Shem's Sons

Now it is time for our verse break down:

Genesis 10:21
Unto Shem also, the father of all the children of Eber, the brother of Japheth the elder, even to him were children born.

Shem, the older brother of Japheth, or Shem, whose older brother was Japheth, was the father of the Semitic peoples. The descendants listed represent countries east of Israel, modern Iraq, Iran, and Syria. The narrator lists these locations within Mesopotamia since Abram, the father of Israel, originated from this area. Eber receives special attention because of his connection with Abram.

This verse begins the final section of chapter 10's table of nations, describing how all of the people groups of the ancient world descended from Noah's three sons. This section on the line of Shem comes last, though this verse makes clear that Shem was the oldest of Noah's sons. Earlier, Ham was described using a Hebrew term meaning either "youngest," or "least" (Genesis 9:24).

Here, translations are split on whether Shem or Japheth is the older brother. Of course, their exact birth order is not explicitly given anywhere in the Bible. Most likely, but not assuredly, Shem was the oldest of the three sons Noah brought with him on the ark (Genesis 7:1).

Shem's line is the one that will lead to Abraham and the Israelites. Verse 21 begins by referring to Shem as the father of the Eberites. This is typical of genealogies, especially in the ancient world. The term "father" is often used to refer to any male ancestor (Genesis 15:15; Genesis 31:3).

This makes Shem the "father" of the Eberites, in the sense that, as Eber's great grandfather, Shem is the ancestor of that people. Through the Eberites, eventually, Shem's line will lead to Abraham (Abram).

Genesis 10:22
The children of Shem; Elam, and Asshur, and Arphaxad, and Lud, and Aram.

The descendants of Elam lived in the region of modern southwestern Iran. The descendants of Asshur were later Assyrians who lived under Nimrod’s jurisdiction. Sumerians descended from Ham were ousted by Mesopotamian Semites. Arphaxad possibly settled northeast of Nineveh; his descendants are further described in Gen 11:12-26.

Lud was near the Tigris River; its people were related to the Lydians. Aram was a kingdom of tribes that lived in the Mesopotamian plains. This verse lists the sons of Noah's son Shem. Shem's descendants Elam and Asshur will found significant people groups, well known historically and deeply involved in the history of Israel.

Less is known about the peoples that came from Lud and Aram. Much of this same genealogical material is presented in the book of 1 Chronicles (1 Chronicles 1:17–25).

Shem's line through his son Arpachshad is the one that leads to Abraham (Abram) and Israel. This makes Shem the ancestor of figures such as King David and Jesus Christ.

Genesis 10:23
And the children of Aram; Uz, and Hul, and Gether, and Mash.

The patriarchs later interacted with the descendants of Aram. Uz was the chief Aramean tribe, possibly located northeast of the Jordan; it was Job’s home. Hul is unknown. He possibly founded Armenia.

Gether is unknown; he was possibly the founder of the Syrians. Mash might be associated with Mount Masus in northern Mesopotamia or with a part of the Lebanon Mountains.

The purpose of this passage of Scripture is to explain the origins of the ancient world's various nations and people groups. Some, such as the descendants of Ham's son Canaan, would become highly influential in the history of Israel. For that reason, the Bible devotes more details to them.

Others, such as the men listed here, do not seem to have had a significant impact on the ancient world.

This verse lists the sons of Shem's son Aram. Little is known from the Bible or external records about the groups that came from these men. The