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Book of Genesis - Chapter 10 - Verse 30

10:30
And their dwelling was from Mesha, as thou goest unto Sephar a mount of the east.

Meaning

Genesis 10:30 describes the territory of the sons of Shem and their descendants. The verse mentions Mesha and Sephar, which are believed to be ancient places located in the region of present-day Saudi Arabia and possibly referring to the mountains in the eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula. Mesha is thought to be located in the mountainous region of present-day Oman, while Sephar may be associated with a mountain range further east. This verse provides insight into the geographical boundaries of the descendants of Shem, one of the sons of Noah, and highlights the dispersion of mankind following the events of the Tower of Babel. By understanding the landmarks mentioned in this verse, readers can piece together the movements and settlements of ancient peoples in the Middle East, enriching their understanding of the history and geography of the region during biblical times.

Theological Overview

One possible theological interpretation of the verse "And their dwelling was from Mesha, as thou goest unto Sephar a mount of the east." could be a reflection on the migration and dispersal of people after the Tower of Babel incident. This verse describes the territory of the descendants of Shem, one of Noah's sons, as extending from Mesha to Sephar. This could be seen as illustrating the fulfillment of God's command for humanity to spread out and fill the earth. Mesha and Sephar are believed to be geographical locations in the ancient Near East, possibly representing the farthest extents of the known world at that time. As descendants of Shem, these people were among the ancestors of various Semitic peoples, including the Israelites. Therefore, this verse could be highlighting the way in which different cultures and civilizations developed as a result of God's plan for humanity to multiply and fill the earth.

American Standard Version

And their dwelling was from Mesha, as thou goest toward Sephar, the mountain of the east.
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