Genesis 10

Genesis 10, often called the "Table of Nations," provides a genealogical record of Noah's descendants through his three sons — Shem, Ham, and Japheth — and how they populated the earth after the flood.

The chapter begins with Japheth's descendants, who generally settled in the regions of Asia Minor, the Mediterranean islands, and parts of Europe. Notable descendants include Gomer, Magog, Madai, Javan, and others who became ancestors of various peoples and nations.

Ham's descendants are listed next, including Cush, Mizraim (Egypt), Put, and Canaan. This section specifically mentions Nimrod, a son of Cush described as "a mighty hunter before the LORD" who established kingdoms in Mesopotamia, including Babel. The descendants of Canaan became the Canaanite peoples who settled in the land that would later be promised to Abraham.

Finally, the chapter details Shem's descendants, who primarily settled in the Middle East and became ancestors of the Semitic peoples, including the Hebrews. Notable descendants include Elam, Asshur, Arpachshad (an ancestor of Abraham), Lud, and Aram.

The chapter concludes by explaining that these are the families of Noah's sons according to their genealogies and nations. From these, the nations spread over the earth after the flood.

This genealogy serves as a transition from the flood account to the tower of Babel account in Genesis 11, explaining how humanity repopulated the earth and developed into distinct nations and language groups.