Genesis chapter 10 is about the generations of Noah’s sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth, and how the earth was divided after the flood.
If you have already read the life lessons in the previous chapter, here are the lessons in this chapter.
- Culture and commonality keep people together.
Regarding Japheth’s generations, Genesis 10:5 says, “By these were the isles of the Gentiles divided in their lands; every one after his tongue, after their families, in their nations.”
Here we see
List things you have in common with your family, friends, and community. If the commonalities are those you desire, such as a Christian background, education, and a crime-free community, then it may be good for you to remain where you are. However, if all you see around you is what you don’t desire, such as teenage pregnancies, poverty, and unhealthy lifestyles, then it’s time to break free.
As you read in the chapter, you will see that Asshur moved from the land of Shinar and built several cities, including Nineveh, which is mentioned in detail in the third lesson.
- You will be known and rewarded for your deeds.
We are familiar with the people mentioned in the Bible because of what they did in their lifetime. Among other things, Moses was known for delivering the Children of Israel from Egypt, Ruth for her commitment to Naomi, and Paul for his persecution and subsequent preaching.
Today, we also know people who, because of what they did throughout history. Whether we believe it or not, we are known for and will be rewarded for our good or bad deeds. Here we see that Nimrod was a mighty hunter, and it was said of him that he was a mighty hunter before the Lord.
In reiteration, while our deeds will know us, we will not be saved by such. We are saved by grace through faith in our loving Saviour, Jesus Christ.
What are you known for?
- Everything you see today has an origin.
In God’s creation, He created resources from which we could also create. In the book of Jonah, we read about the wicked city of Nineveh, but here we see that Nineveh was one of the cities that Asshur built.
I remembered looking at some old documents at a particular workplace. I realized that the infrastructure in a specific town that some people take for granted today resulted from several petitions, some submitted in writing and others from a concerned family. An eye-opening reality was that the matriarch of the group, whom I believed started the petition, was not a beneficiary of the infrastructure. Her children continued, and thus the work was done; many moons later, we are the beneficiaries.
Look around you and admire the buildings, infrastructure, and beauty. Have you ever considered the builder, designer, or thought leader behind the structure you are enjoying?
What structure are you building to leave to others to enjoy?
- The beginning of labels and the differentiation of mankind.
In Genesis 10:5, we see that the isle of Gentiles was divided into their lands. In verses 16-19, the nations are identified by their names (e.g., Canaan, Canaanites), by whom they settled (e.g., the Jebusites, Avites, and Hamathites), and by where they settled. Verse 25 also shows that the earth was divided in Peleg’s days.
Today, mankind continues to label one another, often negatively. Whether good or bad, our parents, teachers, and society always seek to label us for their own reasons. We like some and hate others depending on how the labels make us feel. Unfortunately, we also give ourselves labels that may be damaging to our mental health.
Truth be told, since God made us, He is the one who should ‘label’ us, and here are just some of the things He says about us.
Have you ever thought about tracing the history of your nation’s name?
Assignment
- What other life lesson did you learn from Genesis 10?
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