Genesis 11:13
And after he had become the father of Shelah, Arphaxad lived 403 years and had other sons and daughters.
And after he had become the father of Shelah
This phrase indicates the continuation of the genealogical line from Arphaxad to Shelah. Arphaxad is a descendant of Noah through Shem, highlighting the fulfillment of God's promise to preserve humanity through Noah's family after the flood. The mention of Shelah connects to the lineage that eventually leads to Abraham, emphasizing the importance of this family line in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. The genealogies in Genesis serve to trace the ancestry of the Israelites and establish the historical context for the covenant relationship between God and His chosen people.

Arphaxad lived 403 years
The long lifespan of Arphaxad, as recorded here, is consistent with the ages of other patriarchs in the early chapters of Genesis. These extended lifespans are often interpreted as a sign of the vitality and blessing of the pre-flood and immediate post-flood generations. The decrease in lifespans over subsequent generations is sometimes seen as a reflection of the increasing effects of sin in the world. Arphaxad's life, spanning over four centuries, underscores the continuity and stability of the early post-flood world, as well as the faithfulness of God in preserving His people through successive generations.

and had other sons and daughters
This phrase indicates that Arphaxad, like many of the patriarchs, had a larger family beyond the specifically named descendants. The mention of "other sons and daughters" suggests the growth and expansion of human populations after the flood, fulfilling God's command to "be fruitful and multiply" (Genesis 9:1). While the biblical narrative focuses on the line leading to Abraham, the existence of other descendants highlights the broader context of human history and the spread of different peoples and nations. This also reflects the biblical theme of God's providence in working through both named and unnamed individuals to accomplish His purposes.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Peleg
A descendant of Shem, Peleg is noted in the genealogies of Genesis as an ancestor of Abraham. His name is significant because it is associated with the division of the earth, possibly referring to a significant event or change during his lifetime.

2. Reu
The son of Peleg, Reu continues the genealogical line that leads to Abraham. His mention signifies the continuation of God's plan through specific family lines.

3. Genealogies
The genealogies in Genesis serve to connect the early history of humanity with the account of Israel, showing the continuity of God's covenantal promises.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Genealogies
Genealogies in the Bible are not just historical records; they demonstrate God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises through specific family lines. They remind us of the importance of heritage and legacy in God's plan.

God's Sovereignty in History
The mention of Peleg and the division of the earth suggests that God is actively involved in the events of history. This encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty over the events of their own lives.

Continuity of God's Plan
The genealogical record from Shem to Abraham shows the continuity of God's redemptive plan. It reassures us that God is consistent and faithful in His purposes, even when we cannot see the full picture.

Legacy and Influence
Peleg's life, though briefly mentioned, had a lasting impact through his descendants. This challenges us to consider the legacy we are leaving and how our lives can influence future generations for God's kingdom.
Bible Study Questions
1. What significance do genealogies hold in the Bible, and how do they help us understand God's plan for humanity?

2. How does the mention of Peleg and the division of the earth in Genesis 10:25 provide context for understanding Genesis 11:13?

3. In what ways does the genealogy from Shem to Abraham demonstrate God's faithfulness and sovereignty?

4. How can we apply the concept of legacy and influence from Peleg's life to our own lives today?

5. How does the inclusion of Peleg in the genealogy of Jesus (Luke 3:35-36) enhance our understanding of God's redemptive plan through history?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 10:25
This verse mentions Peleg and the division of the earth, providing context for his significance in the genealogical record.

1 Chronicles 1:19
Chronicles also lists Peleg in the genealogies, emphasizing the importance of his lineage in the history of Israel.

Luke 3:35-36
The genealogy of Jesus in Luke includes Peleg, highlighting the fulfillment of God's promises through the line of Shem to the Messiah.
LessonsG. Hughes, B. D.Genesis 11:10-26
Post-Diluvial GenealogyG. Hughes, B. D.Genesis 11:10-26
Race of ManMerle D'Aubigne.Genesis 11:10-26
The Generations of ShemT. H. Leale.Genesis 11:10-26
The Order of Grace is -W. Roberts Genesis 11:10-26
Divine TraditionsR.A. Redford Genesis 11:10-32
People
Abram, Arphaxad, Eber, Haran, Iscah, Lot, Milcah, Nahor, Peleg, Reu, Salah, Sarai, Serug, Shelah, Shem, Terah
Places
Babel, Canaan, Haran, Mesha, Shinar, Ur
Topics
403, Arpach'shad, Arphaxad, Begat, Begetteth, Begetting, Begot, Begotten, Birth, Daughters, Hundred, Salah, Shelah, Sons
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Genesis 11:10-25

     5726   old age, attainment

Genesis 11:10-32

     1655   hundreds and thousands
     7230   genealogies

Library
The Church.
FROM THE PREFACE TO THE "HOLY CITY." UPON a certain First-day, I being together with my brethren in our prison-chamber, they expected that, according to our custom, something should be spoken out of the word for our mutual edification; but at that time I felt myself--it being my turn to speak--so empty, spiritless, and barren, that I thought I should not have been able to speak among them so much as five words of truth, with life and evidence: but at last it so fell out that providentially I cast
John Bunyan—The Riches of Bunyan

Meditations to Stir us up to Morning Prayer.
1. If, when thou art about to pray, Satan shall suggest that thy prayers are too long, and that therefore it were better either to omit prayers, or else to cut them shorter, meditate that prayer is thy spiritual sacrifice, wherewith God is well pleased (Heb. xiii. 15, 16;) and therefore it is so displeasing to the devil, and so irksome to the flesh. Bend therefore thy affections (will they, nill they) to so holy an exercise; assuring thyself, that it doth by so much the more please God, by how much
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

He Does Battle for the Faith; He Restores Peace among those who were at Variance; He Takes in Hand to Build a Stone Church.
57. (32). There was a certain clerk in Lismore whose life, as it is said, was good, but his faith not so. He was a man of some knowledge in his own eyes, and dared to say that in the Eucharist there is only a sacrament and not the fact[718] of the sacrament, that is, mere sanctification and not the truth of the Body. On this subject he was often addressed by Malachy in secret, but in vain; and finally he was called before a public assembly, the laity however being excluded, in order that if it were
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh

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 Promise to the Patriarchs.
A great epoch is, in Genesis, ushered in with the history of the time of the Patriarchs. Luther says: "This is the third period in which Holy Scripture begins the history of the Church with a new family." In a befitting manner, the representation is opened in Gen. xii. 1-3 by an account of the first revelation of God, given to Abraham at Haran, in which the way is opened up for all that follows, and in which the dispensations of God are brought before us in a rapid survey. Abraham is to forsake
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology 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

Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes
ONLY those who have made study of it can have any idea how large, and sometimes bewildering, is the literature on the subject of Jewish Proselytes and their Baptism. Our present remarks will be confined to the Baptism of Proselytes. 1. Generally, as regards proselytes (Gerim) we have to distinguish between the Ger ha-Shaar (proselyte of the gate) and Ger Toshabh (sojourner,' settled among Israel), and again the Ger hatstsedeq (proselyte of righteousness) and Ger habberith (proselyte of the covenant).
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Cain Murders his Brother; Called to Account.
IV. CAIN MURDERS HIS BROTHER; CALLED TO ACCOUNT. A. HOW CAIN MURDERED HIS BROTHER. 1. What moved Cain to commit murder 107. 2. Cain's hypocritical actions in concealing his anger that he might the more easily commit the murder 108-109. * Cain the picture of all hypocrites 110-129. * The attitude of hypocrites to their neighbors. Also, how we are to view the efforts of the pope and bishops in behalf of peace and unity 111-112. * Against what people we should most guard 112. 3. How Cain listened to
Martin Luther—Commentary on Genesis, Vol. II

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of the Eleventh
An unfinished commentary on the Bible, found among the author's papers after his death, in his own handwriting; and published in 1691, by Charles Doe, in a folio volume of the works of John Bunyan. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR Being in company with an enlightened society of Protestant dissenters of the Baptist denomination, I observed to a doctor of divinity, who was advancing towards his seventieth year, that my time had been delightfully engaged with John Bunyan's commentary on Genesis. "What,"
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

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

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