Joktan is a significant figure in the genealogical records of the Bible, specifically within the lineage of Shem, one of Noah's sons. He is introduced in the Book of Genesis as a descendant of Eber, making him a key patriarch in the post-flood world. The name "Joktan" is believed to mean "small" or "insignificant," though his impact on the genealogical and historical narrative is far from minor.

Biblical References:

Joktan is first mentioned in Genesis 10:25-29, within the Table of Nations, which outlines the descendants of Noah's sons. The Berean Standard Bible states:

"Two sons were born to Eber: one was named Peleg, because in his days the earth was divided, and his brother was named Joktan. Joktan was the father of Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, Jerah, Hadoram, Uzal, Diklah, Obal, Abimael, Sheba, Ophir, Havilah, and Jobab. All these were sons of Joktan."

This passage highlights Joktan as the progenitor of thirteen sons, who are believed to have established various tribes and regions in the ancient Near East. The mention of Joktan's brother, Peleg, is significant as it notes a time when "the earth was divided," which some scholars interpret as a reference to a significant geographical or sociopolitical event.

Genealogical Significance:

Joktan's lineage is further emphasized in 1 Chronicles 1:19-23, which reiterates his role as the father of numerous sons who became leaders of various tribes. This genealogical record underscores the importance of Joktan's descendants in the spread of post-diluvian humanity across the earth.

Cultural and Historical Context:

The descendants of Joktan are traditionally associated with the Arabian Peninsula and parts of the surrounding regions. Names such as Sheba and Ophir are linked to areas known for their wealth and trade, particularly in gold and spices. The identification of Joktan's sons with specific locations and tribes suggests a broad influence across the ancient world, contributing to the cultural and economic development of these areas.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, Joktan's inclusion in the biblical genealogies serves to illustrate the fulfillment of God's promise to Noah to repopulate the earth after the flood. Joktan's numerous descendants reflect the divine blessing of fruitfulness and expansion, as well as the diversity of nations that emerged from Noah's lineage.

Joktan's account, though brief in the biblical text, is a testament to the interconnectedness of humanity and the unfolding of God's plan through the generations. His descendants' spread across the earth is a reminder of the unity and diversity within the human family, rooted in the shared heritage of Noah's sons.Genesis 10:25,26,29
And to Eber were born two sons: the name of one was Peleg; for in his days was the earth divided; and his brother's name was Joktan.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Chronicles 1:19,20,23
And to Eber were born two sons: the name of the one was Peleg; because in his days the earth was divided: and his brother's name was Joktan.
Nave's Topical Index

The Flight into Egypt and St. John the Baptist in the Desert
... Abraham's mother. Job was thus the great-grandfather of Abraham's mother.
Job's father was called Joktan, a son of Eber. He lived ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xvi the flight into egypt.htm

Chapter x
... are mentioned last, we are not on that account to suppose that Shem was the youngest
son of Noah. ... Eber has two sons. The first is Peleg, the second Joktan. 25. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter x.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... "There are three that can bear record in heaven" (1 John 5:7-9). These three are
called "the Father, the Son [Word], and the Holy Spirit"; each of which is ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

[Endnotes]
... fifth Philip, the ninth James the son of Alpheus ... Salah, Uz, "Seba, Ludim, Sidon,
Eber, Hul, "Havilah ... Heth, Peleg, Gether,"Sabtah, Lehabim, Jebusite, Joktan, Mash ...
//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/endnotes.htm

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