view, have been closely joined together. While there is a distinct aim and unity …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament Sargon of Assyria (722-705 B. C. )
SARGON AS A WARRIOR AND AS A BUILDER. The origin of Sargon II.: the revolt of Babylon, Merodach-baladan and Elam--The kingdom of Elam from the time of the first Babylonian empire; the conquest's of Shutruh-nalkunta I.; the princes of Malamir--The first encounter of Assyria and Elam, the battle of Durilu (721 B.C.)--Revolt of Syria, Iaubidi of Hamath and Hannon of Gaza--Bocchoris and the XXIVth Egyptian dynasty; the first encounter of Assyria with Egypt, the battle of Raphia (720 B.C.). Urartu …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7 Genealogy According to Luke.
^C Luke III. 23-38. ^c 23 And Jesus himself [Luke has been speaking about John the Baptist, he now turns to speak of Jesus himself], when he began to teach, was about thirty years of age [the age when a Levite entered upon God's service--Num. iv. 46, 47], being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the son [this may mean that Jesus was grandson of Heli, or that Joseph was counted as a son of Heli because he was his son-in-law] of Heli, 24 the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Blessings of Noah Upon Shem and Japheth. (Gen. Ix. 18-27. )
Ver. 20. "And Noah began and became an husbandman, and planted vineyards."--This does not imply that Noah was the first who began to till the ground, and, more especially, to cultivate the vine; for Cain, too, was a tiller of the ground, Gen. iv. 2. The sense rather is, that Noah, after the flood, again took up this calling. Moreover, the remark has not an independent import; it serves only to prepare the way for the communication of the subsequent account of Noah's drunkenness. By this remark, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Influences that Gave Rise to the Priestly Laws and Histories
[Sidenote: Influences in the exile that produced written ceremonial laws] The Babylonian exile gave a great opportunity and incentive to the further development of written law. While the temple stood, the ceremonial rites and customs received constant illustration, and were transmitted directly from father to son in the priestly families. Hence, there was little need of writing them down. But when most of the priests were carried captive to Babylonia, as in 597 B.C., and ten years later the temple …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value 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 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 10:10 NIVGenesis 10:10 NLTGenesis 10:10 ESVGenesis 10:10 NASBGenesis 10:10 KJV
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