What is the Table of Nations in Genesis 10?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Table of Nations in Genesis 10 lists the descendants of Noah’s sons Shem, Ham, and Japheth, traditionally identifying seventy nations, though some texts list seventy-two. The Table of Nations offers a unique and important resource of information regarding the early history and migration of humans prior to the time of Abraham. Of great importance is the influence God showed over rescuing one family and then repopulating the earth through Noah's family as part of His redemptive, sovereign plan. The Table of Nations symbolizes the spread of humanity and parallels the New Testament's sending out of seventy (or seventy-two) disciples by Jesus, highlighting the expansion of the gospel to all nations.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The Table of Nations is a list found in Genesis 10 that includes the list of the founders of nations descended from Noah's three sons Shem, Ham, and Japheth. The list includes twenty-six descendants of Shem, thirty descendants of Ham, and fourteen descendants of Japheth.
• The Table of Nations in Genesis 10 traditionally lists seventy nations. However, some ancient manuscripts and translations, such as certain versions of the Septuagint (a Greek translation of the Old Testament), list seventy-two nations. The discrepancy between seventy and seventy-two arises from different textual traditions and interpretations.
• While some interpret this list of descendants as exhaustive, many understand the list as not intended to include every descendant from Noah. As with other biblical genealogies, this list appears to include representative figures. It demonstrates how the earth was repopulated after the flood and gives the reader context for the contemporary population. The following chapter takes readers from Shem to Abraham, the patriarch of the Israelites (Genesis 11:10–16).
• Some of these nations have been easily identified. Others remain unknown. Shem's descendants are listed as those who would become the Arabian people. Ham would become the forefather of the southern people of Northeast Africa. Japheth's descendants would migrate toward what is now known as Europe.
• Some important selected examples from this Table can be noted. For example, Shem was noted as the ancestor of Eber (Genesis 10:21); his name is the word from which the later term "Hebrew" would originate. Abraham would descend from Shem, becoming the father of the Hebrew people. Shem's son Elam would become father of the Elamites. Ashur would become the ancestor of the Assyrians. Japheth's descendants included Gomer, Magog, Tubal, and Meshech, all nations mentioned centuries later in Ezekiel 38 as nations that will arise against Israel in a future war.
• Peleg was mentioned in Genesis 10:25: "To Eber were born two sons: the name of the one was Peleg, for in his days the earth was divided, and his brother's name was Joktan." The division of the earth in his time likely refers to the Tower of Babel and the account found in Genesis 11 in which God created many languages as a judgment upon the people of Babel.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The Table of Nations in Genesis 10, listing seventy (or seventy-two) nations, symbolizes the diversity and spread of humanity, reflecting God's intention for a worldwide dispersion of peoples. Jesus’ sending out of seventy (or seventy-two) disciples in Luke 10 parallels this by symbolizing the expansion of the gospel to all nations, continuing the theme of God's redemptive plan for all humanity.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

We are called to make disciples of all nations, actively engaging in God’s mission to reach people for Christ and reveal His redemptive plan to all people across the globe. Matthew 28:19–20 commands us, in part, to "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations," emphasizing our responsibility to share the gospel with people from every background. This wide variety of people is evident in the Table of Nations. Revelation 7:9 reveals that people from every tongue, tribe, and nation will be saved, and we look forward to the day when we will worship with this multitude in heaven. In the meantime, we can get a taste of this as we are make disciples of all nations and recognize and celebrate cultural diversity in the body of Christ. Acts 1:8 assures us that "you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth," encouraging us to witness and live out the gospel wherever we are. By doing so, we actively contribute to fulfilling the Great Commission, demonstrating God’s redemptive plan to all nations.

UNDERSTAND

• The Table of Nations lists the descendants of Noah’s sons Shem, Ham, and Japheth, detailing the origins of various nations.
• The Table of Nations represents the global spread and diversity of humanity, reflecting God’s intention for a varied world.
• The Table of Nations highlights the early stages of God's redemptive plan, setting the foundation for the global mission of spreading the gospel to all nations.

REFLECT

• How does the Table of Nations impact your understanding of God’s redemptive plan and the diversity of humanity?
• How can the call to make disciples of all nations influence your evangelism efforts?
• How are you currently engaging with or supporting global missions?

ENGAGE

• The first century Jewish historian Josephus produced a list that sought to connect the Table of Nations to ethnic groups existing in his time. Many later writers followed his example and based their work upon his to varying degrees. Though imperfect, his research offered insight into what people in the first century understood regarding many of these early people groups.
• What can we learn from the Table of Nations about God’s plan for the distribution and diversity of people across the world?
• How does understanding the Table of Nations help us appreciate the interconnectedness of biblical history and the call to share the gospel with all nations?