This verse underscores how the descendants of Shem gradually formed various people groups, uniting the far-reaching family tree under God’s sovereign guidance.
And Joktan became the father of Almodad and Sheleph and Hazarmaveth and Jerah. (v.20) This verse continues the genealogical sequence tracing the descendants of Shem, one of Noah’s sons, showing how families multiplied and spread across regions in the ancient world. The names listed here—Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, and Jerah—are often associated with areas in the southern Arabian Peninsula (modern-day Yemen and surrounding territories). This placement emphasizes the geographic expansion of Shem’s line. While each name points to specific groups, the broader point is to demonstrate how God’s blessing, proclaimed to Noah’s family, carried on through successive generations.
Joktan appears here as a key character in Shem’s lineage. According to some historical calculations, Joktan (also called Yoqtan) could have lived sometime after the Great Flood, generally placed around the mid-third millennium BC. Through Joktan’s line, we see pockets of people groups emerging in Arabia. Hazarmaveth, for instance, is thought by some scholars to be linked to the region later known as Hadramaut, aligning with southwestern Arabia and known for its ancient trade routes. Jerah’s identity could be connected to an ancient settlement or people group in the same general area, highlighting the broad expanse of Joktan’s family influence.
As the Chronicler compiles these genealogies, he ultimately frames how God’s plan through Shem’s lineage flows into Israel’s story and beyond (Luke 3:36). One of the main theological themes is that all nations find their origin in a unified human family, showing how Scripture ties the diversity of peoples back to relational bonds. This broad list underscores that God remains involved in every family branch, foreshadowing the continued revelations of His work among many nations.
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1 Chronicles 1:20 meaning
And Joktan became the father of Almodad and Sheleph and Hazarmaveth and Jerah. (v.20) This verse continues the genealogical sequence tracing the descendants of Shem, one of Noah’s sons, showing how families multiplied and spread across regions in the ancient world. The names listed here—Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, and Jerah—are often associated with areas in the southern Arabian Peninsula (modern-day Yemen and surrounding territories). This placement emphasizes the geographic expansion of Shem’s line. While each name points to specific groups, the broader point is to demonstrate how God’s blessing, proclaimed to Noah’s family, carried on through successive generations.
Joktan appears here as a key character in Shem’s lineage. According to some historical calculations, Joktan (also called Yoqtan) could have lived sometime after the Great Flood, generally placed around the mid-third millennium BC. Through Joktan’s line, we see pockets of people groups emerging in Arabia. Hazarmaveth, for instance, is thought by some scholars to be linked to the region later known as Hadramaut, aligning with southwestern Arabia and known for its ancient trade routes. Jerah’s identity could be connected to an ancient settlement or people group in the same general area, highlighting the broad expanse of Joktan’s family influence.
As the Chronicler compiles these genealogies, he ultimately frames how God’s plan through Shem’s lineage flows into Israel’s story and beyond (Luke 3:36). One of the main theological themes is that all nations find their origin in a unified human family, showing how Scripture ties the diversity of peoples back to relational bonds. This broad list underscores that God remains involved in every family branch, foreshadowing the continued revelations of His work among many nations.