“And Obal, and Abimael, and Sheba.”
Context:Genesis 10, also known as the Table of Nations, provides a genealogy of Noah’s descendants after the flood. It lists the names of Noah’s sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth, and their descendants who populated the earth. Genesis 10:28 specifically focuses on the descendants of Joktan, a son of Eber and a descendant of Shem.
Obal:Obal is mentioned in this verse as one of the sons or descendants of Joktan. Not much is known about Obal, as the Bible does not provide any further details about him. This mention signifies his existence and his place within the genealogy of Joktan.
Abimael:Abimael is another son or descendant of Joktan mentioned in Genesis 10:28. Like Obal, the Bible does not provide any specific information about Abimael beyond this genealogical mention.
Sheba:Sheba is also listed in this verse as one of the descendants of Joktan. Sheba has a more significant role in biblical history, as it refers to both a person and a region. The region of Sheba is often associated with modern-day Yemen and Ethiopia. The Queen of Sheba, mentioned in the Old Testament, visited King Solomon to test his wisdom (1 Kings 10:1-13). Additionally, the prophecy in Isaiah 60:6 speaks of the wealth of Sheba being brought to Jerusalem.
Genealogical significance:Genesis 10:28 provides a glimpse into the descendants of Joktan, who is part of the lineage leading to Abraham. This genealogy is significant because it establishes the link between Noah’s descendants and the people who eventually populated various regions of the world.
Historical and cultural relevance:Studying genealogies like the one in Genesis 10:28 helps us understand the historical and cultural context of biblical times. It provides a framework for tracing the ancestry of different nations and tribes. While some of these names may not have prominent roles in biblical narratives, they are important for understanding the diversity and spread of humanity after the flood.
