Roots
Genesis 10:1, 32 “Now these are the
generations of the sons of Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japeth: and unto them were sons
born after the flood.” “These are the families of the sons of Noah, after their
generations, in their nations: and by these were the nations divided in the
earth after the flood.”
Alex Haley’s Roots was aired in 1977 as a 10 week miniseries in which black
collaborators, guided by white men, captured young black African male youths,
to be sold into slavery in the 18th century. The 10 week miniseries
chronicled certain black youth slaves from their initial capture and journey to
America, and followed them into the 19th century, thru adulthood and
eventually tracing their African roots to discover their ancestral heritage.
Knowing
our ancestral heritage is vital to understanding who we are. It gives us
identity and a sense of belonging. In the case of the Bible, knowing our roots
also lets us know, with certainty, that we were fearfully and wonderfully made,
designed and created by the Master as opposed to evolving from apes, or some
other man contrived nonsense. Knowing your roots also helps explain why certain
skills and traits are in your family tree, which may further explain why you or
I are drawn to certain fields of interests. Biblical roots also trace the
linage of Jesus Christ; Matt.1:1-17 establishes his right to the throne of
David through Joseph, the husband of Mary, while Luke 3:23-38 traces his
ancestors through Mary, to Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God. Seth was the
substitute in the righteous line after Cain slew his brother Abel. Both
establish Jesus as the lawful heir to David’s throne (hence he is often called
the son of David) and both establish the righteous plan of God’s to redeem his
people from the curse of death. Interestingly, He is not only called the son of
David, through Joseph, but He is also called the Son of God through Mary.
Certain
members of my family have taken great pains to research and preserve our family
history on both my mother and father’s side of the family. I know that my
father’s family emigrated from England and were harness makers by trade; while
my mother’s family, at one time, owned slaves in the South.
When my father’s family emigrated, harness makers were in
abundance, so my grandfather became a telegrapher for the UPI. My grandfather
on my mother’s side was a carpenter and cabinet maker by trade.
Whenever
we encounter long lists of names of people in Scripture, the first thing we are
accustomed to doing is skip to another more interesting part of Scripture. Genesis 10 is no different. However, it is important
knowledge to understand:
·
Where the sons of Noah settled
·
Who they were (names)
·
In some cases what their occupations were
·
The language spoken (11:1 “…the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech”)
·
Nations from which the whole earth was
occupied, as well as the directions in which they traveled
·
Names of significant people:
1. Nimrod
2. Gomer
3. Magog
·
Certain cities were built which either still
exist today or have significance in terms of geographical location
4. Babel
5. Land
of Shinar
6. Nineveh
7. Rehoboth
Genesis 11 continues the saga of Ch.10
Vs.1 begins by informing us that everyone living on earth
after the flood spoke one language. It is not a contradiction of 10:5; 20; 31 “…in their tongues, in their lands, after
their nations”. Rather it continues the historical saga of man.
Vs.3-4 is the prelude to the unleashing of God’s anger by
confusing their languages, and dispersing them abroad lest they become
unrestrained to do after their imaginations vs.6.
·
This is the apex of diverse languages and
speech.
Vs. 10 Babel became the name of the place where God
confused their language causing them to disperse.
Vs.11-32 records the linage of Seth. Shem had a son,
Arphaxad, who was born 2 years after the flood. Another important vittles to
chew on, which alludes to a timeline of historical value. Seth’s linage also
leads us directly to Abram (later called Abraham) who became the patriarch of
Israel, the Hebrews. There also lists the longevity of Seth’s posterity:
·
Seth was 100 years old when his son was born,
2 years after the flood
·
He lived 500 years after Arphaxad was born,
making Seth at least 600 years old when he died
A lot of folk lived for several centuries in those days.
Faith
Building Practice and Review
1. Name
3 reasons for studying biblical lineages.
2. What
specific timeline are we studying in Ch.10 -11 Pre-flood; post-flood;
mid-flood?
3. How
do we know?
4. Name
some specifics a person may learn from studying biblical ancestors.
5. Have
you studied your personal family tree?
6. What
did you learn about yourself from it?
7. Why
is the study of Seth’s linage so important?
8. How
long did Seth live?
9. How
many languages were spoken in ch.10?
10. How
did diverse languages come into existence?
11. For
what reason did God confuse their tongues?
12. Today
there are a few living centurions. How would you like to live 600 years or
more? Ever think about it?
13. Does
this study make it easier to study or more difficult to study our biblical
ancestors?
14. Why?
15. Are
you beginning to see the righteous line of salvation established by God?
16. In
the next section, Knowing God, is it
not easier to see God’s persona?
17. Are
you beginning to see why it’s far greater to Know God than to memorize Bible trivia?
Knowing
God
A brief synopsis of the
persona of God [not complete, add to the list]. Circle each attribute of God as
illustrated in this lesson. Explain and designate the verse or passage.
·
Love
·
Gracious
·
Merciful
·
Righteousness
·
Longsuffering
·
Gentleness
·
Faithfulness
·
Compassionate
·
Forgiving
·
Friend
·
Anger
·
Sovereignty
·
Provider
·
Redemptive
·
Remnant lover and provider
The ultimate goal of Bible study is to
know God and not to merely memorize Bible trivia. As you study, identify the
attributes of God. For instance: make a note when you read of God extending His
forgiveness or compassion, and remember how He has done the same for you.
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